News

Haverfordwest ‘levelling-up’ scheme cut back after cost pressures

Published

2 years ago

March 16, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A SAVING of more than £6m is to be made by cutting part of Haverfordwest’s levelling-up project, to meet budget pressures of over £5m.

The March meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet heard there was an overall budget pressure of £5.167m on the Heart of Pembrokeshire Levelling up project, with options including filling this gap or cutting back on the scope of the project.

The successful Levelling Up Fund application announced in late 2021 included adding to ongoing improvements at Haverfordwest Castle to create an outdoor performance area, renovation of the jail, and perimeter walks with a direct link to the town centre via Bridge Street, and on to the Western Quayside and Riverside via a ‘signature bridge’.

It had a total project cost of £19,666,962 made up of a Levelling Up Fund grant £17,700,266 and PCC funding of £1,966,696.

Funding pressures outlined late last year estimated a core shortfall of £3.442m in the project, together with £300,000 costs for a dangerous structure issue.

These costs took the council’s financial commitment to £5,708,696.

Cabinet members were recommended to remove part of the scheme – the Bridge Street link and walkways – replacing it with an alternative link via Castle Square and Castle back, and to reshape part of the conservation of the castle walls part of the project, in light of the changes.

The report said savings generated from this amendment would bring the project back on budget and provide a buffer for further pressures.

“It saves £6,682,479 against current projected scheme costs (including overspend). It significantly reduces overall project risk as the link and walkways carry the highest risks to the scheme due to complexity, ecology, archaeology, access, land ownership and timescales.

“It saves more than is currently required which provides a financial buffer for any further budget pressures that may arise.”

Other options included removing the ‘signature bridge’, which would still leave a shortfall of £474,390, or works at the jail, at a saving of £6,386,294, the report added.

“However, the gaol visitor experience is the centrepiece of the Heart of Pembrokeshire scheme, without which approximately 80 per cent of the anticipated benefits, outputs and outcomes will not be achieved.

“Furthermore, without the gaol, the outdoor event space is also not viable because it relies on the gaol for event storage, toilets, café/bar, respite against inclement weather, and changing facilities for the artists.

“It is considered unlikely that the funder would agree to such a change, and this would further delay the project putting increased pressure on completing the scheme by March 2025.”

Cabinet members unanimously backed the recommended amendment to the scheme.

Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change Councillor Paul Miller, who moved the recommendation be adopted, said: “Am I delighted we’re losing the direct link up to the castle?

“No, I’m not. We could’ve added another £5m to the scheme, but would that have been the answer?

“I think this is just being pragmatic, and therefore I’m just really supportive.”

Image Caption: Samuel Kurtz MS

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.