News

Car parking charges are ‘killing town centres’

Published

9 years ago

April 4, 2016

Parfitt’s Carpets and Interiors: Just one of the many businesses parking charges affect

THE PLIGHT of town centre businesses was discussed at Pembrokeshire County Council’s meeting on March 10.

Taking aim at the Council and attempting to persuade members to back a scheme to reduce car parking charges in Pembrokeshire’s town centres was Leader of the Pembrokeshire Alliance Bob Kilmister.

Cllr Kilmister’s motion was just the latest shot in a long-drawn out battle between those who wish to attract shoppers to towns and those who see parking as a cash cow to be milked for money to help balance the books.

That Pembrokeshire has had historic problems with its parking provision is almost trite, so often has the matter been the subject of reviews, reports and debate in the Chamber and on committee.

Critics say that implementation of car parking charges in popular car parks around the county has contributed in the effort of driving people away, causing an increase in congestion with people parking in neighbouring streets to avoid paying a price to walk around the town.

Some previously free car parks have emptied almost immediately after the imposition of charges, for example at St Thomas Green and Rifleman’s Field.

Despite a report prepared for the County Council which set out that parking charges and their increase would have an adverse effect on town centre trade and that the Council has steadfastly ignored it in order to raise revenue from workers and shoppers while ruining shops and businesses.

Undaunted, Bob Kilmister decided that it was time to make some real progress on the matter as opposed to doing what the Council seems most adept at doing; hanging around wringing its hands about town centre decline without doing a thing to encourage shoppers to return to them.

Pembrokeshire is in the virtually unique position in the UK of having car parks in the centre of the County Town, Haverfordwest, while free bus services – admittedly subsidised by retailers – ship shoppers to out of town retail parks.

During the meeting, it seemed that some – but by no means all – members of the local authority support Pembrokeshire’s town centres in the same way that rope supports the condemned prisoner.

Cllr Kilmister explained to full council how he felt that if Pembrokeshire County Council actually benefited directly from the collection of business rates (100%), the Council would deal with this issue “very very differently.”

He also commented on how he felt that when this matter was raised in cabinet, the notice of motion was interpreted incorrectly. This gave the impression that the councillors present at that time were only mildly interested.

This feeling was intensified, with many of the speakers at the meeting failing to even pronounce Cllr Kilmister’s surname during the course of the debate.

“The Council receives approximately 75% of business rates,” he said. “Empty retail premises don’t have a direct impact on this council’s revenue, but have a huge impact on the economy and employment. It may surprise people, but retail is the biggest employer in the UK by a considerable margin.”

Cllr Kilmster claimed that in 2014, 2.7 million people were employed through retail, with the next biggest sector being construction, and said that: “Since this inception of this authority we have done very little to support our town centres.”

When the charges were first introduced, Councillor Terry Mills went as far as to describe the parking charges in Milford Haven town centre as “criminal,” and that it was “the last thing our town needs.”

As it stands, Haverfordwest town centre is a monument to the ability of local planners to inflict more damage on its local community.

Cllr Kilmister stated that since the charges, car park revenue has “gone in leaps and bounds,” and said that between 2008 and 2009, the Council’s total car park revenue was £51,000. In comparison, next year’s budget proposes an increase in revenue to £584,000 – over 1,000% of an increase in less than ten years.

Mr Kilmister stated that is people believe that has no effect on the economy in Pembrokeshire, then he “truly despair.”

He said: “Take a walk down Bridge Street in Haverfordwest and see what a depressing experience it is. Unless we do something, it’s not going to change. Pots of paint will not bring customers.”

And, he’s right! While retail parks are packed, with barely a space at Withybush Retail Park or Havens Head, town centres are dying. Not only is Bridge Street in Haverfordwest suffering, but Dimon Street in Pembroke Dock and Charles Street in Milford Haven have, and are continuing to pay the price.

Councillor Rob Lewis decided to chip in, seemingly defended the charges currently imposed. He told the Council that his “colleagues from the glorious north” face charges that are three times higher than what the people of Pembrokeshire currently fork out.

Almost as if he was telling Cllr Kilmister that he’s got nothing to complain about, Cllr Lewis said: “Charges don’t just cover car parks – the money is used for traffic management. When we discussed this in July, we recognised this could have an impact.”

Next to address the Council was Councillor Peter Stock, who told the council that the town centres are in a “bad state” – except for Narberth. He claimed that there has got to be some answers and action should be done very quickly. However, he also stated: “I’m not saying free car parking is the answer.”

He went on to say: “I’m sad when I look to see how to town centre has deteriorated. Carmarthen can afford to have charges because there’s something to go there for, we’ve got to encourage people to come in, so we must give them an incentive.”

What do people think?

A petition, which gained almost 9,000 signatures by April 2015, asked the Council not to implement any charges for parking at St Thomas Green Car Park in Haverfordwest.

Despite this, a decision to impose the charges was made in July 2015, and in addition to this area, charges were also introduced in High Street in St Dogmaels, Station Hill in Goodwick, New Quay and Rifleman’s Field in Haverfordwest, Mart Ground in Crymych and Station Road in Pembroke.

As of February 1, you must pay to park at St Thomas Green. The other areas will carry charges with them by the end of March.

Residents at St Thomas Green expressed their upset, and explained that families with two cars would have to buy a permit, which would work out as being expensive – and even then – what’s to stop someone parking in their space illegally?

And, just in that small vicinity is a Doctors Surgery, Haverfordwest Swimming Pool and much more, including people’s homes. Does the Council really want to charge people for visiting a doctor?

Speaking of St Thomas Green, Cllr Stock said: “It’s sad to see the number of times it’s empty and lacking spaces.”

He continued: “If we grasp the nettle – and you do need to grasp the nettle – you must either consider the fact you want successful town centres or not.”

It looked as though Councillor Keith Lewis was about to sympathise with the public, by starting off stating: “I must accept if we were asked as individuals, we would vote for not paying to park.”

However, our hopes were diminished when he stated: “But that’s not the world we live in. There is no such thing as a free car park.”

He did admit, however, that during the time that the ticket machine was vandalised in a car park in Cardigan – so it was therefore out of use – retail increased.

Car parks in Cardigan currently charge £1.40 for an hour, which according to Cllr Lewis, is a ‘significant difference,’ stating the 30-50p charge is ‘perfectly reasonable.’

But, what Cllr Lewis failed to explain, was whether Cardigan’s town centre is thriving, or whether trade has reduced since the charges – an important piece of information, that would most likely, show the latter.

Councillor Mike Evans, who explained that the £584,000 proposed that will come in from car parking charges is profit, with an income of £1.5m, and suggested bringing in free car parking in Haverfordwest and Milford.

When it was time for Councillor Tessa Hodgson to speak, she spoke of how the ‘landscape of British retail is changing,’ and suggested a way of paying for car parking by means of electronics.

She proposed that the Council look at ‘smart technology,’ and said to a room of men how she thinks it a good idea to propose paying for parking through technology as opposed to ‘scrambling for change in your handbags.’

Bringing a personal experience to the table was Council Gwilym Price, who explained that the day before the car parking charges were introduced at West Street Car Park in Fishguard, the car park was full. The day after, he said, it was empty.

He explained: “Car parks should be packed. It’s causing a lot of confusion and a lot of upset.”

What do business owners think?

The Herald spoke to shop owners around Pembrokeshire, to ask whether they thought that car parking charges took a toll on the amount of customers they had coming into their stores. It seemed that the feeling was mutual between them all.

We asked Mr James Parfitt, owner of Parfitt’s Carpets & Interiors Ltd in Pembroke Dock, whether he agreed with Cllr Kilmister, and if he thought that car parking charges have an affect on the amount of people coming into town centres to shop.

Mr Parfitt told The Herald: “I completely agree. I’ve been telling the Council from day one! In the first three months of the car parking charges being introduced, our turnover had fallen by 40% – and that’s just my business.

“Car parking charges are killing our town centres. Paying to park just to have a look around the town is silly, especially when out of town stores are free of charge.

“It’s financially hard on people, and it’s non beneficial to town centres at all. It would be a huge benefit for town centres to have free charges, and if the Council want to regenerate them, Pembroke Dock needs its help.

“We need to encourage people to come into the town centre as much as possible.”

Mr Parfitt went on to explain what he think should be done with regards to parking. He said: “There should be free management parking. We still want the traffic wardens, because they do a good job. They make sure that people aren’t parked illegally, and we’ll need them to make sure we aren’t grid locked.

“There should be free parking for two hours, and someone can pay if they want to stay longer. It will still need to be policed, but it would be the right way forward.”

When asked if Mr Parfitt felt whether free parking would reduce the amount of people parking on curbs, neighbouring streets or on double yellow lines, he said: “Absolutely.”

What does Cllr Kilmister think?

The Herald also contacted Cllr Kilmister after the council meeting, to ask what his thoughts were regarding how the notice of motion was dealt with within the chamber.

Cllr Kilmister said: “I don’t think many of the Councillors actually read my notice of motion. I did not make any clear cut proposals, just suggested that the Council investigates the affect car parking charges were having on trade in our town centres, and suggested some ideas for innovative schemes to try and increase footfall in all our town centres.

“Councillors who rejected this notice of motion must be saying that they are happy with the trade levels in our towns. I am not, and I am sure our hard pressed retailers must be tearing their hair out at the lack of interest shown in their plight by those councillors, who voted against my motion.

“Time is running out for our town centres and the current administration does not understand how desperate things are.”

He continued: “Retailing is the biggest employer in the country, and yet I don’t think many councillors understand the affect car parking charges can have on footfall.

“They lack vision, ambition and seem only concerned with the revenue they are receiving from our car parks. This is short sighted and will further damage the retail economy in Pembrokeshire.”

Community

RWE launches hydrogen education programme to inspire future climate champions

Published

9 hours ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

RWE has launched its Hydrogen Education Programme, an initiative aimed at educating schoolchildren about hydrogen’s crucial role in achieving net zero and decarbonising industries.

Developed in partnership with Generation C, the programme offers interactive, curriculum-based activities that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Students of all ages will explore hydrogen’s properties, its production, and its growing role in industries driving the clean energy transition.

Henry Tudor High School in Pembroke has already piloted the programme with secondary school students, while Golden Grove Primary School is set to begin this week. The initiative will demonstrate how hydrogen, as a clean energy source, is integral to reducing emissions in transport, manufacturing, and energy sectors.

Engaging young minds

The programme features real-world case studies highlighting RWE’s hydrogen projects and includes group challenges designed to encourage critical thinking about global climate issues.

Golden Grove Primary School headteacher, Mr A Williams, welcomed the initiative, stating: “As head of a large primary school in Pembrokeshire, which is at the forefront of green energy growth, it is imperative that we build meaningful relationships with companies like RWE. The initial lesson captivated our learners, who now fully understand the importance of green energy and the new hydrogen plant. The flexibility of the New Welsh Curriculum allows us to tailor learning to our community’s needs—building an electrolyser to produce hydrogen is just the beginning of a journey that could lead to future opportunities in collaboration with businesses.”

Williams also highlighted the programme’s potential to shape future career paths, saying: “This project could provide highly skilled jobs in our county, and we need our learners to be at the forefront of that development.”

Building a sustainable future

Louise McDonnell, RWE’s hydrogen development manager, attended the event and emphasised the programme’s impact: “Our Hydrogen Education Programme equips young people with the knowledge and inspiration to make a difference. Hydrogen is a game-changer in the fight against climate change, and through this initiative, we’re helping students see the opportunities in clean energy. Education is key to building the skills and passion needed to achieve net zero and safeguard our planet.”

RWE’s Hydrogen Education Programme is more than just an awareness initiative—it aims to inspire careers in clean energy. By sparking curiosity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the programme encourages students to explore future roles in the expanding hydrogen economy and renewable energy sector.

Hydrogen’s role in decarbonisation

RWE recently secured planning permission for the RWE Pembroke Green Hydrogen Project, a 100MWe electrolysis plant capable of producing approximately two metric tonnes of green hydrogen per hour. By replacing fossil fuels, the plant is expected to cut local CO2 emissions by about 93,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of removing 18,600 cars from the road.

As the UK’s largest power producer and a leading renewable generator, RWE continues to develop hydrogen opportunities nationwide to support industrial decarbonisation and drive the transition to a cleaner energy future.

Crime

Victims of domestic violence avoiding homelessness thanks to pilot scheme

Published

9 hours ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PILOT initiative designed to help survivors of domestic abuse remain safely in their homes and reduce the risk of homelessness, has seen 76 Carmarthenshire residents protected in just six months.

The My Safe Place project, which is a partnership between Dyfed-Powys Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and Carmarthenshire County Council, addresses significant gaps in support services, particularly for people living in their own or privately rented homes, who often can’t afford to implement necessary security measures.

Through providing interventions such as locks, alarms, fencing and other safety features, the program enables domestic abuse survivors to deter perpetrators and avoid the emotional and financial upheaval of relocating.

Constable Stephen Morris, Dyfed-Powys Police’s Designing Out Crime Officer, said: “If a domestic abuse survivor is living in privately owned or privately rented accommodation, very often they can not afford to carry out safeguarding recommendations.

“We identified this gap through speaking to and visiting domestic abuse victims and were able to secure funding to carry out security work and help people who were fleeing domestic abuse to stay in their own homes – preventing them becoming homeless.”

The initiative aligns closely with strategic priorities for housing and domestic abuse prevention, placing a strong emphasis on early intervention to prevent homelessness.

Recent evaluation found the majority of domestic abuse survivors felt safer in their homes after receiving support through My Safe Place, while an equally high percentage recommended the service as an alternative to moving.

“It is often all too easy to send people into refuge, but why should they have to? They are a victim of crime. Their children may go to school locally, they may have family living nearby or local support networks, so why should they have to leave? “In the long term, it is often not what they want. My job is to ensure extra security measures are in place so that the police can reach victims before the perpetrators.” PC Morris continued.

“The council housing team have also had training, so if one brave person declares themselves homeless due to domestic abuse, they can refer them directly to the police to give us the opportunity to intervene and support the victim, which is something that may not have happened previously.

“I’m pleased we have been able to able to utilise funds to help safeguard some of the most vulnerable victims from significant serious harm and plug this gap in provision.”

From April to October 2024, 76 people were supported by the scheme, with 20 interventions to those people living in properties they owned and 17 interventions to those living in private rented accommodation. 26 interventions were made to those living in local authority housing, four to people living in housing association and nine in Registered Social Landlord (RSL) properties.

Through consultation with Mid and West Wales Survivor’s Panel, it revealed victims face significant challenges in accessing home security measures while experiencing domestic abuse.

This gap in support was identified and addressed through funding provided by the OPCC and Carmarthenshire County Council, with delivery facilitated by the Safer Streets initiative. The Safer Streets mission is funded by the Home Office and aims to reduce serious harm and increase public confidence in policing and in the criminal justice system.

Joanne Edwards, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Commissioning and Contracting Manager, said: “As a pilot program, it underscores a firm commitment to easing the strain on homelessness and refuge services, while empowering victims to maintain stability for themselves and their families. Its core objectives include enhancing victims’ safety, reducing the risks posed by perpetrators, and providing a practical alternative to displacement.

“In its pilot phase, the project has demonstrated measurable success and strong stakeholder support. Regular reviews and feedback mechanisms are in place to maintain and enhance its effectiveness. As My Safe Place continues to grow, it holds the potential to serve as a model for future interventions aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse and preventing homelessness.”

The scheme is another way Dyfed-Powys Police is demonstrating its commitment to helping eliminate domestic abuse.

PC Morris added: “I’m confident that should this scheme continue, it will successfully reduce the number of people declaring themselves as homeless to the council as a result of domestic abuse.”

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn hoped the pilot scheme would help to empower survivors to stay in their own homes.

He said: “I am proud to support and partner on this scheme, which I hope will make a real difference to the lives of domestic abuse survivors. By addressing gaps in support and providing practical security measures, we want to empower survivors to feel safer in their own homes and reduce the risk of homelessness.

“Everyone deserves to feel secure and supported, and I believe this scheme has the potential to bring about lasting, positive change for those who need it most.”

If you need to report domestic abuse, stalking or harassment, you can contact Dyfed-Powys Police in the following ways:

Report online: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline
Email: [email protected]
Call: 101
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908

In an emergency, always call 999.

*If you feel you need support in contacting police, there are organisations that can help you.

Click here to find them, or search online for Live Fear Free, Women’s Aid or the National Stalking Helpline – all of which have free helplines available.

Business

UK Government Invests in Gigabit Broadband for South West Wales

Published

9 hours ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE UK GOVERNMENT has announced a further investment in Project Gigabit, aiming to deliver high-speed broadband to hard-to-reach areas across Britain. Rural towns and villages in South West Wales are among the latest to benefit, as part of a wider effort to achieve near-total gigabit coverage by 2030.

The programme, a key pillar of the Government’s Plan for Change, is designed to stimulate economic growth and remove barriers to opportunity. The latest rollout will bring some of the fastest broadband speeds available to remote communities, enhancing access to essential services such as healthcare, remote education, and video communication. It is also expected to support business growth and improve job opportunities for young people.

Welsh leaders welcome investment

Cllr Hazel Evans, of Carmarthenshire County Council, welcomed the announcement, saying: “This is a much-needed boost as we strive to improve digital connectivity across Carmarthenshire. Further investment will help ensure our rural communities continue to prosper as we transition towards a more digital society.”

Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council and Chair of the Swansea Bay City Deal’s joint committee, also praised the initiative:

“This is fantastic news for the rural communities in our region. The Swansea Bay City Deal fully supports initiatives that improve the lives of people and businesses. This investment in digital infrastructure will create social and economic opportunities for communities that would otherwise be left behind.”

£289 million boost for broadband expansion

The announcement forms part of four new contracts worth over £289 million, aimed at delivering gigabit-capable broadband to approximately 131,000 homes and businesses across England and Wales.

Unlike traditional copper-based networks, gigabit connections provide faster and more reliable service, even during peak times. Households and businesses will no longer need to compete for bandwidth, as these high-speed networks allow multiple devices to operate seamlessly.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens highlighted the significance of the investment: “Powered by this UK Government funding, thousands more people and businesses across Wales will gain access to ultra-fast broadband. Our priority is to drive sustained economic growth, and to achieve this, we must ensure every part of Wales has full digital coverage as quickly as possible.”

Implementation and next steps

The Digital Infrastructure Programme is working closely with Building Digital UK (BDUK) and Openreach to deliver Project Gigabit. Further regional updates are expected in the coming months, outlining timeframes and specific locations set to benefit.

Upgrading and expanding existing networks is a complex process, requiring technical surveys and coordination between commercial providers and local authorities, including planning and highways departments. As a result, implementing gigabit-capable broadband can take time.

For further details about broadband plans in your area, residents are encouraged to contact their Digital Champion for more information.