News

Call to scrap Haverfordwest’s proposed ‘signature’ bridge

Published

1 year ago

October 14, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

THE RECENTLY scrapped HS2 rail scheme was cited in a call to call to abandon plans for Haverfordwest’s “unwanted” ‘Instagram-friendly’ bridge.

The call was made at the October 12 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, following a submitted question on the costs of the town’s planned ‘signature’ bridge, the central feature of a ‘Cultural Corridor,’ part of the ‘Heart of Pembrokeshire’ levelling-up regeneration project in the town.

Councillor Alan Dennison asked: “Can the Deputy Leader [Cllr Paul Miller] confirm the total costing for the proposed footbridge from the Argos side of the riverside to the Ocky White?”

Responding to Cllr Dennison’s question, Cllr Paul Miller said confidential information on costs relating to the ongoing final stages of tendering for the project could be provided to him rather than being provided in a public forum.

In a supplementary question, Cllr Dennison compared the bridge to the controversial HS2 rail scheme.

“Rumours on social media have put it [the bridge] at many millions of pounds; that’s not confidential, that’s in the open.

“Does the deputy leader agree with the majority of this county – and the UK – that scrapping HS2 up north was absolutely the right thing to do, and seize the opportunity to do the same with this unwanted reassuringly expensive ‘instagrammable’ bridge replacement, and divert the Pembrokeshire County Council funding element to keeping open the public toilets which are destined to close from November onwards.”

Cllr Miller responded: “Do I accept that Cllr Dennison speaks for everyone in Pembrokeshire? No.

“Cllr Dennison’s brand of politics has a very niche following that I’m pleased not to be part of.

“Do I think that cancelling HS2 was a good thing? No.

“I think the Tories have got that horribly, horribly wrong; they’ve spent billions on consultancy fees and the bit that people actually want built – the railway line – they are now not going to do.

“In terms of cancelling this project, I have no intention whatsoever in doing that.”

Haverfordwest’s proposed ‘signature’ bridge was recommend to be approved by planners earlier this month, but the application was deferred as there were not enough members of the planning committee present.

The design of the new bridge has previously been labelled an ‘Instagrammable’ bridge by Councillor Rhys Jordan during a discussion on costs.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

9 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

22 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

23 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!