News

Ice cream parlour plans would provide new public toilets

Published

2 years ago

June 6, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS to build new public toilets, as part of a seaside a ice cream parlour scheme, will avoid the spectacle of “men urinating in broad daylight,” its applicants have said.

The application, by Mike Harris, includes a beach-themed small retail unit and a small rear extension for a kitchen at closed public toilets next to Newgale Campsite, Newgale, is to be heard at the June meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee.

The plans, which include a new public disabled toilet to be provided by the applicant, are recommended for refusal at the June 7 meeting.

Applicant Mike Harris, who will speak to the committee when the application is heard, said: “The absence of a toilet for beach users and visitors to North area of Newgale beach has resulted in much local concern, especially from local residents, who now witness men urinating in broad daylight in the vicinity of the former public toilets on a regular basis.

“Video evidence of this has been submitted to the case officer and Haverfordwest police.”

He added: “Members are actually deciding [on Wednesday] whether or not there will be public toilet facilities at the busy north beach area at Newgale.

“The takeaway café is secondary in importance, but we feel it makes good use of a derelict building and provides the income to help finance the upkeep and maintenance of the public toilets free at the point of use, and at no cost to the taxpayer. It will retain 100 per cent of the accessible toilets at the busiest area of the beach.”

Responding to the recommendation for refusal, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries, of Hayston Development & Planning Ltd, has disputed the reasons given.

He also said: “It is clear that [local development plan policy] seeks to protect community facilities like these toilets, however, at the same time [the national park] cannot enforce Pembrokeshire County Council to keep them open.

“What is unique is the building is actually owned by Mr & Mrs Mike Harris and PCC has benefited from a ‘free lease’ for 30/40-plus years. However, as early as 2018/2019 PCC needed to make financial savings in regard to the provision of toilets and this was allocated to close and is closed today.

“In August 2022 a deed of release was signed between the applicant and PCC and, at the cost of Mr Mike Harris, a new disabled friendly toilet facility will be provided.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

22 hours 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.