News

Setting the scene: Haverfordwest’s new multiplex

Published

8 years ago

October 21, 2016

The new facilities: What the new complex could look like

HAVERFORDWEST’S latest commercial development, the proposed multi screen cinema and restaurant complex to be sited at Wilko car park, was further discussed by Haverfordwest Town Council (HTC) on Wednesday (Oct 19).

A public presentation by Fairacre, the company behind the ambitious project, was previously held on Monday (Oct 17).

During the presentation on Monday, it was revealed that the development will include a five-screen cinema, as well as four restaurants; building work is set to begin by either autumn 2017 or early 2018. It was also estimated that the development will bring up to 180,000 people to the town each year, and furthermore provide around 80 new jobs.

With reference to the presentation given early in the week, Town Councillors initially appeared to show unanimous support for the build.

Mayor Alan Buckfield said: “It seems to be a very good thing.”

Cllr Roy Thomas echoed this sentiment, adding: “I think we should welcome the whole project.”

While Cllr Barbara Morgan initially appeared of the same opinion, adding: “They were selling it very well,” she went on to raise concerns over the lack of car parking facilities if the development goes ahead. She made reference to the predicted loss of 47 parking bays at the Wilko site, the downsizing of Scotchwell to make way for the newly extended Aldi store, and the proposed restructuring of the multi-storey car park in the town centre.

Cllr Morgan said: “I think we’re going to be a bit short on car parking again.”

Other councillors also raised concern over the increased traffic that the roundabout outside Morrisons will likely experience.

Cllr Chris Blakemore said: “That Morrisons roundabout is already highly dangerous.”

Present at the meeting and attempting to allay the concerns raised by councillors was Head of Highways and Construction for Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC), Darren Thomas.

Mr Thomas (who had also been present at the Fairacre presentation three days before) said: “It’s more than just the Fairacre development.”

He went on to say that the multi-storey car park is increasingly unused by motorists due to the difficulties of navigating the narrow ramps inside (a point which was also raised by members of the public at the Fairacre presentation), and went on to present the proposed renovations to counter this issue, which will involve a £1.2m – £1.5m transformation project.

The project will see parking bays lost in order to improve access and circulation around the ramps of the car park. Mr Thomas also added that if plans go ahead, the car park will receive better signage to the town centre, and perhaps the biggest development of all, a roof over the top floor. With reference to anti–social behaviour, Mr Thomas also added that the project will involve ‘improving stairwells’.

With regard to the Morrisons roundabout, Mr Thomas admitted that the council had, at one point, looked at moving it by around 50 metres; however, the cost associated with such a job would have likely been around £2m, money which Mr Thomas suggested was better spent elsewhere in the town.

He went on to add that lesser improvements will be made, which included ‘regulating the roundabout’ by ‘remarking the lanes to better direct people’.

In his closing statements to councillors, Mr Thomas said: “It’s good to see the Fairacre development coming along. It would be useful to get your understanding so far… we need to prioritise what needs to be done.”

During the Fairacre presentation on Monday, the company proposed incorporating outward facing vistas of the river, something that members of the public raised concern over given the amount of detritus that has become a feature of the river.

Speaking at the presentation on Monday, PCC Leader Cllr Jamie Adams acknowledged the concerns raised about the river and, while he admitted it was neither the responsibility of the County or Town Councils to maintain it, he recognised it as an issue.

With reference to this part of the presentation, Mayor Alan Buckfield said: “We will convene a meeting with all the stakeholders involved.”

He added: “We need to find out exactly who is responsible for maintaining the river.”

The Mayor suggested that the meeting would involve Milford Haven Port Authority and Natural Resources Wales amongst other bodies.

He also appeared eager to receive public opinion on the matter, adding: “Then we can go out to the public.”

News

Campaigners urge Welsh Government to adopt proportional representation for Local Elections

Published

20 mins ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAMPAIGNERS are calling on the Welsh Government to introduce the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system for local elections, following moves by two councils to shift away from the First Past the Post (FPTP) system being blocked on technical grounds.

Yesterday (Nov 14), Ceredigion Council voted narrowly, with an 18 to 17 majority, in favor of adopting STV. This follows Gwynedd Council’s decision last month, where 65% of councillors backed the move. However, both councils have been prevented from implementing STV due to a requirement for a two-thirds majority under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021.

In recent consultations, public support for STV has been overwhelming, with over 70% in Gwynedd and 67% in Ceredigion favoring the change. Only Powys Council rejected the proposal, despite 60.5% of its respondents supporting STV. Campaigners argue that the current system deprives voters of representation, citing that over 100,000 people were denied a vote in the 2022 elections due to uncontested seats.

The Electoral Reform Society Cymru (ERS Cymru) highlights the contrast with Scotland, where the introduction of STV for local elections in 2007 has significantly reduced uncontested seats. According to ERS Cymru, Scotland has had fewer uncontested seats in the last four elections combined than Gwynedd Council recorded alone in 2022.

Jess Blair, Director of ERS Cymru, said:

“Decisions made in council chambers affect everyone in those areas, so every vote should count. It’s absurd that councils choosing STV are blocked by a technicality, leaving them stuck with an outdated system that denies representation to thousands. The Welsh Government must act to avoid repeating the undemocratic outcomes of the last elections.”

Campaigners are now calling on the Welsh Government to introduce STV across all councils in Wales, ensuring representation that reflects the electorate’s wishes.

Business

Upgrades completed at Port of Milford Haven’s simulator suite

Published

60 mins ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

UPGRADES have been completed to state-of-the-art equipment within the Port of Milford Haven’s navigation simulator suite at Milford Waterfront enabling marine professionals to receive bespoke specialist training. The virtual reality simulation system can safely replicate a range of scenarios that seafarers may experience in real world situations such as extreme weather conditions, emergency situations and escort tug work.

The upgrades provided by Netherlands-based company MARIN contain the latest hardware in terms of processing power and graphics, as well as upgrades to MARIN’s ‘Dolphin’ software, increasing the capability to create scenarios. These are complemented with new 4k visuals on 75” screens which increase the depth and field of vision, adding to the realism.

Recently, a training day was led by Training Pilot Captain Mark Johnson, assisted by ex-Pilot Andy Hillier, involving members of the Svitzer team as well as Pilots Matt Roberts and Ian Coombes. As part of the scenario, they were faced with a loss of engine power and steering along with worsening weather and sea conditions. The Pilots had to communicate with Svitzer in order to successfully instruct them on how to tow and direct a drifting tanker. While scenarios like these are uncommon within port operations, it is important to rehearse procedures that would be implemented if they are required and enhances participants’ skill sets.

Marine Pilot and Simulator Instructor, Captain Ewan McNicoll, said “This simulator suite has future proofed our training capabilities, both internally for Pilots and marine staff, but also externally for clients wishing to use the facility, be it for training purposes or research and development. We can create any type of scenario with any type of ship, ranging from practicing ship handling manoeuvres to emergency situations, it really is game changing! Working with our partners at MARIN has been a complete success and I am very proud of our new facility.”

For more information about training at the navigation simulation suite please contact the Port of Milford Haven at [email protected] or 01646 696100.

Business

Thousands of homes in rural Wales gain from faster 4G boost

Published

7 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RURAL Wales is seeing a major upgrade in mobile connectivity, with faster 4G now live in several areas. Seven locations across North, South West, and West Wales are benefitting from new 4G mast upgrades funded by the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network (SRN), aimed at closing the digital gap between rural and urban areas.

The upgrades, which went live on Thursday (Nov 14), bring improved 4G coverage to communities including Bontddu, Llanelltyd, Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, Penmaenpool, Tabor, Snowdonia National Park, and Bontgoch. Local businesses, emergency services, and residents are expected to benefit from faster internet access, which supports daily communication, business opportunities, and economic growth.

***There is a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties***

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Fast, reliable connectivity is essential for modern life and should be available from Cardiff to the remotest parts of Wales. Today’s upgrades bring us closer to making this a reality.”

SUPPORTING DIGITAL INCLUSION

As part of the rollout, Peter Kyle and Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant visited Ebbw Vale to discuss digital inclusion with charity and industry leaders. They met with representatives at BGfm, a digital inclusion hub in Blaenau Gwent, to learn about how connectivity impacts daily life in Welsh communities.

Telecoms Minister Bryant said: “We are working tirelessly to make sure rural communities aren’t left behind online.

“These upgrades mean businesses can now operate without connectivity limitations, 999 services are better equipped to respond, and residents and tourists can stay connected across the Welsh countryside.”

ADDRESSING CONNECTIVITY GAPS

An estimated 1.5 million homes across the UK remain without internet access, limiting people’s ability to access essential services such as banking and healthcare. In addition to the SRN upgrades, the Chancellor has allocated over £500 million in next year’s budget for digital infrastructure expansion, targeting these underserved areas.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens highlighted the importance of this investment, particularly for rural Wales, where fast, reliable internet can be transformative.

“Connectivity is critical for day-to-day life in rural areas – from supporting local businesses to ensuring emergency services are just a call away,” Stevens said.

The upgraded masts, previously limited to EE customers and emergency 999 calls, now serve a wider user base, bringing essential internet access to more people without requiring new infrastructure.

Ben Roome, CEO of Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, said: “With the activation of five new SRN sites, Wales is seeing the tangible benefits of the Shared Rural Network, bringing crucial connectivity to rural communities.”

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT IN REMOTE WALES

The improvements come alongside a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties, helping future-proof digital access in even the most isolated locations.

The latest upgrades mark another step in the Government’s mission to improve mobile coverage and close the connectivity gap across Wales, creating opportunities and supporting economic growth across rural communities.