News
Crymych petrol station redevelopment recommended for refusal
PLANS to demolish Crymych’s petrol station, replacing it with a new larger station and store are expected to be turned down next week.
At the January 9 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee members will consider an application by Mr James, of Siop Y Frenni, Crymych, to redevelop the existing petrol filling station and shop.
The number of fuel pumps will remain the same, with four electric vehicle charging points included, and it is anticipated that the convenience unit – if approved – would be occupied by NISA, owned by the Co-operative Group Limited.
Agent Thomas Login Architecture, in a supporting statement, says: “The redevelopment of the site is proposed as the existing building and layout no longer meet the modern needs of the store, or its customers.
“The store has operated on this site since before the applicant purchased it, in November 2008, and has benefited from no meaningful investment since that time. The existing store only contains c.234.5m2 of internal floorspace. This floorspace needs to accommodate the commercial trading area, staff facilities (including a staff room, an office and toilets), stock room and counter space.
“The existing floor area does not meet the operational needs of the retailer. It is insufficient to support the required range of goods customers, isles are cluttered and, generally, the shopping experience is currently poor. Furthermore, the existing building is of very poor construction which significantly affects the viability of progressing any meaningful extension to the existing building.
“The cost of making the existing building structurally sound to accommodate a large extension and the necessary improvement works would in all likelihood be prohibitive to development.”
A Retail Assessment is submitted along with the application, adding: “There are no further petrol fuelling stations within the Crymych and the only other convenience store in the settlement is the Spar, which is located directly adjacent.
“Therefore, there will be no impact on the existing centre as the proposed scheme is not competing with any in centre store.”
The application is recommended for refusal by planners for reasons including “the proposed development is inadequately justified and in the absence of evidence to the contrary will prove harmful to the vitality and viability of Crymych and nearby settlements,” and impact on neighbouring dwellings.
A report for planners says a council-commissioned Regional Retail Study, in conjunction with the national park and neighbouring Ceredigion County Council, says there is no capacity to support new convenience floorspace across Pembrokeshire.
It adds: “Furthermore, the Retail Statement has not adequately assessed the impact of the proposed development on existing convenience retail provision in Crymych, nor the potential impact on convenience shopping in nearby settlements, a number of which support local shops (Blaenffos, Boncath, Eglwyswrw and Postgwyn).”
Crime
Police appeal for information after several tractors stolen
POLICE officers in Pembrokeshire investigating a theft from several tractors, which happened overnight between April 17-18, 2024.
The tractors had been in a field near to Loch Turfin, Haverfordwest.
Included in the stolen items were vehicle keys, tools and waterproof clothing.
A spokesperson said “Police are now appealing for anyone with information that could help them with their investigation to contact PC 772 Boyt either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 101.
“Quote reference: 24*355571”
Community
Pembrokeshire firefighters help deliver fire engines to Ukraine
FIRE services from across the United Kingdom have rallied together to donate vital firefighting equipment to Ukraine, amidst ongoing conflicts that have seen local fire stations and firefighters come under direct attack.
The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) was at the forefront of this international goodwill effort, donating three fire appliances and dispatching nine of their personnel to ensure safe delivery.
The initiative, coordinated by Fire Aid UK, involved a total of 11 UK fire services. Over a grueling 5.5-day journey that spanned several countries—starting from Kent Fire and Rescue Service and moving through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and into Poland—33 fire appliances were transported to a location just 20 miles from the Ukraine border. They left Kent on April 23.
This convoy, laden with not just fire engines but also 3000 items of critical firefighting gear including cutting equipment, fire hoses, first aid kits, and generators, was a sight of resilience and humanitarian commitment. Watch Manager Rob MakePeace, a Business Fire Safety Officer, and Watch Manager Keith Jenkins, who is retired but still oversees part-time personnel at Haverfordwest, played pivotal roles in the operation from Pembrokeshire.
Speaking on the experience, Keith Jenkins expressed the profound impact of the mission, “It was a fantastic experience to be involved in. The convoy itself was an amazing sight, but the people we met, places we stayed and the reason we were delivering the appliances was something we will remember for a long time.”
The donation comes at a critical time for Ukraine, where daily attacks have not only jeopardized the lives of local firefighters but have also devastated much of the essential infrastructure needed to fight fires effectively. The additional appliances and equipment from the UK are expected to significantly bolster the capabilities of the Ukrainian fire departments, providing them with the necessary tools to save lives and protect property under dire circumstances.
This act of generosity and the strenuous efforts by the UK firefighters underscore a deep commitment to aiding those in peril, transcending borders and showcasing the best of international cooperation and humanitarian assistance.
News
Protest outside Stephen Crabb’s office over Rwanda deportations
SUPPORTERS of West Wales Stand Up to Racism group will attend a protest outside the office of Stephen Crabb MP in Market Street at 6pm on Tuesday evening (May 7).
The protest is to highlight the inhumane scheme to send refugees to Rwanda.
Since the Rwanda Bill was finally passed last week, refugees have already been identified, detained and are being prepared to be flown to Rwanda to have their asylum claims processed there.
Rushi Sunak has said “To detain people while we prepare to remove them, we’ve increased detention spaces to 2,200.
“To quickly process claims, we’ve got 200 trained, dedicated caseworkers ready and waiting. To deal with any legal cases quickly and decisively, the judiciary has made available 25 courtrooms and identified 150 judges who could provide over 5,000 sitting days.”
The protestors are asking: why is all this money being spent when these vulnerable people could have their asylum claims dealt with in the UK?
If the Prime Minister hoped his Rwanda plan would help get more votes for the Conservative Party in the recent elections, it would appear he was mistaken.
A new report from the Refugee Council warns that the UK Government’s flagship Illegal Migration Act and Rwanda Plan will lead to another catastrophic “system meltdown”, trapping over 100,000 people in permanent limbo while costing taxpayers billions.
West Wales Stand Up to Racism has campaigned against the Government’s plan to send refugees to Rwanda from the time this scheme was first suggested.
Supporters have previously met with Simon Hart MP and attempted to deliver a giant postcard to his office.
The group has taken part in the online Hands in Protest project organised by Artisan Avenue, Tenby which allowed everyone to express on line how they felt about Rwanda by submitting drawings of their own hands. The collective Hands In Protest gives a powerful message that the Rwanda plan should be stopped.
The organisers said: “Supporters will be once more taking the giant postcard on Tuesday, to protest about the Rwanda scheme. We will have small post cards for supporters to write messages to Stephen Crabb, telling him how strongly we feel about this.
“All over the UK, anti-racists are picketing Home Office buildings to show their opposition to the Rwanda scheme and are trying to prevent arrests and giving support to the refugees being arrested and detained.
“West Wales Stand Up to Racism supporters want to make their voices heard too.”
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