News

Haverfordwest ‘Instagram friendly’ bridge plans approved

Published

1 year ago

November 9, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for an ‘Instagram-friendly’ signature bridge and associated works, part of Haverfordwest’s levelling-up works, have been given the thumbs-up by councillors.

An application by Pembrokeshire County Council to demolish the existing footbridge between Riverside and Western Quayside, replacing it with the new bridge was recommended for approval at the authority’s November 7 planning committee meeting.

The scheme, in the county town’s conservation area, also includes a ‘plaza’ public realm reconfiguration and enhancement; and repair, renewal and refurbishment of the former Cleddau Foundry building.

The application, part of the ‘Heart of Pembrokeshire’ regeneration project, had been expected to be considered at the October meeting, but was deferred as not enough members of the committee were present.

In 2020, Pembrokeshire County Council was awarded a Levelling Up Fund (LUF) grant for the Heart of Pembrokeshire: Rediscovering Haverfordwest Project, including the creation of a ‘signature bridge’ as the central feature of a ‘Cultural Corridor’.

Concerns about the proposed bridge – and potential costs – have previously been raised, and the design of the new bridge has previously been labelled an ‘Instagrammable’ bridge by Councillor Rhys Jordan when raising questions about costs associated with it.

A call to scrap the bridge was made at the October meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council by Councillor Alan Dennison, who said that rumours on social media “have put it [the bridge cost] at many millions of pounds”.

Cllr Jordan had left the November planning meeting during discussions about the bridge and associated application, having declared a prejudicial interest due to being “publicly critical of the design”.

“I feel it would be inappropriate of me to vote on the matter,” he told fellow committee members.

Councillor Mark Carter said: “We’ve got to consider it from a planning perspective, regardless of politics; I’m minded to support it because I can’t see a problem planning-wise.”

However, Councillor John Cole felt the new bridge would be detrimental to visitors’ shopping experiences in Haverfordwest, feeling it would “split up” any visits to the town.

Councillor Jamie Adams said the foundry building and plaza was “certainly something that should be brought into use”.

He added: “But I do have a problem with that footbridge; with the footbridge I find myself unable to support the application here today.”

Members were told the bridge formed an intertwined part of the overall application, with no option for a “split decision”.

The current bridge, while still safe to use will need major repairs in the next few years, members were told.

Councillor Brian Hall – who had asked for the ‘signature’ bridge cost figures to no avail – moved approval of the application.

Cllr Hall said there would be “a huge outcry” if nothing was done over the existing bridge in the event it became dangerous, adding: “I agree, it does cut the town in two, but it is the only way forward.”

The application – for conditional approval – was passed by 10 votes to three.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.