News

Tenby’s historic Market Hall ‘needs urgent attention’

Published

1 year ago

August 31, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

AN ICONIC seaside town’s historic market building – home of one of the oldest markets in Pembrokeshire – needs urgent attention to stop it deteriorating further, senior councillors will hear.

Concerns about the condition of Tenby’s Market Hall have previously been raised with local politicians and councillors, with the county council – which has responsibility for maintaining it – coming in for criticism.

The Grade II-listed Market Hall is believed to house one of the oldest markets still trading in the county, which can trace its first charter back to 1290.

A notice of motion on the hall, made by Tenby county councillor Micheal Williams, has been referred to the council’s Cabinet – meeting on September 4.

The notice of motion read: “That Pembrokeshire County Council initiate a full structural survey of Tenby market building to establish the condition of the building, together with an examination of its potential.

“The building is a listed building of considerable historical significance in the town centre, which has sadly lacked investment over many years.”

In his supporting submission, Cllr Williams says: “There is an urgent need to address the deteriorating condition of this iconic building which has lacked any meaningful investment for many years.”

He adds: “Currently the roof leaks, with traders having to frequently mop up rainwater, and the existing roof ventilation does not work, meaning traders have to operate in extremes of temperature.

“The upper floor, which at one time served as the magistrates’ court is difficult to utilise effectively, and currently and represents a considerable lost opportunity.

“There doesn’t appear to be a shortage of small businesses that would like to trade within the building, but I am aware of some who are deterred by the condition of the building and a perception that PCC is not committed to its continued operation.”

A report for Cabinet members says, following a 2022 survey, an estimate has been provided, centred around a requirement for the replacement of the roof.

“Given the existing roof is inaccessible for inspection and maintenance, and with limited environmental performance, it is not regarded as feasible to simply provide a like-for-like replacement.

“As such it is also likely that the estimated costs would be substantially higher to create a modern, accessible roof, which improves the ability to maintain and utilise the building.”

“The report for members concludes by saying that “until a review of options for the market and an understanding of demand has been undertaken it is not possible to assess a business case for the wider improvement work nor how any works might best be funded”.

It is recommended that Cabinet does not support the request for a full structural survey, but does support an examination of the potential of the Market Hall.

News

CCRC invites public to observe 5th Annual Open Board Meeting

Published

2 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is inviting members of the public to its fifth annual Open Board meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, 26 November 2024. The meeting will be held via Zoom, running from 10:30am to 12:30pm, and is open to everyone interested in attending.

How to join the meeting

To participate, you will need a device such as a desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet with access to the Zoom platform. The Zoom application can be downloaded for free online by searching for “Zoom app.” A stable internet connection is recommended.

To join the meeting, use the following link shortly before 10:30am on the day:

Join the zoom meeting
Passcode: 034573

For any technical difficulties, please email: [email protected]

Meeting agenda

The agenda for the meeting is available here. Minutes from the session will be published on the CCRC’s website after the event.

Submitting questions

While questions cannot be addressed during the meeting, the CCRC will respond to inquiries related to the agenda items discussed. Questions should be submitted via email to [email protected] by 12:00pm on Tuesday, 3 December. Responses will be provided by email and may also be published on the CCRC website.

Please note that questions about individual cases will not be addressed.

For further details, visit the CCRC website.

Community

Find out more about what’s coming next in Haverfordwest’s regeneration journey

Published

2 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A COMMUNITY evening will be held this week with the contractor taking on construction of the new modern Public Transport Interchange (PTI) for Haverfordwest.

Kier Construction Ltd will be at HaverHub on Thursday, 21^st November for people to meet the team and find out more about the development which is due to start its rebuild phase imminently.

The event will be open 3pm to 7pm and is a fantastic opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the plans.

The scheme forms part of the South West Wales Metro project and will provide a modern and innovative transport hub, integrating all transport modes.

Designs include improvements to pedestrian and cycle facilities through the site, a more efficient and integrated bus station, and construction of a new modern multi-storey.

Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change and Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller said: “This is another exciting step in the extensive regeneration of Haverfordwest and we are looking forward to seeing construction starting on this latest project.”

The bus station will be integrated within the PTI with seven bus bays and upgraded passenger facilities and a new multi-storey will have around 280 spaces, and be much easier to use for drivers.

Green credentials are also important with electric vehicle charging points included – with further vehicle charging expansion built-in and future-proofed – and solar panels installed on the new car park roof.

An upgraded public realm will further improve the environment around the Interchange and promoting Active Travel such as walking and cycling.

The project also involves improving car parking provision and local bus access at Haverfordwest railway station.

Local Member, Cllr Thomas Tudor said: “I welcome this public engagement event which is an opportunity for all to come together to share and learn about the various projects that are ongoing, which can only improve our county town for both residents and visitors alike.”

No booking is required for the event, just drop in at a time that suits you.

Jason Taylor, regional director at Kier Construction Western & Wales, said: “We look forward to meeting with the residents of Haverfordwest at this community evening and sharing the exciting plans we have for this project.

“Kier is incredibly proud of its Welsh roots and can trace them back over 40 years and are thrilled to be extending this experience in Haverfordwest.”

Kier also plans to have a presence on the Riverside Shopping Centre, where people will be able to drop in to find out more once work begins this month.

The temporary Riverside car park has closed to allow for the development to start.

More information on car parking in Haverfordwest is available at: Haverfordwest car parks

News

Feedback wanted on Council’s My Account online services

Published

2 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

USERS of Pembrokeshire County Council’s My Account are being asked for feedback
to help continue to improve their experience.

My Account is the platform for all of the Council’s online services.

My Account allows customers to make payments, report problems, sign up for
service notifications such as waste and recycling collections and school closures,
and check local planning applications. These are just some of the services available.

The survey will take less than five minutes to complete.

Please complete the survey before Wednesday 27 November.

If you do not currently use My Account you can register online.