News

Update on housing developments by Pembrokeshire County Council

Published

1 year ago

July 4, 2023

THERE are new updates for the Pembrokeshire County Council housing development programmes at Old School Lane, Johnston and Tudor Place, Tiers Cross.

Old School Lane, Johnston

Unfortunately, underground investigations have identified faults with the utility infrastructure that provides drainage throughout the site.

Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) has been working with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water to resolve these issues before the site is occupied. This will avoid causing extensive disruption and inconvenience to contract holders after completion.

This has resulted in a further delay to the programme, but solutions have been identified allowing the remedial works to commence imminently.

As works are continuing on site, PCC plan a phased handover of the Old School Lane properties and anticipate that the first phase of properties will be available before Christmas 2023.

This will include mainly general needs properties, allowing a selection of homes to be allocated before the development is fully completed.

It is anticipated that the handover of the remaining properties in Old School Lane will take place in Spring 2024, signalling the completion of the development.

Cllr Jon Harvey, Cabinet member for Housing Delivery, said: “We regret that further delays have occurred in completing the Old School Lane development due to circumstances outside our control, but the completion of these works are considered essential in order to avoid any further disruption to contract holders at a later date.

“We have been working closely with the developer to ensure that these final works are completed as swiftly as possible and for these much needed properties to be made available to our residents, hence why we have agreed to a phased handover of properties as they become available.”

This development contains a selection of general needs, adapted and supported living homes. The allocation of the adapted properties has already taken place to applicants who were registered on the Accessible Housing Register in November 2022; both the successful and unsuccessful applicants for the adapted homes will shortly be notified by letter.

When Old School Lane is closer to completion, general needs properties will be advertised via Choice Homes @ Pembrokeshire with preference given to applicants with a local connection to the community council area of Johnston.

Further updates on the development will be shared when they become available.

Tudor Place, Tiers Cross

Work has been progressing well in Tudor Place in recent months, with scaffolding imminently due to be taken down, which will allow for the external hard and soft landscaping to commence. A completion date of Autumn 2023 has been agreed with the contractor.

When Tudor Place is closer to completion, general needs properties will be advertised via Choice Homes @ Pembrokeshire with preference given to applicants with a local connection to the community council area of Tiers Cross.

At this time the Council will also write to applicants who are registered on the Pembrokeshire Accessible Housing Register (PAHR) to ascertain their local connection to the community council area of Tiers Cross. Further updates on the development will be shared when they become available.

Cllr Michelle Bateman, Cabinet Member for Housing Operations said: “As both Old School Lane and Tiers Cross are nearing completion, we expect a lot of interest in these properties and allocations will take place at different times.

“To be considered for allocation, it is therefore important to be registered with Choice Homes @ Pembrokeshire. Keep a close eye out on our social media pages, letters from the council and publicity about allocations of these developments.”

Please follow the PCC Housing Services Social Media for further development updates on facebook.com/PCCHousing.

If you have any queries, please contact the Customer Liaison Team via [email protected] or 01437 764551.

Entertainment

Newport Winter Wonderland is the ideal treat for the family this Christmas holiday

Published

21 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THERE is still a chance to attend the Newport Winter Wonderland and experience a magical winter experience. Located next to Friars Walk Shopping Centre (NP20 1UH), the festive attraction opened its doors on Thursday, November 21, and will run until Sunday, January 5, closing only on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Visitors can look forward to a real ice rink under cover, ensuring skating fun whatever the weather. Alongside the rink, a large Christmas funfair offers thrills and entertainment for all ages, while stalls serving various Christmas foods promise festive treats to keep everyone warm and satisfied.

For those looking to unwind, a fire pit provides a cosy spot for roasting marshmallows, and a licensed bar offers seasonal drinks to enjoy. Entry to the Winter Wonderland is free, with tickets required only for specific attractions.

Families can also meet Santa Claus himself, making it a perfect outing for creating cherished holiday memories.

For more details, including ticket bookings and opening hours, visit www.newportwinterwonderland.co.uk.

Make sure to wrap up warm and head down to Newport Winter Wonderland for a truly festive day out this Christmas season.

Festive fun: Newport Winter Wonderland features an ice rink, funfair, and Santa Claus (Pic: Herald).

Crime

Arrest after fatal Carmarthenshire hit-and-run

Published

21 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A MAN has been arrested following a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire, on Monday (December 23), which claimed the life of 38-year-old Aaron Jones.

The incident happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm while Aaron was walking his dog. Police said the vehicle involved, a blue car with noticeable damage, was travelling northbound through the village at the time of the collision.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the vehicle believed to have been involved has now been located, and a 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a collision, and failing to report a collision.

Specially trained officers are supporting Aaron’s family, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.”

The road remains closed while investigations continue, and residents can expect an increased police presence in the area.

Anyone with dashcam footage, doorbell camera recordings, or CCTV footage from the area is urged to check their recordings and contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.

Community

Lord Nelson Hotel refunds lucky couple the full cost of their wedding day

Published

1 day ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WHAT an amazing Christmas present!

In an extraordinary gesture of generosity, the Lord Nelson Hotel delighted one lucky couple by refunding the full cost of their 2024 wedding. Abby and Simon Hooper, who tied the knot at the historic venue on August 3, were thrilled to learn they were the winners of this year’s giveaway.

The initiative was part of a special promotion open to all couples who celebrated their weddings at the Lord Nelson in 2024. The winners were selected through a random draw using a fair generator system, with the Hoopers emerging as the fortunate recipients.

The hotel has announced plans to continue the tradition in 2025, offering next year’s couples the same opportunity to win their wedding costs back.

A spokesperson for the Lord Nelson Hotel said: “If you’re planning to get married in 2025, it’s not too late to book with us and secure your spot in next year’s draw.

“We are thrilled to celebrate love and create moments to cherish, and this is just one of the ways we give back to our incredible couples.”

Known for its elegant venue spaces and exceptional wedding team, the Lord Nelson Hotel remains a top choice for couples seeking a perfect wedding day. This annual giveaway further cements their commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences.

Abby and Simon Hooper shared their gratitude after their special day: “From start to finish, the team at the Lord Nelson Hotel was incredibly helpful, and nothing was too much to ask.

“The day went smoothly, the food was fantastic, and the staff were polite, hardworking, and attentive. Mia and Jenna, in particular, stood out for their thoughtfulness and attention to detail.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”