News

Stena and Conygar withdraw from Fishguard development

Published

8 years ago

January 25, 2018

CONYGAR, the development company, is to end its involvement in the Goodwick and Fishguard Marina scheme.

In a statement to the London Stock Exchange made at 10am on Thursday (Jan 25), the company announced that it was writing off its £2m investment in the Marina, effectively bringing an end to its involvement in the town.

The Herald understands that at a meeting with Conygar CEO Robert Ware on Thursday, Cabinet member for Economic Development Paul Miller was informed that ferry operator Stena had withdrawn from participation in the scheme.

Outline planning permission for the development was granted in April 2012, subject to the signing of a S106 Agreement by both Conygar and Stena, the Fishguard harbour operator. The planning consent gave Conygar permission to construct 253 residential apartments, a publicly-accessible promenade, a public slipway and a visitor centre and Stena to build a substantial platform that would facilitate the potential expansion of the existing port.

Conygar has been informed by Stena that they do not wish to have any further involvement in the proposed marina development and do not wish to proceed with the reclamation works of the harbour.

Stena state that they are concerned that the marina development will interfere with the operation of the harbour and their ferry operations. They will also not support the promotion of the Harbour Revision Order, which is necessary to progress the development.

Stena’s withdrawal means that the project cannot proceed.

Robert Ware, Chief Executive of Conygar, commented: “We are disappointed that after nearly seven years of working in partnership with Stena, they have decided to withdraw their support for the Fishguard Waterfront Development, making it impossible for us to proceed with the plans.

“We firmly believe that the development would have been of significant benefit to the local community and to businesses in and around Fishguard and Goodwick.”

The Marina development has been a divisive issue within the north Pembrokeshire town, with some locals expressing considerable fears that it would harm the marine environment and expressing serious doubts about the economic benefits claimed for the project.

Questions are bound to be asked about the extent of the Council’s involvement in and financial exposure to the development, which has been winding on for thirty years since it was first proposed.

Oliver Blakiston, owner of The Royal Oak in Fishguard, told The Herald: “I think the development would have meant there being national bars and restaurant chains, such as Pizza Express and Frankie and Bennys, in the new development.

“This would have had an impact on my trade, as well as many other local businesses in the area.

“However, any effect on the ferry services would be very worrying.”

County Councillor Sam Kurtz said: “If this is true, this is hugely disappointing news for Fishguard and Goodwick, where a marina has been talked about for over 25 years. Although not without its flaws, the marina could have brought real development and economic benefit to the area.”

Conygar has a significant track record in Pembrokeshire and the rest of west Wales of submitting ambitious planning applications and then either withdrawing from them or scaling them back. Planned Sainsburys’ stores in Cross Hands and Haverfordwest did not materialise and the company withdrew from involvement in the Pembroke Dock Marina plan which had been knocking around for over a decade.

The withdrawal of Conygar from the scheme means that a large slice of prime development land near the Port now has extensive planning permission but no developer to take it on.

The economic regeneration rationale behind the marina development – including the need for such an extensive housing build – would now appear to be up in the air.

Any new scheme would need to produce much the same economic benefits as those projected for the Conygar project.

Pembrokeshire Council is obviously disappointed at the news that the Fishguard and Goodwick Marina development will not now be progressing as planned.

Council officers have invested a lot of time with both Conygar and Stena in support of their aspirations for Fishguard and Goodwick and it is particularly disappointing that after all the time and effort expended by all parties, Stena has chosen to unilaterally withdraw from the scheme.

Councillor Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Economic and Community Development said: “From my perspective this is disappointing news both for Fishguard and Goodwick and North Pembrokeshire as a whole.

“Having met with the Conygar Chief Executive, Robert Ware, in London this morning (Thursday, 25th January) it would appear that in the last few days Stena – the ferry operator which holds the land interest surrounding the port – has unilaterally withdrawn from participation in the scheme.

“This makes it impossible for Conygar to proceed with the development envisaged.

“It is clear we need to radically rethink our approach to economic development in Pembrokeshire and a short formal review process will commence immediately.

“A summary of the findings of that review will be made public in due course.”

Charity

Foley House to become cancer support centre in memory of Adam Evans-Thomas

Published

2 minutes ago

March 27, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Historic Haverfordwest building set for transformation after years of neglect

A HISTORIC Haverfordwest building is set to be transformed into a major cancer support centre, breathing new life into one of Pembrokeshire’s most significant architectural landmarks.

Foley House, which has stood neglected for nearly 20 years, will become the new home of Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre—an ambitious project inspired by the life and legacy of Adam Evans-Thomas.

The plans were discussed at a recent meeting held at The Merlin Theatre, Pembrokeshire College, attended by local councillors, campaigners, and community supporters.

Speaking after the meeting, County Councillor for the Castle Ward and Chairman of the charity, Thomas Tudor, said it had been “lovely” to hear more about the building’s history and future potential.

He thanked guest speaker Mark Muller for outlining the history of Foley House, and Cris Tomos of PLANED for offering guidance on how the project could move forward. Tribute was also paid to The Bucket Music Makers and Chris Evans-Thomas for their continued support.

New purpose for historic building

Designed in 1791 by renowned architect John Nash—best known for his work on Regent Street, Regent’s Park and parts of Buckingham Palace—Foley House is regarded as one of Haverfordwest’s architectural gems.

Now, after years of decline, the building is set to be carefully restored and adapted to provide a modern, accessible centre for cancer support services.

The Herald understands the vision is to create a welcoming environment combining heritage with healthcare, including lifts, treatment rooms, and calm spaces designed for patients and their families.

Inspired by Adam’s legacy

The project builds on the legacy of Adam Evans-Thomas, who was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia in his early twenties.

Despite years of treatment, Adam became known for his courage, humour, and compassion—qualities that inspired those around him. He died at the age of 35, but his story continues to shape cancer support services in Pembrokeshire and beyond.

Over the past 30 years, initiatives linked to his legacy have helped establish the PHODU ward at Withybush Hospital and a double ICU room at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

Friends and family are now aiming to take that legacy further by creating a dedicated centre of excellence in Haverfordwest.

Expanding support services

The new centre will not only continue existing support services but expand them, including therapies and treatments not always available through the NHS.

Plans also include a significant expansion of lymphoedema services, helping patients recovering from cancer surgery.

Alongside clinical support, Foley House will offer a wide range of wellbeing activities, including singing, gentle exercise, meditation, yoga, and arts and crafts.

Community at its heart

Organisers say the centre will be firmly rooted in the community, with volunteers and patients playing a central role.

A group known as the “Buckateers”—patients and volunteers aged 70 and over—will help bring energy and character to the project, including themed events celebrating the building’s Georgian heritage.

There are also plans to host performances by young musicians, creating a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere for visitors.

Call for support

With restoration work ahead, the charity is now seeking funding partners, grants, and corporate sponsors to help bring the project to completion.

Supporters say every contribution will help transform Foley House into a vital community resource—offering hope, care, and comfort to families across Pembrokeshire.

For more information, or to get involved, contact Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre at [email protected] or call 01437 779400.

Crime

E-bike seized after dangerous riding in Pembroke

Published

22 minutes ago

March 27, 2026

Court Reporter

A MODIFIED e-bike described as “dangerous” has been seized and will be destroyed following a prosecution at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Twenty-four-year-old Joshua Miller, of Monkton, Pembroke, admitted driving dangerously, failing to stop for police, and riding without third-party insurance when he appeared in court on Tuesday (Mar 10).

He was disqualified from driving for 12 months, ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, and must pay £85 costs along with a £114 surcharge. The court also imposed a deprivation order on the e-bike, which had been heavily modified at a reported cost of around £10,000.

The offences relate to an incident on September 6, when officers were called to central Pembroke shortly before midnight following reports of e-bikes being ridden in an anti-social manner.

Police said Miller was among a group of riders who verbally abused officers after being asked to stop while travelling through a narrow pedestrianised alleyway.

Officers approached Miller on a grass verge, but he accelerated the e-bike while two officers were holding onto him, propelling them forward before he was arrested.

The arrest formed part of a wider Dyfed-Powys Police operation targeting illegal e-bike use, including the deployment of SelectaDNA spray to forensically link riders to offences.

Superintendent Louise Harries, of the Pembrokeshire division, said: “This result reflects the determination of officers to tackle an issue that is causing real concern in our communities.

“It is only by good fortune that no one was seriously injured when Miller accelerated in this way.

“These modified e-bikes are often capable of travelling at far higher speeds than intended, and their use in public spaces can be both dangerous and intimidating.

“We are taking robust action to address this problem, and the seizure of this vehicle demonstrates that commitment.

“We would continue to urge members of the public to report any illegal or dangerous use of e-bikes so we can take action.”

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by calling 101, or by emailing [email protected].

Cover image is a stock photo for illustrative purposes only

Community

Emergency services stage major coastal exercise in Milford Haven waterway

Published

30 minutes ago

March 27, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Coastguard, police, fire and ambulance crews take part in large-scale training operation

A MAJOR multi-agency search and rescue exercise is taking place off the Pembrokeshire coast today (Friday, March 27), involving coastguard teams alongside police, fire and ambulance crews.

The operation is centred on the waterway between Neyland and Mill Bay, including Neyland Marina.

Milford Haven Coastguard confirmed the exercise is designed to test emergency response capabilities, with multiple agencies working together on a simulated rescue scenario.

As part of the drill, several “man overboard” (MOB) training mannequins are being deployed into the water, while vessels and drones are also being used.

The exercise is being coordinated by Milford Haven Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.

A Notice to Mariners has been issued, warning those using the waterway to proceed with caution.

Vessels are being asked to maintain a safe speed and give the exercise area a wide berth to avoid disruption to operations.

Anyone requiring further information can contact Milford Haven VTS on VHF Channel 12 or via email at [email protected]

The notice remains in force until 11:59pm today.