News
Question raised over Haverfordwest Instagram-friendly bridge

A QUESTION on whether Haverfordwest needs an Instagram-friendly bridge as part of its ‘Heart of Pembrokeshire’ regeneration project was raised at full council.
The successful ‘Heart of Pembrokeshire’ 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 of£17,700,266 and county council funding of £1,966,696.
At the May meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s full council, Councillor Rhys Jordan referenced a bridge project in Swansea, part of its regeneration project.
“Given the significant cost difference between the ‘bespoke bridge’ planned for the ‘Heart of Pembrokeshire’ project and the ‘Golden Bridge’ constructed by Swansea City Council, there may be concerns among Pembrokeshire residents that their resources are being used to part fund a bridge that prioritises aesthetics over practicality.
“In light of this, does the responsible cabinet member believe that Pembrokeshire residents view an ‘instagramable’ bridge as an essential item?”
Responding, Deputy Leader of Council, and Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, Councillor Paul Miller said the existing bridge would need replacing regardless of any regeneration works, adding the cost was made up of 90 per cent external grant funding.
He said he had never used the phrase ‘Instagramable,’ and was not on the service himself.
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.
Cabinet members backed a recommendation 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.
Other options at that meeting 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.
Community
Port issue warning over damage to Milford Beach access route

THE PORT of Milford Haven has issued a warning regarding a wall collapse on the hot water slip access to Milford Beach.
Residents and visitors are urged to stay clear of the affected area and avoid using this access route while investigations and repairs are carried out.
Please share this message to help ensure public safety.
Thank you.
News
The Sea Empress Disaster: Remembering the catastrophe 29 years on

IT WAS exactly 29 years ago. On the evening of February 15, 1996, at approximately 8:07pm, the oil tanker Sea Empress ran aground on rocks near St. Ann’s Head at the entrance to the Milford Haven Waterway in Pembrokeshire. The vessel, en route to the Texaco oil refinery in Milford Haven, was carrying over 130,000 tonnes of Forties blend crude oil. The incident led to one of Britain’s worst environmental disasters.
A catastrophic collision
As the Sea Empress navigated the narrow channel against an outgoing tide, strong currents pushed the vessel off course, causing it to collide with mid-channel rocks. The initial impact released approximately 2,500 tonnes of crude oil into the sea. Over the next six days, severe weather conditions and missteps in salvage operations hindered efforts to refloat and stabilize the tanker. The vessel grounded and refloated multiple times, ultimately spilling around 72,000 tonnes of crude oil and 370 tonnes of heavy fuel oil into the surrounding waters.

Environmental devastation
The spill had catastrophic consequences, particularly for the ecologically sensitive Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. More than 200 kilometers of coastline were contaminated, impacting numerous habitats and species.




Wildlife impact
Though the spill occurred in late winter before many migratory species had returned, resident wildlife suffered extensively. Thousands of seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, and the common scoter duck, were found dead or severely oiled. Estimates suggest that approximately 5,000 of the 15,000 common scoters in the area perished.
Marine life was also heavily affected. Intertidal species such as seaweeds, invertebrates, and rock pool fish experienced significant mortality. Grey seals inhabit the region, but their population suffered minimal direct impact due to the timing of the spill.


Economic and social repercussions
The disaster had profound economic consequences for local communities. A fishing ban was promptly imposed along the affected coastlines, suspending operations for fisheries targeting species like shellfish and lobsters. The ban lasted several months, resulting in substantial financial losses. While compensation schemes were introduced, many affected individuals felt the payouts were insufficient.
Tourism, a vital part of Pembrokeshire’s economy, also suffered. The spill occurred just before the Easter holiday season, leading to mass cancellations and a decline in visitor numbers. Popular beaches were covered in oil deposits, deterring tourists and impacting businesses reliant on seasonal trade.
Mobilization of cleanup efforts

In response to the crisis, a massive cleanup operation was launched, involving over a thousand individuals, including local volunteers, environmental organizations, and government agencies. The immediate priority was rescuing and rehabilitating oiled wildlife. Specialized facilities were established to clean affected birds, though survival rates post-release remained low.
Shoreline cleanup efforts presented significant challenges. Teams employed various methods, including manual oil removal and chemical dispersants designed to break down the crude. While dispersants proved effective in some cases, concerns arose about their long-term environmental impact. Most visible oil was removed from beaches within six weeks, but cleanup efforts in remote areas continued for over a year.
Investigations and accountability
Subsequent investigations identified pilot error as a primary cause, with misjudgments regarding tidal streams and currents leading to the initial grounding. The report also highlighted deficiencies in the port’s navigational aids and emergency response protocols. As a result, the Milford Haven Port Authority faced scrutiny and was fined £4 million for its role in the disaster.
Long-term environmental recovery
Monitoring of the affected areas revealed that natural recovery was underway, aided by the region’s dynamic tidal systems. By 2001, studies indicated significant habitat restoration. However, certain species, particularly those with longer lifespans and slower reproductive rates, continued to show reduced population numbers, underscoring the prolonged effects of oil spills on biodiversity.
Lessons learned
The Sea Empress disaster prompted significant reforms in maritime safety and environmental protection within the UK, including:
- Enhanced Navigational Protocols: Improved pilot training and navigational aids to prevent future groundings.
- Regulatory Changes: Introduction of the Port Marine Safety Code, establishing national port safety standards.
- Environmental Safeguards: Strengthened oil spill contingency plans and increased investment in spill response technologies.
The Sea Empress disaster remains a stark reminder of the fragile balance between industrial activities and environmental preservation. It underscores the need for stringent safety measures, rigorous regulatory oversight, and proactive environmental protection to prevent similar catastrophes in the future.
Entertainment
Foreigner in My Body – Workshop and show

HOW we see ourselves isn’t always how others see us. Join movement artist Sara Hartel in a workshop that explores the tension between identity and perception here at the Torch Theatre this Wednesday followed by a work in progress show on Thursday with Foreigner in My Body.
The evening workshop will give you an opportunity to learn how to creatively use audio description in a safe, nurturing environment which gives you space to explore the role gender plays in how we move, and how others see the way we move, through the creation of a piece of movement.
The show itself, Foreigner in My Body, is a work in progress show exploring the transgender journey through the lens of crossing borders. It blends circus, physical theatre and storytelling with malicious audio description. A story of rebellion and trans joy. Think of the burlesque of airport security, the luggage carousel of emotional baggage and a plane crash on aerial silks.
The workshop will be held on Wednesday 12 February at 7pm and the show on Thursday 13 February at 7pm. Both the workshop and show are suitable for those 14+. Anyone who attends the workshop can go the performance for FREE too!
Tickets for Foreigner in My Body are priced at £5.00. Visit the website for further details on www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.
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