News
Haverfordwest: Councillors approve amended multi-storey car park plans
COUNCILLORS have unanimously approved amended plans for the new multi-storey car park in Haverfordwest.
Among the changes are an increase in height of the new building, a change to the layout of the ramps and more family parking spaces.
The application was approved by the Planning Committee in March and delegated authority was given for the Director of Community Services to approve, once issues surrounding flood risks were resolved.
On Tuesday (Jul 26), the committee heard that those discussions with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) were still ongoing but were asked to consider the amended plans.
Among the changes is an alteration to the northern end of the multi-storey which now has a rounded-curved edge to make it safer and to prevent vehicles colliding.
That, and the addition of the wider family spaces, has resulted in 19 spaces being lost from what was approved on the previous application.
Cllr Jacob Williams said he was ‘surprised’ that the amended plans would result in 19 less spaces and added that it was a ‘big difference’.
Cllr Mark Carter added that a criticism of the old car park was that the bays were ‘quite narrow’ which could lead to cars being damaged and asked if the new application was more ‘parking friendly’.
Planning officer Mike Simmons said the new amended application was a ‘substantial improvement’ on all fronts.
Cllr Brian Hall moved the recommendation for approval and it was seconded by Cllr Carter.
The committee also heard that details on electric vehicle charging points still needed to be submitted.
Cllr Tim Evans said the updated plans were ‘far more appealing on the eye’.
Some councillors were also concerned about the safety of the new plans following the recent fire in the current building but the planning officer said the new building was designed to be a lot safer with lighting and the potential for far more pedestrian activity.
Opposite the car park there will be an area where lorries can drop off supplies and Cllr Jacob Williams was concerned that some pedestrians could walk through that area.
The planning officer added that there would be no access to shops for pedestrians through that area and added that they could add something to prevent people from going into that area.
The plans were approved unanimously.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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