News

Milford Haven: Car enthusiast’s plan to save Motorword building

Published

7 years ago

September 28, 2017

A MILFORD HAVEN car enthusiast has told The Herald that he has approached Pembrokeshire Council with a view to saving the old Motorworld building in Charles Street.

Hugo Henricksen, of Hamilton Terrace, a member of Pembrokeshire Classic Car Club and designer of the 1980’s Hensen M30 kit car, says that he wants to turn it into a motor museum with some 50 cars and 20 bikes on display.

The Herald understands that work on the demolition of the building has not yet started because the contractors chosen by the council did not have the correct health and safety qualifications to continue the work.

Mr Henricksen, the owner of several classic vehicles, said: “The building has been inspected many times and is still very strong and secure. It certainly needs repairs and improvements, but these are easily carried out and not expensive compared to total demolition and the building of a new structure.”

He added: “Demolishing the block will create a huge hole right in the centre of what’s left of Charles Street, and unless something else is built there immediately, not only will it look terrible, but the typical winds and rain will wreak havoc with the street in general, due to the funnel effect.

“Demolition costs have been voiced at between £130,000 and £260,000, due to the stepped location of the site. Depending on the future use, a new build will be between £600,000 and £1,000,000.

Mr Henricksen mentioned that the Simpson Cross Motor Museum has been closed for a couple of years due to the owner’s ill health, and is not likely to reopen.

He said: “Pembrokeshire has a huge collection of classic cars and motorbikes, as seen on the various car runs etc. Some owners are actually stuck for space because they have more than one classic, as well as a modern day car. My proposal would cost the PCC or taxpayers nothing as it would be privately funded and obviously save the huge bill of demolition and rebuild.”

A spokesman for Pembrokeshire County Council told The Herald: “Tenders for the demolition of numbers 70a to 80a Charles Street, Milford Haven were obtained by a competition process using a specialist demolition framework. All of the companies on the demolition framework had been assessed for their ability and experience in carrying out demolition works.

“Work began on site with a specialist sub-contractor undertaking preparatory works.

The spokesman continued: “In order to ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation, Pembrokeshire County Council is working with the main contractor to ensure that their staff qualifications are up to date.”

The Council has not yet commented on Mr Henricksen’s proposals.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

13 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

21 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

21 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.