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Ambitious ‘Western Quayside’ project gets underway

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BOLD, innovative and transformational – that’s the aim of the £6.287m Western Quayside project launched recently by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The 18-month scheme of work at the three-storey building on the Riverside in Haverfordwest is part of the Council’s comprehensive regeneration programme for the town.

Formerly the Ocky White department store, the site will be developed into an attractive and vibrant local produce destination and marketplace, combined with the potential for leisure and community use to encourage greater vitality, resiliency and vibrancy within the town centre over time.

The quality-led approach includes plans for external seating and displays and a focal space for community events and activities which could extend its use into the early evening. In this way, the development will connect and enhance the riverside aspect of Bridge Street, improving visitors’ first impression of the town.

Existing businesses in the area will remain open throughout the 18-month construction scheme.

As well as supporting local business growth, stimulating prosperity and long-term economic investment, the project is evidence of the County Council delivering on its commitment to support the regeneration of Pembrokeshire’s county town, said Cllr Paul Miller.

“This is a clear example of us taking ownership for transforming our towns,” said Cllr Miller, Cabinet Member for Economy, Tourism, Leisure and Culture. “Obviously, the local authority cannot transform Haverfordwest town centre on its own, but together with our partners, we can.”

“Western Quayside is a really ambitious and positive project,” he added. “Not only will help drive footfall to the town, it will also support business growth and create an additional community hub. Moreover, at a time of such economic uncertainty, the need to help deliver economic uplift for Pembrokeshire has never been more crucial.”

The appointed contractors for the site, John Weaver Ltd, has been carrying out preliminary work, including installing perimeter fencing, ahead of the partial demolition of the rear of the building.

Site materials will be delivered via the Swan Square entrance between the normal working day times of 8am and 4.30pm during the scheme, and pedestrian access will be maintained from the Riverside area to Bridge Street via the footbridge and along the footway alongside the Friars.

The ‘Hole in the Wall’ car park has been closed to allow contractors to use it as a compound. Alternative parking is provided nearby.

 

Pictured at the Western Quayside site (formerly the Ocky White department store) is, left to right, Cllr Tom Tudor, David Denton, Project Manager at John Weavers Ltd, Jamie Lannen from Faithful & Gould, Cllr Paul Miller and Joan Tamlyn, Business Development Manager at John Weavers Ltd.

Local Councillor Tom Tudor said the future for the town looked ‘very bright indeed’.

“As the County Councillor for the Castle Ward I welcome this news,” he said.

“Combined with other initiatives such as the new Castle Lake – Castle Square walk way link, I am very optimistic that Haverfordwest Town Centre will become a thriving commercial and residential location of choice with a resilient, vibrant community.”

Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn said: “Our Transforming Towns Programme aims to increase vibrancy, resilience and footfall in our town centres and the redevelopment of the Ocky White department store will do just this.

“Regenerating this well-known building into a hub that will not only benefit local people but also provide a major boost for the town and local economy. I look forward to seeing how the work progresses.”

Cllr Paul Miller said Western Quayside is a key element of the town’s regeneration programme, which began with the opening of the successful Glan-yr-Afon library and cultural centre and will include the redevelopment of the town’s multi-storey car park, plans to enhance Haverfordwest Castle, and the acquisition of Riverside Shopping Centre.

“All these projects are designed to ensure that we as a local authority are playing our part in transforming the fortunes of Haverfordwest,” he said.

Crime

Pembroke Dock resident faces court over dog control breaches

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PHILIP Murray, 52, of 11 Picton Place, Pembroke Dock, will appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 14) to face several charges of breaching a community protection notice. The notice, issued under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, required Murray to control his dogs in response to repeated disturbances.

The charges relate to incidents from May to September 2024, when Murray allegedly failed to comply with the restrictions set out in a notice issued on January 3, 2024. Court documents state that despite multiple warnings, Murray continued to disregard the order, leading to ongoing issues linked to his dogs’ behaviour.

If found guilty, Murray could face a Level 4 fine for each offence. The hearing is scheduled to take place from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in Courtroom 1, presided over by the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Adult Panel.

The case underscores the role of community protection notices in addressing persistent anti-social behavior.

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Crime

Cilgerran driver banned for drug use on Cardigan high street

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A CILGERRAN motorist appeared before a district judge after driving on Cardigan High Street under the influence of cannabis.

On May 3, police officers on patrol detected a strong smell of cannabis from a Volkswagen Golf driven by Kim Haynes, 40.

A drugs wipe returned a positive result, with subsequent tests showing Haynes had 3.4 mcg of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol in her blood, above the legal limit of 2.

Haynes, of Sun Cottage, Church Street, Cilgerran, pleaded guilty to driving over the specified drug-drive limit. She was fined and ordered to pay a total of £365, including costs and a court surcharge, and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

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Crime

Motorist disqualified after cannabis-fuelled traffic collision

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A 21-YEAR-OLD driver has been disqualified after a traffic pile-up on the A40 following cannabis use.

Officers attended Arnold’s Hill, Slebech, on March 29 in response to a multi-vehicle collision involving Kayleigh Taylor, 21, whose Toyota Aygo was on the opposite carriageway.

“There was a smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle, so a drugs wipe was conducted, which returned a positive result,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan. Further tests showed Taylor had 7.7 mcg of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol in her blood, above the legal limit of 2.

Taylor, of Princess Royal Way, Haverfordwest, admitted to driving over the specified drug-drive limit and possessing 266.1 grams of cannabis found in her vehicle.

District Judge Mark Layton sentenced her to a 12-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. She was disqualified from driving for 17 months, fined £80, and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.

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