News

Fort Hubberstone Sold

Published

4 years ago

October 8, 2020

A PEMBROKE DOCK town councillor exchanged contracts with Milford Haven Port Authority on Friday, September 25, to complete the purchase of Fort Hubberstone, which overlooks Gelliswick Bay and the Haven Waterway.
Guy Anderson, a project manager who designs electrical installations for major global construction projects, including football and Olympic stadia, spoke to The Herald about his plans for the iconic building.
The Fort is a Grade II* Listed Building and one of a number built along the Haven during the 1850s and 1860s. Together with Popton Fort on the opposite shore, it provided an interlocking field of fire and represented the last layer of defence before reaching the Royal Naval dockyard at Pembroke Dock.
“I grew up in Pembroke, I went to Pembroke School and Carmarthenshire College. When I was growing up, I used to walk around the area looking at the second world sites and the forts along the Haven.
“My work has taken me around the world, but this has always been my home. Every time I’ve come back to Pembrokeshire, I’ve always been frustrated to see so much of our local heritage locked up and inaccessible to people.”
We asked about the size of the challenge he faced and Guy Anderson told us: “I’m used to working on massive projects for stadia around the world. This is, if you think about it, just a small derelict stadium in need of TLC.
“I’m not rebuilding anything. The idea is to make the fort safe to work in first and then carry out work to make it safe for the public to come to as a ‘managed ruin’.
“I reckon rebuilding something like the fort would take a minimum of seven million pounds. You’d never get any sort of return on that. I plan to open the fort up to the public to allow them free access to its grounds, as far as can safely be done.
“Buildings like these are white elephants, the cost of redeveloping them is prohibitive. I’m not going to redevelop or rebuild. I am going to clear the site to provide the public with access to their heritage.
Mr Anderson told us that he plans to have the first part of the project open to the public in around two years.
“Covid’s thrown the timing a little off but I believe the nine gun casemates, the gun towers overlooking the Bay, can be cleared and made safe for people to get into in two years. We’ll put some explainers in and tables for people to sit and have a picnic and overlook the river. Ideally, we’d like schools to be able to visit and see the buildings and we’re going to preserve as much of the wildlife in the fort as we can.”
As for funding, Guy Anderson told us the project was being funded from his own resources and that any approach for public or heritage funding would depend on the future progress of the project and what sort of experience people wanted when they visited.
He said: “The casemates will take two years. It will take two years’ planning to put together how to deal with the upper fort, the large D-shaped structure that dominates the site. We won’t know until that is cleared what we have to work with and what will be possible. I’m optimistic that the condition is not as bad as people believe. I’m told its one of the five most endangered buildings in the country; I’d say I can find five buildings in worse condition in Pembrokeshire.”
Responding to the news the fort had been sold, local Town and County Councillor Viv Stoddart said: “I am delighted that the Fort now has a future and the plans will benefit the local community by allowing them to experience our heritage first hand.”

News

Kurtz backs west Wales businesses at Cardiff net zero Event

Published

4 hours ago

November 7, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THIS week, local businesses and industry leaders from across Wales gathered at a Confederation of British Industry (CBI) event in Cardiff to discuss Wales’ journey toward a Net Zero future.

Among those championing the potential for West Wales was local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz, who serves as the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Energy.

The event featured a panel discussion, with Mr. Kurtz joining other key speakers, including Luke Fletcher MS and representatives from major Welsh energy projects. Together, they highlighted the exciting opportunities that renewable energy investments could bring to Wales and discussed ways to overcome the challenges of infrastructure and development in this sector.

A major focus was the critical role that Pembrokeshire will play in Wales’ transition to renewable energy. Local projects such as the Celtic Freeport, developments at the Port of Milford Haven and key local employers such as RWE, Valero and others were showcased as vital components in the nation’s Net Zero strategy. Luciana Ciubotariu, CEO of Celtic Freeport, and Steve Edwards from Green Gen Cymru were on hand to share insights on how Pembrokeshire’s ports and energy projects are set to bring economic benefits and clean energy to the region.

Following the event, Mr. Kurtz expressed his enthusiasm for the role that West Wales can play in supporting sustainable economic growth through green initiatives:

“It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout of business and industry leaders all focused on a shared goal for Wales’ Net Zero ambitions. A partnership between government and industry, grounded in smart investment, is essential if we are to secure both our energy future and sustainable jobs in our communities.

“Here in West Wales, we have a huge opportunity to create skilled, well-paid jobs in areas like hydrogen fuel, floating offshore wind, and through the Celtic Freeport project. With the right support, these initiatives can deliver lasting prosperity for our communities.

The CBI event in Cardiff emphasized the importance of local investment and collaboration to make Wales a leader in renewable energy. By leveraging the strengths of Pembrokeshire’s natural resources and local talent, Mr. Kurtz and fellow attendees underscored that West Wales is ready to play a leading role in building a cleaner, greener economy for future generations.

News

Family pays tribute to A40 collision victim Joshua

Published

4 hours ago

November 7, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE FAMILY of Joshua Jones-Rogers, 29, who tragically lost his life in a collision on the A40 near Canaston Bridge Roundabout, has paid tribute to him following the incident on Friday (Nov 1) at 11:15pm.

In a heartfelt statement, Joshua’s family said: “Joshua, we are lost without you. Despite your antics, you were our little troublemaker. The messages we have received show just how much you were loved by everyone. We will love you always. Forever our boy, forever a father, forever our brother, forever our grandson, forever our friend.”

The family extended their gratitude to the emergency services and members of the public who were present on that fateful night.

Police are investigating the collision and urge anyone who may have been on the A40 near Canaston Bridge Roundabout at the time to come forward. Officers are particularly keen to speak with any motorists who may have dashcam footage from the area around that time.

Anyone with information can contact the police either online at DPP Contact Online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Crime

Large drug haul discovered near West Wales police station

Published

6 hours ago

November 7, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A SUBSTANTIAL quantity of drugs was uncovered in a building just a few doors away from a police station in Newcastle Emlyn.

Dyfed-Powys Police seized 435 cannabis plants from the former Co-op shop on Wednesday, November 6, after securing a search warrant. The building is located only four doors down from the town’s police station.

A local worker, who wished to remain anonymous, told BBC Wales, “I’m not surprised drugs were found there—the smell has been around for at least a month.”

Officials confirmed that no arrests have been made so far, and investigations are ongoing. Police stated that officers will maintain a presence in the area as the inquiry continues.