News

Milford Haven: Pub hopes to re-open following flooding with community’s help

Published

6 years ago

February 8, 2019

Concerned residents: Talking to Stephen Crabb MP in November 2018 after the flood

FOLLOWING the devastating flooding in Lower Priory and Haven’s Head in November, residents and business owners are doing their best to get back on their feet.

However, as the landlady of the still closed Priory Inn has explained to the Herald, it has not been easy having to deal with the many agencies involved with the clear-up, and the most difficult of all has been the insurance company.

At a meeting called by Glenda German, her regular customers met at the Kimberly public house in Milford Haven on Tuesday (Feb 5), to decide what is to be done about getting the pub re-opened following the insurance company’s refusal to pay out compensation.

The residents are united in their belief that the flood was caused by the culvert which drains water underneath Haven’s Head Business Park being blocked.

Indeed, the Herald was on the scene a few days after the flooding and witnessed contractors for the Port of Milford Haven, Austwell, clearing out the culvert intake with a JCB-type excavator.

Glenda German told the meeting of her regular customers that she hoped to get the pub open soon, but it would only be with their help, and if everyone pulled together ‘it would be possible’.

She told the Herald: “I do have limited savings but it’s thank to you, my regular customers, we can get it re-opened. I really miss having you around and I’m sure you all miss drinking in The Priory.”

The meeting was told that Stephen Crabb MP had written to the insurance underwriter to express his concern that a pay-out was not being made.

Nathan McGee agreed to help with the electrics, Chris Bevan will help with the plumbing, Nigel Swan will be co-ordinating the renovation of the pub as project manager, and editor of the Herald, Tom Sinclair, will be donating £500 towards the project – along with a beer fridge, and agreed to help locate a second hand kitchen.

Other regulars said they will help with painting, decorating and cleaning up.

Glenda added: “We have to get the pub open first, but we also need to take legal action against the Port of Milford Haven.

“This is clearly the fault of the Port, I believe everyone agrees they are at fault, and those who have been flooded and had their lives turned upside down deserve justice – and to be compensated for what they have lost due to the neglect of the culvert.”

Residents of Lower Priory and Haven’s Head will be meeting councillors for a further discussion on the way forward generally on February 14.

The Port, however, denies that it is responsible for the incident. Tim Bownes, Engineering Director at the Port, released a statement saying that the flooding was not caused by any failure to act. He said it was caused by ‘two days of heavy rainfall, combined with extremely high tides combined with a tidal surge of up to half a metre.’

Mr Bownes also said that water was ‘flowing as expected’ down the Port’s culvert system on November 8

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

8 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

10 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

11 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.