News

Masterplan spells doom for listed building

Published

10 years ago

August 5, 2014

MILFORD HAVEN Port Authority’s ‘masterplan’ means relocation for a local vets practice, as the grade two listed building in which they operate is destined to be either demolished or moved to make way for port access. Bille Schleicher, of the All Vets Pet Care, told The Herald what the Docks redevelopment meant to their practice and the building she sees as part of Milford’s rich maritime history: “When we came here in 2009 the building was a wreck, it was not nice at all but it is such a lovely building which is what it’s about. We are guardians of a building that was here for generations and should remain here for generations. It was the old Docks Office. “It has so much history involved with Milford Haven and people come in here and have a connection with this building. It seems crazy to sacrifice this building for buildings that are the same as everywhere else. The Port Authority are proposing to build another building. It would be difficult to get the same feel of this building”. The Herald spoke exclusively with Jeff Teague, from the Port Authority, who gave us his perspective on the controversial plan for demolition: “One of the main issues for this development is access. The existing entrance couldn’t cope with it, so our engineers came up with nine schemes, eight were rejected and only one was acceptable: to open the old dock entrance and widen it with two lane entries and exits. “This was accepted by County Highways. Of the two listed buildings (on the pier) one must be sacrificial, so we went for the single story building which we will replicate and re-site. The proprietor is aware of us designing a purpose built new building. It is not a decision we have taken lightly.” He continued by stating that the local authority, Pembrokeshire County Council, had given the go ahead to knock down the grade 2 listed building, in order to facilitate the development. On whether they (the Council) would therefore gain financially from this development, Mr Teague simply said: “I can’t speculate on that, that’s a question to put to the County Council.” The masterplan, to which the redevelopment is referred, proposes a complete overhaul of the Milford Docks area, in terms of both heritage and commercial viability. Jeff Teague described the proposals: “Here is an opportunity to correct things economically, to create a new attraction which brings more money in to Milford Haven. It is estimated that the ‘leakage’ in spend out of the town is about £50 million, because of a lack of ‘offer’. “We want to capture a share of that and with more visitors we estimate pulling back £45m in revenue per annum. Our share is small; economic regeneration is the important thing, equating to about 650 new jobs. Milford benefits little from tourism. Over the last two seasons only 12% of all tourists to our county admitted to visiting Milford Haven. We think Milford should change its image and upgrade; another 10% should come to Milford.” Claire Palmer, Business Manager, spoke about the potential impact on local fishing: “We want to upgrade facilities to add value to fish that are landed here, so instead of product going out of the area we want to see it processed and value added here, creating an identifiable Welsh brand. We are largest fishing port in Wales. An upgrade would create opportunities to diversify.”

Crime

Neighbourhood Watch director questioned over blue lights use claim

Published

3 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A ROUTINE night supporting local communities turned unexpectedly dramatic for Ajay Owen, the Director and Chair of Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Watch, after he was pulled over by police twice on Tuesday evening last week (Nov 19).

Ajay, who was assisting residents across North Ceredigion and Western Powys during freezing conditions, was first stopped in Aberystwyth. Dyfed-Powys Police had received a report falsely alleging he was using illegal blue lights to stop drivers.

**Stopped twice for allegedly using blue lights: Ajay Owen (Image: Facebook)**

Cooperating fully with officers, Ajay allowed them to inspect his vehicle, where they confirmed no blue lights were installed. He explained that he uses legal magnetic amber lights, which are removed when not in use. Officers described the check as the “easiest” they had ever conducted, with Ajay even assisting in the inspection. Reassured, the officers thanked him for his community work and allowed him to continue.

However, hours later, Ajay was stopped again, this time near Cardigan, by a separate team of traffic officers investigating the same allegation. After explaining the earlier stop, the officers apologised and allowed him to proceed without issue.

Ajay praised the professionalism and empathy of the officers involved in both incidents, despite the false reports that triggered the stops. Following the events, he filed an official report requesting an investigation into the malicious calls.

The police would not comment on the specific stops but said in a general statement: “Stop and search remains a hugely important police power for protecting the public, tackling crime and keeping our streets safe.

“Stop and search must be used in a fair and effective way that supports public confidence and is independently scrutinised.

“We will continue to work with our communities and stakeholders to ensure that stop and search continues to protect the public.”

Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Watch reminded volunteers no Neighbourhood Watch member, Coordinator, or Deputy is permitted to use blue lights under any circumstances.

“Any breaches of this policy will be reported to the police”, they said.

News

Woman rescued from remote Pembrokeshire beach after serious injury

Published

4 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A WOMAN has been rescued from Cwm-yr-Eglwys beach in Pembrokeshire after suffering a serious open fracture to her femur.

Emergency services were called to the remote beach yesterday (Nov 25) following reports of the injury, which involved the bone puncturing through the skin.

Wales Air Ambulance, HM Coastguard, an ambulance, and a paramedic car were dispatched to assist the casualty.

Due to the severity of the injury, the air ambulance, carrying a doctor, landed in the caravan field behind the beach. The woman was treated at the scene before being stabilised.

She was subsequently transported to Withybush Hospital by land ambulance for further care.

Business

Roch Castle wins awards at the Historic Hotels of Europe ceremony in Prague

Published

4 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROCH CASTLE near St Davids is proud to announce its recent wins at the Historic Hotels of
Europe Awards, held in the heart of Prague.

Adelle and Johanna, representing Roch Castle, accepted two distinguished accolades for the entire team: Historic Eco Hotel of the Year and the Silver Award for Historic Castle Hotel of the Year.

The Historic Eco Hotel of the Year award recognises Roch Castle’s dedication to sustainable
hospitality, a core value shared by staff and visitors.

This award celebrates the castle’s eco-friendly practices and commitment to preserving the environment while offering a luxury
experience steeped in history.

The Silver Award for Historic Castle Hotel of the Year also honours Roch Castle’s unique ability to provide guests with an unforgettable stay in an authentic and beautifully restored 12th-century castle.

The management gave a heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who supported Roch Castle and voted in the awards.

Special recognition is due to our exceptional team, whose hard work and dedication
made these achievements possible.

For more details on Roch Castle or to experience this award-winning destination for yourself,
visit our website at www.rochcastle.com, email [email protected] or call 01437 725 566.