News

Storm costs in excess of £750k

Published

11 years ago

March 31, 2014

AT PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Thursday, March 13, Councillors discussed the costs of the recent storms.

A report from the Head of Highways and Construction, Darren Thomas, and the Head of Environment and Civil contingencies, Richard Brown, outlined that the costs of the recent storms would be in excess of £750,000.

The report showed damage to the roads in Amroth and Wisemans Bridge, the flooding on Black Bridge and Carew Bridge and in the Pembroke Commons. Darren Thomas added that they hoped to complete work on the road in Amroth by the end of June.

They also showed the flooding in Newgale, Dale and Haverfordwest.Pictures showing the effects of the high winds that caused chaos in the middle of February were also on the presentation. They added that there were over 200 updates on Facebook and over 600 on Twitter in what was a busy period for the council.

Nearly 600,000 people viewed the Facebook posts while the photo of the bus incident in Newgale was seen by 25,000 people.

Regarding the situation at Newgale, Darren Thomas said: “The shingle bank collapsed and the road remained closed for five to six days. Some people have said that we should have gone in after the first day but trying to get there in the conditions would have been extremely difficult”.

Richard Brown added: “The Newgale diversion caused a lot of problems. There were major implications for the people who were flooded”.

The report concluded by showing the issues and challenges faced by the council during these periods.
One of the main issues was that of members of public ignoring safety messages, road closures and travelling advice.

The report highlighted a number of facts from another report made by Environment Agency which said: “A third of flood related deaths involve a vehicle because drivers take unnecessary risks”.

Darren Thomas said: “If drivers ignore a road closed sign then their insurance is invalid”.

Many workers faced abnormal shift patterns and councillors were keen to express their thanks to those who braved the elements as they worked round the clock to clean the roads. Councillors were then given the chance to discuss the report.

Cllr David Bryan asked: “Whose responsibility is it to put sand bags out?” to which Richard Brown replied: “The people are responsible for sand bagging but we will assist if we can”.

Councillors also asked about the amount of trees that came down during the strong winds to which Richard Brown answered: “It is in their own interest to make sure trees are safe and not going to damage infrastructure.

Darren Thomas added: “There will be a highways inspection and if we find a tree in a dangerous position we will notify the land owner”.

Both Darren and Richard concluded that the council had learnt a number of lessons including the use of social media and highways management issues.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

4 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.