News
Over 4,000 flights made from Haverfordwest airport last year
MORE than 4,000 flights were made from Haverfordwest airport in just one year, members of the county council heard.
At the July meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Huw Murphy raised concerns of a recently reported financial loss expected at the airport.
Cabinet has recently heard it must be run as a ‘zero subsidy’ concern.
Cllr Murphy said: “Withybush Airport now has a projected outrun of £239,000 for 2023/24 when council was informed pre-budget in March 2023 that the outrun would be £90,000, a substantial increase with additional further costs envisaged to include the need for new fuel tanks at circa £200,000 and the potential need to replace the runway lights at a proposed cost of £450,000.”
Cllr Murphy had pre-submitted two questions, which were answered by Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change Cllr Paul Miller.
“With a projected outrun vastly beyond the budget forecast of £90,000 for 2023/24 can the Cabinet officer holding the Withybush Airport portfolio confirm where is the additional money being sourced to cover the substantial increase to PCC to keep this airport operational.”
“Can the following information be provided in relation to Withybush Airport usage for the year 2022 so that elected councillors and county residents have a clear knowledge of how often the airport is used in one calendar year.”
Cllr Murphy also asked for a comprehensive list of take-offs and landings for a variety of aircraft during 2022 “so that elected councillors and county residents have a clear knowledge of how often the airport is used in one calendar year”.
The list included: fixed wing, rotary wing, the National Police Air Service, Air Ambulance, Coastguard, military fixed wing and rotary, National Grid aircraft, take off/landings during tower hours and when tower inactive/closed, landings by any aircraft following broadcast of Pan Pan message, and landings following a Mayday message.
Responding to the first question, Cllr Miller said the overspend was contained within the overall community services budget.
Cllr Murphy – who stressed he was not against the airport, but stressed the current situation was untenable – said: “I just wanted figures so that the people of Pembrokeshire could see what they get for their money.”
Community
Lord Nelson Hotel refunds lucky couple the full cost of their wedding day
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.”
Crime
Police hunt driver after dog walker killed in Carmarthenshire hit-and-run
A PEDESTRIAN walking his dog has died after being struck in a hit-and-run collision on a Carmarthenshire road on Monday (December 23).
The incident occurred in Llanpumsaint, near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel, between 6:45pm and 7:45pm.
The road remains closed, and police are urgently appealing for information to locate the driver of a blue vehicle believed to have fled the scene.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are actively searching for the driver of a blue vehicle with noticeable damage, which was involved in a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire. The driver left the scene, and locating them is now our top priority.
“We are appealing directly to the driver to do the right thing and come forward. Additionally, we urge anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.
“This collision, which tragically resulted in the death of a pedestrian, happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm on Monday, December 23, as the man was walking his dog.
“Our investigation indicates the vehicle was travelling northbound through Llanpumsaint at the time of the incident.”
The road is expected to remain closed for some time while enquiries continue. Police stress that any piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in identifying and locating the driver. Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.
News
Pembrokeshire County Council invites public feedback on budget plans
PEMBROKESHIRE County Council is calling on residents to share their views on the upcoming budget as it faces significant financial pressures.
The consultation, open until January 5, aims to identify which services are most valued by the community and where savings could be made.
An update on the provisional funding settlement from the Welsh Government was presented to the full council last week. Councillor Joshua Beynon, Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiencies, noted that while the 3.6% increase—equating to an additional £8.1 million—was more favourable than expected, it still leaves a funding gap of approximately £28.1 million.
Councillor Beynon said: “Difficult decisions lie ahead despite the improved settlement. We need to prioritise services that matter most to our residents.”
Detailed reports on the settlement’s impact and the projected funding shortfall will be discussed by the cabinet and scrutiny committees early next year, before being presented to the full council in February.
Residents can have their say by completing an online response form available on the council’s website. A budget modelling tool is also provided for public use.
Paper copies of the response form can be requested by calling 01437 764551 or emailing [email protected].
All responses must be submitted by January 5.
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