News

Local MP in Bid to Reduce Car Fuel Prices

Published

11 years ago

September 21, 2013

Preselli and Pembrokeshire MP, Stephen Crabb, is aiming to help relieve the burden of high fuel prices in Pembrokeshire by including our County in the Government’s rural fuel scheme, which aims to significantly reduce pump prices for our County’s drivers.

The pilot scheme currently applies to the Scottish Islands and Isles of Scilly and offers five pence per litre discount on retail prices. In their Autumn statement of 2012, the Coalition Government announced that it was considering whether to seek European Union approval for an extension to the scheme, which would apply to other remote parts of the UK. The Government recognise that fuel prices in remote areas are higher than the UK average, due to the cost of transportation and distribution. Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander MP, announced the start of a ‘Call for Information’ in order to help the Government identify fuel costs in these more remote rural areas. He has invited fuel retailers in the areas the Treasury have listed, and whose prices are at, or above, the certain levels given, to fill out a detailed spreadsheet that will be used in order for the Government to assess whether or not they meet the scheme’s criteria.

Stephen Crabb has called upon the Chief Secretary to consider Pembrokeshire in any final expansion of the scheme. Mr Crabb commented, saying,

“Fuel prices, particularly in rural areas like Pembrokeshire, are a heavy burden for families and businesses. I have always pressed the need for action to be taken to help with the increasing cost of fuel and it has been beneficial that the UK Government has frozen fuel duty for three and a half years. Whilst prices are still high, they would be thirteen pence per litre more expensive if this action had not been taken. Many residents live in small villages dispersed around the County and rely on cars to access employment opportunities, as well as many goods and services. There is no doubt that rural communities in Pembrokeshire would benefit greatly from being able to access cheaper fuel.”

He finished by stating,

“This is why I asked business owners to help by providing the evidence that the Government needs to make a decision on which rural areas will be supported. I want to make as strong a case as possible for our county to benefit by this scheme.”

News

Fire fighters respond to dangerous structure incident in Johnston

Published

4 hours ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

AT 8:28am on Friday (Jan 24), a crew from Haverfordwest Fire Station responded to a dangerous structure incident on Vine Road, Johnston.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service were called to address roof ridge tiles hanging precariously from a two-storey domestic property over a public pavement.

A full road closure was implemented while firefighters used a turntable ladder to safely remove the tiles and secure the area.

The pavement and road have since reopened. The crew left the scene at 9:28am.

News

County councillor warns of dangerous and illegal E-scooter use in Haverfordwest

Published

5 hours ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A COUNTY councillor in Haverfordwest has raised concerns about the dangerous actions of individuals using e-scooters in the town centre. Cllr David Bryan says that complaints from residents about the misuse of these devices have become a daily occurrence, highlighting the risks posed to pedestrians and road users alike.

According to Cllr Bryan, riders—both youngsters and adults—have been observed engaging in reckless behaviour, such as riding against the flow of traffic on one-way streets like High Street and Quay Street, as well as using pedestrian areas and pavements on Bridge Street and Riverside. Such actions put vulnerable residents, particularly older people and those who are hard of hearing, at significant risk.

“E-scooters ridden in pedestrian areas, on pavements, and against the flow of road traffic are not only dangerous but are also illegal,” the councillor said. “The only lawful way to use an e-scooter is on private land with the landowner’s permission.”

The councillor also criticised retailers for failing to adequately inform customers about the legal restrictions surrounding e-scooters at the point of purchase. “The lack of responsibility by sellers is extremely poor,” they added.

Police crackdown on E-Scooter misuse

Dyfed-Powys Police are conducting an operation to tackle the issue. Efforts include educating riders through school visits and other outreach initiatives, as well as seizing and impounding e-scooters that are being ridden illegally in public spaces.

Residents are urged to report instances of illegal e-scooter use by calling 101, providing details such as location and time to assist police investigations. CCTV footage may then be used to identify offenders.

Cllr Bryan concluded: “By working together, we can address this anti-social behaviour and make our town centre safer for everyone.”

News

Consultation launched on changes to Library Service

Published

5 hours ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has launched a consultation about proposed changes to the Library Service.

The public is asked for feedback on proposed changes to Milford Haven, Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Libraries.

Following a Library Needs Assessment last summer which asked the public about their library needs and about ways to reduce running costs as part of Council-wide savings requirements, it became clear that respondents did not support closing libraries, replacing staff with 24/7 access technology or reducing the book fund.

More support was given to reducing costs by co-locating or downsizing libraries, working with volunteers or reducing opening hours.

Working on the basis of a potential 20% savings requirement for the Library Service, the following changes are proposed:

Milford Haven Library: either to relocate the library to a smaller/cheaper premises or establish a Community Managed Partnership at the current library.

A Public Meeting will be held on Monday 3^rd February 2025, starting at 6.30pm at Milford Haven Library to outline how the option to establish a Community Managed partnership would work. All are welcome to attend.

Pembroke Library: the proposal is to reduce opening hours by eight hours per week.
Pembroke Dock Library: the proposal is to reduce opening hours by seven hours per week. We are also looking at options to share the library space with a third-party to reduce premises costs.

To take part in the consultations, please follow the links below.

Customers often use more than one library, so please feel free to take part in any / all of the surveys.

Paper copies of the consultations are available at each of the three libraries.

The paper surveys will remain in place until 5pm, on 17th February 2025, when the consultations will close.

The online survey will also close at the same time.

Should the Library Service savings requirement go up or down from 20% following the Council budget meeting on February 20th, a fresh consultation in relation to any additional or different proposals for change will be made.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “The Library Needs Assessment last year has helped shape the current proposals in a way that avoids library closures and some of the other negative impacts that the respondents told us they were against.

“Given the difficult financial situation impacting the Council we have tried to create proposals that strike a balance that continues to providing a much loved library service while also providing savings.

“Please take the time to fill in the surveys and provide feedback on the proposals ahead of decisions being taken.

“For those who use Milford Haven Library please also take up the opportunity to attend the public meeting on Monday 3^rd February 2025, at 6.30pm.”