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‘Instagram-friendly’ Haverfordwest bridge plans submitted

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IMAGES of the ‘Instagram-friendly’ bridge proposed as part of the redevelopment of Haverfordwest have been released.

An application, submitted by Atkins Ltd, on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council, includes the demolition of the existing pedestrian footbridge; installation of new footbridge between Riverside and Western Quayside; public realm reconfiguration and enhancement; and repair, renewal and refurbishment of the former Cleddau Foundry building.

Western Quayside phase 2 was subject to a previously approved application, granted in February 2021. Those works have not commenced; and this planning application proposes a different regeneration approach for the area, now responding to the bridge proposals.

The Haverfordwest Footbridge and Western Quayside Phase 2 Planning Design and Access Statement by Atkins Ltd states: “The proposed scheme is envisioned as an opportunity to contribute to making the historic core of Haverfordwest a destination – the brief includes this within the overarching aspects, seeking increased dwell rates, broadening of the potential to host a range of activities and catalysing a new night time economy.

“This is allied to aspirations in the brief to re-establish a sense of arrival, improve accessibility and linkages and maximise the townscape quality, historic assets and setting of Haverfordwest.”

It adds: “The Haverfordwest Footbridge is envisioned as a low-level sculptural solution that complements the setting and opens up new visual interaction between this part of the Haverfordwest Conservation Area and Haverfordwest Castle, ensuring that it does not compete for attention within views of the Scheduled Monument.

“Innovation is introduced in the engineering, with technical modelling having been used to enable a solution that is exceptionally lightweight.

“The design presented responds to the context of Haverfordwest Castle and draws on elements and forms to inspire the geometries and angles within the new footbridge design.

“This embeds the bridge proposal in the setting and gives a unique and sculptural site-specific response.”

The former Cleddau Foundry building will be subject to works intended to bring the building back into commercial use. The application is part of the ‘Heart of Pembrokeshire’ regeneration project.

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 the ‘signature bridge’.

Questions about whether an ‘Instagramable’ bridge in Haverfordwest is an essential item have previously been raised at full council.

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 phase 2 application will be considered by planners at a later date.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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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)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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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)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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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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