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News

Cleddau Bridge tolls have ended this afternoon

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THE CLEDDAU BRIDGE  is now free for motorists.

Charges end today (28 March), on what was Wales’ last remaining toll bridge.

As previously reported, Pembrokeshire County Council made a deal with The Welsh Government to cover the cost of running the bridge.

The Council has now received written confirmation it will get £3m a year for maintenance costs and loss of income.

A one-off payment by the Welsh Government for staffing changes and the cost of removing toll booths has also been agreed.

There has been a toll to cross the Cleddau Bridge – originally called The Milford Haven Bridge – since it opened on March 20, 1975, linking the north and south of the county.

Chris Thomos, (Left), Paul Miller (Central) and Darren Thomas (Right)

Paul Miller, cabinet member for Economy, Tourism, Leisure and Culture was in attendance to mark the official closure of the toll’s which he hailed as “historic”.

“This is undoubtedly a good day for our County” said Councillor Miller.

“I have said many times that the bridge tolls have been an unwelcome barrier to trade across the haven waterway. Removing this impediment represents a really positive development for the people of Pembrokeshire.

“From now on individuals who need to cross the bridge everyday will save at least £6 a week on their crossings. That could easily add up to an extra £270 a year in local people’s pockets.

“On top of that, the revenue lost to the Council will be replaced by a £3 million a year grant from the Welsh Government.”

Councillor Miller paid tribute to the toll collection staff for their years of service.

“I would like to thank them for their patience through what has been a difficult and trying time and I wish them the very best for the future.”

The Council has also made arrangements for bridge users with unused books of tickets to claim refunds.

“I am delighted that we have been able to do this” said Councillor Miller. “It was important to ensure no-one lost out financially from having bought tickets in advance. Everyone who has done so will be refunded.”

The Council has started to consider arrangements for the permanent removal of the canopy and booths. The aim is to have the former plaza area fully reconfigured by the end of August.

Crime

Goodwick man jailed for stealing prescription tablets from partner

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A 47-year-old man from Goodwick has been sentenced to jail after admitting to stealing his partner’s prescription medication.

Andrew Gibbs, of Allt Y Carne, appeared at Swansea Crown Court where he admitted taking four Pregabalin tablets from his long-term girlfriend on February 14.

Prosecuting, Alycia Carpanini told the court that Gibbs had taken the tablets while drinking in the living room earlier that day. He was arrested later that evening on unrelated matters, and officers found the medication in his possession.

During his arrest, Gibbs admitted aloud to police that he had stolen the tablets. He later confirmed the theft in a prepared statement during interview.

The court heard that Gibbs has a lengthy criminal history, with 35 previous convictions covering 68 offences. He had previously faced a series of serious allegations, including actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation against his partner, as well as two further assaults. However, those charges were dropped after the complainants chose not to support the prosecution.

In mitigation, defence barrister Dan Griffiths said his client had been cooperative with police from the outset and had already spent time in custody since his arrest.

Judge Paul Thomas KC imposed a 14-day custodial sentence for the theft, acknowledging the time Gibbs had already spent on remand. He will be released shortly under supervision.

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Community

PCSOs and pupils join forces for Pembroke Dock litter pick

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DYFED-POWYS POLICE Community Support Officers (PCSOs) 8042 and 8020 joined staff at McDonald’s and Year 5 and 6 pupils from Cosheston VC School for a community litter pick around Pembroke Dock.

As part of the school’s ongoing environmental project, the pupils helped collect seven bags of rubbish while keeping a detailed log of the types of litter found.

PCSOs are uniformed civilian members of police staff who work to support regular police officers and engage with the community. Their involvement helped promote positive relationships between local police and young people.

The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of looking after the local environment and encouraged children to take pride in their community.

Members of the public are reminded to dispose of their waste responsibly and use the bins provided.

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Community

Joyce Watson meets apprentices at Haverfordwest transport hub

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A VISIT to the site of the new Haverfordwest public transport interchange has highlighted the role of apprentices and skilled workers in delivering the major infrastructure project.

Joyce Watson MS, who represents Mid and West Wales in the Senedd, toured the construction site on Friday (Mar 21), meeting with workers and hearing how the scheme is creating opportunities for local people.

Mrs Watson, who chairs the Senedd cross-party group on construction and co-chairs the cross-party group on apprenticeships, was briefed on progress by Kier Construction’s project manager Dean Williams and Sheila Holmes, engagement adviser for the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Speaking following the visit, Mrs Watson said: “The Haverfordwest public transport interchange will transform the town’s transportation infrastructure and boost the local economy.
“With around a year’s work still to go, it’s already offering high-quality job opportunities, and I was delighted to meet the talented apprentices working on-site.”

Among those she met was Matthew Thomas, a local trainee working on the project.
Mrs Watson added: “It was a pleasure to meet Matthew, and I believe he has a great future ahead of him.”

Dean Williams, from Kier Construction, said: “It was great to welcome Joyce Watson MS for a tour of our Haverfordwest public transport interchange project. This scheme for Pembrokeshire County Council will deliver a modern transport hub for the local community, improving connectivity and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.”

CITB’s Sheila Holmes added: “We are pleased to be supporting Kier Construction in developing their supply chain for this infrastructure scheme. By doing so, we can invest in local skills, which are vital to the sector and to the regional economy. Projects like this help ensure we meet future skills demands.”

The interchange is part of the Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro programme and has so far received nearly £17 million from the Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund.

Once completed, the new facility will include improved pedestrian and cycle access, a more efficient bus station with seven bays and upgraded passenger facilities, and a modern multi-storey car park.

The scheme is commissioned by Pembrokeshire County Council as part of its town centre regeneration strategy.

The visit was organised as part of Open Doors, a national initiative by Build UK that takes visitors behind the scenes at live construction sites to showcase the range of careers in the industry.

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