News

Haverfordwest airport expected to be £180,000 in the red

Published

2 years ago

July 3, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

SENIOR Pembrokeshire councillors are expected to back a series of charge increases to tackle an expected deficit of £180,000 at Haverfordwest airport.

After an improved financial position in recent years, the position deteriorated in 2022/23 as a result of a combination of factors including volatility in the fuel market, a report for members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet states.

The report, to be considered by the July 3 meeting of the Cabinet, says the out-turn position for 2022/23 was £238,000, with a deficit of £180,000 expected for this year.

In budget savings at its March meeting, the county council agreed to a list of ‘green’ savings, which included a budget of £90,000 for the airport, based on the projected out-turn figure for 2022/23.

The report states: “However, [as outlined] the actual out-turn was £238,000, albeit some of this (circa £75,000) was for one-off costs associated with tree maintenance, sewer blockages, and fuel spillage and hangar door repairs.

“Based on an average or ‘normal’ year and reflecting the inflationary pressures experienced over the last 18 months, the likely budget deficit for the current year is circa £180,000.”

The report lists a series of proposed changes to charges and costs, estimated to generate some £232,000.

The largest single source of revenue, fuel, would net some £175,000 on its own, the report says, by increasing the existing mark up of Avgas by 55p per litre and jet fuel by 45p a litre.

The largest income line at the airport is aviation fuel; in 2022/23 this totalled £473,000.

The airport sells approximately 350,000 litres of jet and 50,000 litres of Avgas per year, and currently has the cheapest jet fuel of comparable airports, and one of the cheapest Avgas rates.

In the last few months inspections have also identified two critical pieces of infrastructure in need of replacement: aerodrome ground lighting, at a cost of £450-£500,000, and a fuel storage tank, at an estimated cost of £200,000.

The report adds: “In terms of a way forward for addressing these maintenance and infrastructure upgrades, an opportunity exists to submit a business case for UK government funded seedcorn capital allowance (£25m) to support the Celtic Freeport.”

Amongst a list of recommendations Cabinet members are recommended to agree the seedcorn capital bid for infrastructure improvements be submitted as part of the Celtic Freeport Outline Business Case, and to approve a schedule of revised and new charges.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

7 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

7 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

7 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.