News
Pembroke Dock fire damaged hotel gets approval to become care home
PLANS to replace the remnants of a fire-ravaged hotel with a care home at the gateway to Pembroke Dock were unanimously given the go-ahead today, February 14.
The application, by Hawkfire Developments Limited sought the demolition of the remnants of the former Cleddau Bridge Hotel, Essex Road, replaced by a residential care home and linked bungalows.
It was recommended for conditional approval at Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, meeting today, February 14.
In a prime location at one of the entrances to Pembroke Dock the former Cleddau Bridge Hotel has been derelict since a fire in March 2019, scuppering plans to turn it into a 48-bedroom care home, following a change of use application granted in 2018.
The building had suffered severe structural damage in the fire – said to have started deliberately – and some of the sections have completely collapsed, leading to the new application for demolition and a new build.
A report for planners said the proposed new residential care home would accommodate approximately 55–70 beds, each of which would be provided to Care Inspectorate of Wales (CIW) Standards, complete with en-suite facilities.
Moving the recommendation, Pembroke Dock councillor Brian Hall said: “What’s there now is a mess, there’s horses grazing there, there’s fly-tipping and there’s all manner of vandalism.
“I’m delighted with this application; when you come over the Cleddau Bridge from the ‘north Mecca’ [Haverfordwest] to the ‘south Mecca’ [Pembroke Dock] you cannot avoid looking to the right at it. I hope whoever is going to build this gets on with it quickly.”
Fellow members unanimously supported the application.
2019 fire
The March 2019 fire brought emergency services from as far afield as Ammanford, Aberystwyth and Swansea; a total of seven fire engines had been at the hotel throughout the night, with the initial crews coming from Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven, Tenby and Haverfordwest.
A high-volume water pump was also brought in from Ammanford, a high-level engine was called in from Swansea, and another fire crew from Aberystwyth was also called but later stood down.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service previously said the fire was started by a deliberate act.
Following a fire investigation, Dyfed-Powys Police said they found there to be insufficient evidence to identify a suspect.
Image Caption: Pembrokeshire county councillor Brian Hall
Image Caption: The site of the fire-ravaged Cleddau Bridge Hotel, Pembroke Dock
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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