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Will buying the town centre help council regenerate Haverfordwest?

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PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is looking to buy the Riverside Shopping Centre, Wilkinson’s store and Perrot’s Road car park in Haverfordwest, to support its ambitious regeneration programme for the town centre.

Cabinet approved the acquisition proposal on Monday (Nov 30) on condition that it is purchased is at less than market valuation
While that process is ongoing, Cllr Paul Miller has moved to explain the rationale behind it and discuss some of the issues which have been raised.
“I’m really pleased that this proposal has generated interest and I would like to try and answer for the public some of the questions which have come up so far. I’d also like to try and explain how our plans for the Riverside area fit within our wider Economic Development Plan for Pembrokeshire,” said Cllr Miller, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economic Development.

Sceptical about the plans, The Welsh Conservative Councillor group told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “While we support town centre regeneration, we have grave concerns regarding this decision by the Cabinet. We are still in a pandemic; the future of high street shopping is in the balance and this decision could have serious implications on Pembrokeshire’s tax payers. All councillors need more information on this project.

“The Councils focus should be on its core services; education and social services, and should leave owning shopping centres to specialist companies.”

Why is the council doing this?

“The Council has already developed a wide-reaching plan for the transformation of Haverfordwest.
“We’ve opened Glan-yr-Afon library and cultural centre, returning footfall to the town centre, we’re soon to start on site on Western Quayside – the former Ocky White building – creating an amazing food and beverage hub.
“We’re working on linking Bridge Street directly to the Castle and are committed to the wholesale redevelopment of the town’s unfit multi-storey car park.
“However, right in the middle of all those project sites, there is a fairly enormous space (in excess of 3 hectares) currently in the ownership of a single third party and that’s the Riverside Shopping Centre.
“Securing control of this site makes sense on a number of levels – not least because it enhances our ability to deliver on a whole-town plan. It also links directly to sites already in the Council’s ownership.”

If it goes ahead, how much will the acquisition cost?

“While negotiations are ongoing, and it should be stressed it may still not prove possible to agree a purchase price acceptable to both parties, I do not expect the Council’s contribution to the purchase price to exceed £700,000 including land tax charges. There are some maintenance liabilities we’ve identified which will be in addition to that sum.

“This level of capital funding is available from within the Council’s Property Investment Fund and so will not require additional borrowing. Nor will it directly impact on the Council’s revenue budget for other services or Council Tax levels.”

Risky, given the current economic climate?

“We’re going into this ‘eyes open’ to the worst case. Our worst-case scenario takes into account the current state of the market and the lease positions of the existing tenants.

“We know that more tenants will leave the centre over the next 12 months and we know things are going to get worse before they get better. Despite all that, our worst-case scenario still shows the centre to make a revenue surplus both in the particularly challenging short term and then to a greater extent in the medium term.

“The financial effect of the short term challenges are included in the modelling and actually the purchase price reflects that fact too. In addition, we anticipate further vacancies in the short term might actually be desirable, making easier some of the physical changes to the site that will inevitably be required.”

Isn’t there a risk this all goes wrong?

“There is always that risk. It’s no different to the risk associated with running our current industrial estate units. If all the tenants suddenly disappear, you’re left with no income to use to maintain the site.
“In this case, we’re very aware of the risks. We’re aware of the wider market position, of the businesses under pressure and aware of the number of leases expiring in the coming years.
“The Council’s officers and advisors put together three scenarios for cabinet to consider. A Best, Worst and Reasonable case. We focused our thinking around the worst-case model and that has driven our thinking on purchase price and determined our appetite for this at all.
“That worst-case scenario still shows the centre to make a revenue surplus both in the particularly challenging short term and then to a greater extent in the medium term.”

Is retail a dead duck?

“I accept completely that there is no future in retail-only town centres. We are not purchasing the Riverside because we think we’ve spotted something no one else has and that suddenly there is going to be some town centre shopping renaissance.
“We do however think our town centres have a future, just a different future. The Grimsey Review (just one example of the many such reviews into town centres) is clear both on the need for local leadership and public sector investment in transforming town centres. The review also has as one of its key findings the following; ‘There is a need for all towns to develop plans that are business-like and focused on transforming the place into a complete community hub incorporating health, housing, arts, education, entertainment, leisure, business/office space, as well as some shops, while developing a unique selling proposition (USP)’.
“That’s exactly what this purchase is about. It allows us to support a whole town plan for transformation not to ensure Haverfordwest continues to provide what people used to want but to ensure Haverfordwest provides what people want know and what people will want in the future.”

Aren’t they interfering in the role of the private sector?

“We know that the private sector is not going to repurpose our town centres for us. We also know how the Riverside has fared over the years in remote ownership. In my view we have a choice. We either say we don’t care about the town centre and it’s for the private sector to sort out, or, we recognise the role which a quality built environment plays in the wider offer of the County – and in turn how that supports economic activity.
“What I want to ensure is that we provide the local leadership and vision needed to see a transformation happen in Haverfordwest. We don’t think for a second we can bring about that transformation on our own but we do, absolutely, have a key role to play. In this case, that role is in securing the asset upon which future regeneration interventions will be built.”

Will the Council be managing the centre?

“The authority will not be directly managing the asset either in the short or the long term. This will be done by others and the costs of that management has been included in all of our modelling. To repeat, even our worst case model shows the site always making more income than it costs to run.”

Why should the Council get involved?

“To start with, because no one else is going to. I believe, strongly, that the quality of key town centres is important for the wider economic wellbeing of Pembrokeshire. We could, of course, just look the other way and say this is something for the private sector but I believe to do so would be a mistake.
“I do not believe that the local authority can transform Haverfordwest Town Centre on its own.
“However, I do believe we have a clear role to play in support and through the strategic acquisition proposed we can make that transformation deliverable.
“Beyond the strategic acquisition we are already in discussion with prospective private sector development partners and we anticipate taking those discussions forward with more vigour if the sale is completed.
“We don’t have a dream of doing this all on our own – but we know we have to play our part if we’re to deliver.”

News

Debate over 20mph speed limit continues in Pembrokeshire

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CONCERNS over road safety and public backlash have led Wrexham Council to take a cautious approach to increasing speed limits on dozens of roads—but will Pembrokeshire follow suit?

Following widespread opposition to the Welsh Government’s blanket 20mph policy, councils across Wales, including Pembrokeshire, have been reviewing the limits. In Wrexham, a public consultation revealed overwhelming support for restoring 30mph limits on 52 roads, but councillors are proceeding with caution, citing safety concerns.

Pembrokeshire residents voice frustration

While Wrexham moves toward changes, Pembrokeshire County Council has yet to announce a firm decision on altering its 20mph zones, despite strong opposition in key areas such as Johnston, Haverfordwest, and Milford Haven.

A public consultation in Pembrokeshire allowed residents to request changes up until October 2024, and many raised concerns about longer journey times, impact on businesses, and emergency response delays. A petition was even submitted calling for the A4076 in Johnston to be exempt from the lower limit, arguing that the road is a major route with suitable pedestrian infrastructure.

One local business owner in Haverfordwest told The Herald: “It’s just not practical on some of these roads. We need sensible speed limits, not a blanket approach.”

20mph sign at St Dogmaels was welcomed by many residents

Government admits mistakes

The Welsh Government introduced the 20mph speed limit in September 2023, claiming it would reduce accidents and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Initial data suggests there were 100 fewer deaths or serious injuries on affected roads.

However, in December 2024, government officials admitted that mistakes had been made in rolling out the policy, following widespread backlash across Wales. Pembrokeshire councillors, including Paul Miller, cabinet member for economy and transport, have acknowledged public frustration but stress the need to balance safety with practicality.

Will Pembrokeshire follow Wrexham’s lead?

In Wrexham, Councillor Dave Bithell has urged caution, warning that increasing speed limits could heighten accident risks. Wrexham aims to finalize its review by May, working alongside North Wales Police to manage any changes.

With strong opposition from some Pembrokeshire communities, it remains to be seen whether the county council will reverse course on certain roads or maintain the lower speed limits.

The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) has acknowledged that while some communities back the 20mph policy, others remain strongly against it. The question now is whether Pembrokeshire’s roads will see similar changes to those being considered in Wrexham.

Should Pembrokeshire reconsider its 20mph limits? The Herald wants to hear your views.

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News

Former Plaid Cymru leader Dafydd Elis-Thomas dies aged 78

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Tributes pour in for ‘Senedd’s founding father’

FORMER Plaid Cymru leader and Senedd Presiding Officer Lord Elis-Thomas has died at the age of 78, his family has announced.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas led Plaid Cymru between 1984 and 1991 and served as MP for Meirionydd and later Meirionydd Nant Conwy from 1974 until 1992, when he was appointed to the House of Lords.

He made history in 1999 as the first Presiding Officer of the newly established Welsh Assembly, now the Senedd, a role in which he helped shape Wales’ modern political landscape. Flags will fly at half-mast outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay as a mark of respect.

A POLITICAL MAVERICK

Known for his independent streak, Lord Elis-Thomas often clashed with Plaid Cymru’s leadership and left the party in 2016. He later served as a minister in both Carwyn Jones and Mark Drakeford’s Welsh Labour governments, despite remaining unaffiliated with the party.

He stepped away from frontline politics in 2021, retiring after decades of service to Welsh public life.

A FAMILY’S LOSS

In a statement, his family said he died “peacefully at his home” on Friday morning after a short illness. “The family request privacy at this difficult time.”

POLITICAL TRIBUTES

First Minister Eluned Morgan led tributes, calling Lord Elis-Thomas “one of Wales’ greatest political figures.”

“Dafydd was a true giant of Welsh politics and a passionate champion of our nation, our language, and our culture,” she said.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth described his passing as “a huge loss to Welsh politics and civic life.”

“Dafydd made a priceless contribution in laying the foundations of devolution. He was a ground-breaking MP and led Plaid Cymru with passion and distinction,” he said.

Senedd Presiding Officer Elin Jones said: “It is hard to imagine Welsh political life without him. Dafydd was always at the heart of our democracy, shaping and challenging it in equal measure.”

Liz Saville-Roberts, Plaid Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, said: “He was a tremendous figure in Welsh public life whose passion for our democracy inspired so many.”

Former Welsh Labour minister Lee Waters described him as “an amazing character” who played a pivotal role in modern Welsh politics. “I liked him a lot, even though he could be maddening. Very sad news.”

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS said: “Lord Elis-Thomas was a titan of Welsh politics. His deep love for Wales and its people was undeniable.”

Andrew RT Davies, his predecessor, added: “He was always forthright and robust when expressing his views, and for that, I admired him strongly.”

A LASTING LEGACY

Lord Elis-Thomas’ influence on Welsh politics is undeniable, from his leadership of Plaid Cymru to his role in establishing the Senedd. His passing marks the end of an era for Welsh political life, but his legacy will endure for generations to come.

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News

New housing plans spark sewage fears in Broad Haven

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PLANS to build 76 new homes overlooking Broad Haven have sparked fears that the local sewage system could struggle to cope, with concerns raised about potential pollution in St Brides Bay.

Mill Bay Homes has put forward proposals for a mix of apartments and houses near Marine Parade, with a portion earmarked as affordable housing. However, residents and environmental groups warn that the sewage treatment infrastructure is already under strain, with frequent discharges into local waterways and the sea.

Sewage spills impacting swimmers

Local swimmers have long complained about sewage discharges affecting water quality in St Brides Bay, with some saying they have been unable to enter the water after heavy rainfall.

One concerned resident, who regularly swims in Broad Haven, told The Herald: “We all understand the need for more homes, but the sewage system can’t handle what we already have. The last thing we need is more pressure on an overstretched network.”

Figures from Welsh Water reveal that the nearby treatment works discharged sewage into the environment for over 600 hours last year, with dozens of separate spills recorded.

Call for investment from Welsh Water

Calling for Welsh Water to invest: Cllr Nick Neumann

Local councillor Nick Neumann said that while he supports more affordable housing, it must not come at the expense of the environment or existing communities.

“Affordable homes for local people are needed, but we must ensure they do not negatively impact the landscape, the community, or our environment,” he said. “I would urge Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water) to really double down on this and invest more.”

Mill Bay Homes has said that measures will be put in place to mitigate additional pressure on the sewage system and that they will fully fund necessary improvements.

A formal planning application is expected to be submitted to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which has stated that around 34% of the new homes should be designated as affordable housing.

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