News

City Deal scheme uncertainty as Port and Council argue over interest payments

Published

5 years ago

October 30, 2019

TIME is fast running out for vital funding for Pembrokeshire’s part of the controversial Swansea Bay City Deal.
The deadline for obtaining European funding, upon which the Pembroke Dock Marine project depends, is December this year, when European funding ends. The final business case for it is yet to be submitted, let alone approved.
If the business case is not approved by then, the future of the project – or at least its size – will be cast into doubt.
Next week, the County Council’s Cabinet is likely to approve the submission of the project’s business case.
The Port of Milford Haven, in partnership with Marine Energy Wales, ORE Catapult and Wave Hub, aims to develop what it calls ‘a world-class centre for marine energy research and development, fabrication, testing and deployment’.
History is not in its favour.
A key project at Ramsey Sound, Delta Stream, failed catastrophically. The submerged device claimed to be the forerunner to a major tidal power investment stopped working after three months. The company behind it, Tidal Energy Ltd, went bust. The scheme was extensively supported by the Welsh Government and EU funding.
A briefing document shows consideration of the Pembroke Dock Marine project has now become time-critical because of the probable loss of significant European funding if the project is not fully approved by the end of the calendar year.
A source close to the City Deal told The Herald getting the business case fully approved before the December deadline is ‘unrealistic’.
The Council will have to borrow up to £28m for the Pembroke Dock Marine project and will be ‘paid back’ (capital only, no interest by the Governments) over 15 years, with payments ‘theoretically linked to delivery and performance’.
The cost of borrowing for the Pembroke Dock Marine project is estimated to be £2.35m.
Wrangling between Milford Haven Port Authority and Pembrokeshire County Council over the interest on the money the Council will borrow to bankroll the Port Authority’s £76m Pembroke Dock Marine project has caused rancour between the partners.
The Port Authority says it cannot afford the interest charges, while the Council faces having to put money intended for other projects into the pot to make up the shortfall.
It is little secret Council leader David Simpson has misgivings about pouring such a large sum of public money into a single project instead of using the money to regenerate the wider local economy.
His concerns are shared by others involved in the City Deal’s governance and underlined by views expressed in the Deal’s external review that little evidence existed to show proposed projects would deliver the tangible benefits the Deal originally intended.
Certainly, Pembrokeshire will get the least out of the City Deal whether it succeeds or fails.
The City Deal, which is in the middle of reorganisation and is yet to recruit a programme director, has been plagued by governance problems and scandal almost since its outset.
An external review, by consultants appointed by the Welsh and UK Governments, concluded the City Deal’s governance system was unfit for purpose. It also found the Deal’s central control was so lax that incomplete proposals were treated as fully worked up plans.
A report prepared by Pembrokeshire County Council found failure by some City Deal participants to declare either personal or corporate interests and concluded: ‘It was evident through meetings with stakeholders that there is insufficient trust within the Partnership’.
The re-arrangement of governance and the need to build bridges left broken by internal strife across four local authorities, mean not a single penny of the millions promised by the UK and Welsh Governments has been received for any of the projects under the City Deal.
Individuals and companies formerly involved in Carmarthenshire County Council’s controversial Llanelli Wellness Village are under investigation by Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit.

Entertainment

Newport Winter Wonderland is the ideal treat for the family this Christmas holiday

Published

8 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THERE is still a chance to attend the Newport Winter Wonderland and experience a magical winter experience. Located next to Friars Walk Shopping Centre (NP20 1UH), the festive attraction opened its doors on Thursday, November 21, and will run until Sunday, January 5, closing only on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Visitors can look forward to a real ice rink under cover, ensuring skating fun whatever the weather. Alongside the rink, a large Christmas funfair offers thrills and entertainment for all ages, while stalls serving various Christmas foods promise festive treats to keep everyone warm and satisfied.

For those looking to unwind, a fire pit provides a cosy spot for roasting marshmallows, and a licensed bar offers seasonal drinks to enjoy. Entry to the Winter Wonderland is free, with tickets required only for specific attractions.

Families can also meet Santa Claus himself, making it a perfect outing for creating cherished holiday memories.

For more details, including ticket bookings and opening hours, visit www.newportwinterwonderland.co.uk.

Make sure to wrap up warm and head down to Newport Winter Wonderland for a truly festive day out this Christmas season.

Festive fun: Newport Winter Wonderland features an ice rink, funfair, and Santa Claus (Pic: Herald).

Crime

Arrest after fatal Carmarthenshire hit-and-run

Published

8 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A MAN has been arrested following a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire, on Monday (December 23), which claimed the life of 38-year-old Aaron Jones.

The incident happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm while Aaron was walking his dog. Police said the vehicle involved, a blue car with noticeable damage, was travelling northbound through the village at the time of the collision.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the vehicle believed to have been involved has now been located, and a 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a collision, and failing to report a collision.

Specially trained officers are supporting Aaron’s family, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.”

The road remains closed while investigations continue, and residents can expect an increased police presence in the area.

Anyone with dashcam footage, doorbell camera recordings, or CCTV footage from the area is urged to check their recordings and contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.

Community

Lord Nelson Hotel refunds lucky couple the full cost of their wedding day

Published

14 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WHAT an amazing Christmas present!

In an extraordinary gesture of generosity, the Lord Nelson Hotel delighted one lucky couple by refunding the full cost of their 2024 wedding. Abby and Simon Hooper, who tied the knot at the historic venue on August 3, were thrilled to learn they were the winners of this year’s giveaway.

The initiative was part of a special promotion open to all couples who celebrated their weddings at the Lord Nelson in 2024. The winners were selected through a random draw using a fair generator system, with the Hoopers emerging as the fortunate recipients.

The hotel has announced plans to continue the tradition in 2025, offering next year’s couples the same opportunity to win their wedding costs back.

A spokesperson for the Lord Nelson Hotel said: “If you’re planning to get married in 2025, it’s not too late to book with us and secure your spot in next year’s draw.

“We are thrilled to celebrate love and create moments to cherish, and this is just one of the ways we give back to our incredible couples.”

Known for its elegant venue spaces and exceptional wedding team, the Lord Nelson Hotel remains a top choice for couples seeking a perfect wedding day. This annual giveaway further cements their commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences.

Abby and Simon Hooper shared their gratitude after their special day: “From start to finish, the team at the Lord Nelson Hotel was incredibly helpful, and nothing was too much to ask.

“The day went smoothly, the food was fantastic, and the staff were polite, hardworking, and attentive. Mia and Jenna, in particular, stood out for their thoughtfulness and attention to detail.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”