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Council will ‘use powers if necessary’ to improve High St

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PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL will use its powers, when necessary, to help improve the condition of some buildings in Haverfordwest’s High Street.

Numerous complaints have been made to councillors about the state of some of the town’s shops, some of which are empty and/or in need of repairs.

Speaking at a meeting of the Cabinet on Monday, February 14, Cllr Paul Miller said that they would not be afraid to use the powers available to them, if it came to that.

He told the meeting of a number of initiatives which the council has already undertaken and said that the regeneration of Haverfordwest was one of the council’s main priorities.

The Council now owns the Riverside Shopping Centre and is also looking to demolish the multi-storey car park and replace it with a new one.

Cllr Miller said he was confident that by putting money into the town centre, it would encourage the private sector to do so as well.

He said: “We’ve made this a priority as an administration and we’ve made significant efforts to support the transformation and transform the fortunes of Haverfordwest.

“A planning decision is imminent in relation to the demolition and re-provision of the multi-storey car park and transport interchange and that’s all about making visiting the town more easier, more convenient, more welcoming.

“We now own the Riverside Shopping centre and occupancy has risen since we have secured that site and we’ve also secured some important service tenants.

“Based on our current projections we’re going to be a long way from our worst case scenario and in the financial year 21/22 we’d expect to see a surplus equal to around 30% of the council’s contribution to the purchase in the first place.

“We’re committed also to more than £20m investment in linking the castle with the town, that’s a new iconic pedestrian crossing of the river and new arcade through Bridge Street to directly link the castle and it’s the regeneration of the castle itself to create event space.

“In relation to the High Street, we’ve designated the High Street as an intervention area for the latest realms of grant support, including the Welsh Government’s targeting and investment programme. That scheme includes support for residential units in town centres and commercial property improvement grants.

“We recently awarded significant grant awards under the programme for both Haverfordwest and Pembroke.

“It’s important to note that those activities are already underway so I am genuinely convinced that we’re doing everything we possibly can to support the transformation and regeneration of Haverfordwest.”

Cllr Miller also said he had spoken to someone who was looking at purchasing a building on High Street and said he was determined to make Haverfordwest something that people can be proud of.

He went on to say there may be some occasions who don’t want to do any work on their buildings but said that they would not be afraid to use their powers if it came to that.

Cllr Tom Tudor said he had had ‘years of complaints’ about High Street and that it was reassuring that the use of specialist powers to ensure that property owners do bring their ‘houses in order’.

Cllr Jon Harvey said it was a problem in most towns and said that putting money into town centres could only be ‘beneficial’.

News

Six-month old baby girl confirmed dead after being hit by car in Pembrokeshire car park

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Police have confirmed that a six-month old baby girl has died following a collision on the ground floor of Tenby multi-storey car park on January 2.

Sophia Keleman, from the Leigh, Manchester, was taken to hospital, but died of her injuries on January 3.

Thirty-three year old Flaviu Naghi, from Wigan, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without a licence and driving without insurance. He appeared before Swansea Magistrates Court on Saturday where he was remanded in custody to appear before Swansea Crown Court on February 7. He was also arrested in suspicion of drink-driving and drug-driving.

Dyfed-Powys Police has confirmed that Sophia’s family is currently being supported by specially trained officers.

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News

Award-winning Welsh fashion designer stands down for health reasons

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One of Wales’ most enigmatic and successful fashion designers – Huw ‘Fash’ Rees – is to hang up his tailors’ shears for good later this year following his announcement that his bridal gown company – Huw Rees Brides – is to close.

In an announcement made on social media last weekend, Huw said his ongoing health issues leaves insufficient time for running his business in Llandeilo.  As a result, Huw Rees Brides will close by the end of March, 2025.

“It’s been a difficult decision, not taken lightly,” he said.

“But all our brides have been contacted and we will continue to work with all current brides until their weddings. There is no scandal, and no one will be left without a dress.”

Huw went on to say that later this year he will become an official celebrant.

Huw Rees Brides was launched in 2008, since when it has won no fewer than 14 national awards.  He is also a regular face on S4C’s ‘Prynhawn Da’ and ‘Heno’ magazine programmes where he presents the regular fashion slots.

Huw was first admitted to hospital in 2019, complaining of severe stomach pains. Tests confirmed that he had been suffering from kidney disease for a considerable period of time. The initial prognosis was that with medical treatment coupled with a healthy diet, he wouldn’t have to undertake dialysis nor a new kidney. But nine months later he was told that he would have to commence dialysis.

“I was worried, as I knew the effects that dialysis can have on a person’s life,” he said in a previous Radio Cymru interview.

“You have to be on the machine three times a week, for four hours a day, and to me, this felt like ‘broken heart syndrome’.

“But I knew how important it was to follow the guidance of the specialists, listen to what they had to say and start dialysis as soon as possible.”

His treatment began just two days after Christmas, 2019.

“I went in for a blood test and was told that things had got considerably worse, with the result that they decided to begin dialysis that very same day,” he said.

Throughout his treatment, Huw feared that his work would one day have to take a backward step.

“My work has always been my life, as this is what I love doing,” he said.

“But the care I’ve received from the NHS has been exceptional.

“The dialysis team has been so supportive, and not once have I been left feeling isolated.

“Also, the response I’ve had from the public since announcing the closure of the business last Saturday has been incredible and the messages of support have been pouring in.

“Those messages have meant a great deal to myself and to the girls, but the decision to close is a positive one, which will allow me some freedom to pursue other less consuming interests.”

Huw ‘Fash’ went on to say that instead of selling wedding gowns, he will soon become a licensed celebrant.

Latest Welsh government figures confirm that Kidney Replacement Therapy treatments, such as dialysis,  are currently being given to around 1,400 Welsh residents a year.

There are also almost 1,800 Welsh patients living with a functioning kidney transplant, who require ongoing clinical review, psychosocial support and immunosuppressive drug treatments. All forecasts consistently demonstrate that the need for these services for adults will grow by between 4 and 5% year on year.

The number of children reaching end stage kidney disease per annum is around two per million of the total population. In Wales this corresponds to approximately six new cases per year. There are approximately 50 children on Kidney Replacement Therapy (KRT) in Wales at any one time, many with a kidney transplant.

Meanwhile Huw Rees has confirmed that all stock, including current gowns, is now being sold for £350 or less.

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Crime

Dyfed-Powys Police pays out hundreds of thousands in compensation claims

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NEW figures reveal Dyfed-Powys Police has paid out £324,000 in compensation over the past five years, following nearly 200 claims made by members of the public.

A Freedom of Information requests show a whopping 186 claims were lodged against the force between 2019 and 2024, with compensation payments peaking in 2021/2022 at £138,111. Claims included allegations of unlawful arrest, financial losses, personal injury, and failure in duty of care.

In 2019/2020, 36 claims were made, with nine settled. The following year, 22 claims were lodged, with nine again resulting in payouts. Numbers rose to 38 claims in 2021/2022, with 11 settlements, before dropping slightly in 2022/2023 to 36 claims and eight payouts. However, the most recent figures for 2023/2024 show a significant rise, with 54 claims and seven settlements.

Lucy Parker, a solicitor from JF Law, said: “Claims against police forces highlight the importance of accountability. Issues such as wrongful arrest, assault, and negligence must be addressed seriously.”

Nationally, UK police forces have paid out millions in compensation, with property damage from botched raids cited as a frequent reason.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been approached for comment.

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