News
Greenacres plans approved retrospectively
A RETROSPECTIVE planning application from Greenacres for the relocation of its dog kennels, three catteries and a rabbit enclosure was approved on Wednesday (Jan 31).
The plans were presented to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s Development Management Committee and were fully supported by members.
The committee did hear how a number of people in the vicinity of the development had concerns about dog walkers not adhering to dog fouling regulations, barking and howling of animals.
The Havens Community Council also said they were unable to support the application because of those issues raised.
Noise from the kennels was also an issue with one neighbour monitoring the noise from his house and it was pointed out that the level was regularly above the accepted level.
An objector had been listed to speak at the meeting but did not attend.
The agent for the application, Mr Andrew Vaughan-Harries told the committee that the new plans were a way of resolving those issues.
Greenacres is the only animal rescue centre in Pembrokeshire and is also used by Pembrokeshire County Council as their dog pound.
Mr Vaughan-Harries added that they had already spent £250,000 on the project and that they would be spending a further £70,000.
He also passed on an apology from Greenacres for the retrospective nature of the development but went on to say that the application was supported by Dyfed-Powys Police and the RSPCA.
Havens Councillor, Peter Morgan asked how long the development would take and he was told that a contractor was in place to get the work started as soon as possible.
Cllr Morgan also asked whether there could be a limit on the amount of dogs in the kennels but an officer stated that if a dog was to have pups and they had reached that limit, they would have to look at turning some of the dogs away.
The committee also asked if the dogs would be kept inside and they were told that apart from training/exercise periods the dogs would be inside.
The new kennels that would be brought in will be sound proofed and the door to the kennel will be self-closing to help keep the noise levels down.
The plans were supported unanimously.
News
Fire fighters respond to dangerous structure incident in Johnston
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
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
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 3rd 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 3rd February 2025, at 6.30pm.”
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