News

Milford Haven flood victims still having ‘to live in fear of the rain’

Published

3 months ago

January 19, 2024

PEMBROKESHIRE councillors are to visit the Milford Haven site of works intended to tackle floods which, back in 2018, wreaked havoc, the residents still having “to live in fear of the rain”.

The November 2018 flooding at Lower Priory and Havens Head saw floodwater as high as eight feet, devastating homes and residents’ lives.

Since then, slow progress has been made in developing a Havens Head and Lower Priory flood alleviation scheme.

Local residents have previously told their harrowing experiences of the 2018 flooding, with further updates in the wake of the recent impacts of Storm Ciarán and Storm Henk, heard at the January 16 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s services overview and scrutiny committee.

Sarah Rees, of Havens Head, has previously described the scenes during the November 2018 floods: “The water was crystal clear, like being in a bath; and then suddenly the brown came in.

“Every time it rains the first thing that enters your head is what’s the pond condition?

“It was pitch black, all the electricity had gone out; we had to try and get out of the back, trying to find the steps to get out of the garden.

“I had my daughter with me, she just had time to grab her A-level books and go; we were trying to get out of that house. The force of the water, you can still feel it.

“We had to try and get out of the garden in Havens Head, it was the most terrifying experience of my life.”

**Emotional moment: Ian Bannister and daughter Natalie from Lower Priory clearly upset by the damage caused with Stephen Crabb MP in 2018 (Pic: Herald)**

For Ian Bannister of Lower Priory and his daughter Natalie, living next door, the 2018 floods were terrifying and caused them a huge financial cost.

Natalie said: “I was doing the washing in the kitchen and I felt: ‘I’ve got to get my baby out’.

“I had to take her to my parents’ home; we were just trying to put everything up here, it was pointless, we were expecting inches, and it went to feet.”

Ian described the scenes as the floodwater rose higher and higher at his daughter’s home: “As a grandad, with all the toys floating and all the Christmas presents, it broke my heart.

“If the baby was sleeping in the cot downstairs, that baby would certainly have drowned.”

Members of the January committee heard further experiences from residents while they scrutinised an update on the flood schemes, the council recently succeeding in its business case to the Welsh Government FCERM (Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management) team.

Following that, investigation to develop a detailed design of a proposed new culvert is underway, with a further Pipeline application to the Welsh Government to bid for funding, to allow for the construction phase to commence.

***The Priory Inn has flooded time and time again, but its got worse in recent years (Pic Herald)***

The two local members Cllr Viv Stoddart of Havens Head, and Cllr Rhys Sinnett of Lower Priory, spoke of the concerns raised by their constituents.

“I would ask officers to do their utmost to get going on this; if you are living in Havens Head and listening to the heavy rain – you can imagine what’s going on in their heads,” said Cllr Stoddart.

Cllr Sinnett added: “Here we are in 2024 with almost glacial progress, I would lay that very much at the door of Welch Government in terms of the delays in assessing and approving the information they requested over a period of time.

“Anything we can do to perhaps ask them to push this as quickly as possible to get to fruition would be really, really positive; and I’m behind that 100 per cent.”

He said Lower Priory had once again suffered in the recent storms, residents – who feel there is a need for a bespoke facility at Lower Priory in addition to the Havens Head works – revisiting the experiences of 2018 “every time it rains”.

Cllr Rhys Jordan said there was a public perception the issue was not seen to be tackled when other priorities seemed to be favoured.

“I know local members will fight this all the way; I think we all agree it’s not okay for people’s properties to be flooded, it’s not okay for people to live in fear of the rain.

“This is far more important than any expansion of the Senedd, or 20mph limits, or any new projects in the county.”

Members agreed -following an amendment proposed by chairman Cllr Mark Carter – to visit the site, in addition to noting the report.

Community

Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby

Published

11 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.

Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.

Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.

As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.

For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.

With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.

Community

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

Published

11 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.

At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.

The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”

With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.

Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.

Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.

Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

Published

11 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.