Community

Changes to housing scheme once feared to have been sold to Birmingham backed

Published

2 years ago

June 13, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

Amendments to previously-granted plans for a Pembrokeshire housing estate, which was once feared to have been sold off to Birmingham City Council, have been given the go-ahead.

Back in 2022, Wales and West Housing and construction partners Jones Brothers (Henllan) Ltd were granted permission by Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee for a 50-home social housing estate on land off Maesgwynne Lane, Fishguard.

That permission, subject to the completion of a S106 planning obligation, was finalised in early 2023.

The 1.7-hectare site is being developed into a mixture of one-bedroom flats, one-bedroom bungalows, two, three and four bedroom houses.

Since then, rumours surfaced that the development had been sold off to Birmingham City Council for overflow housing, dismissed by the developers as having “no truth whatsoever”.

Wales & West Housing rubbished the claims saying that they are completely untrue.

“There is no truth whatsoever in this rumour,” a spokesperson for Wales & West Housing said earlier this year.

“We are very much continuing our development of the site off Maesgwynne Lane. We’re working with our construction partners Jones Brothers (Henllan) Ltd to build 50 new homes for affordable rent on the site, as approved by Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee.

“The development is being funded by Wales & West Housing in partnership with Pembrokeshire Council and Welsh Government.

“When it’s finished, we’ll be working with Pembrokeshire County Council to let them to local people who are most in need of homes they can afford to rent.”

Birmingham City Council added at the time: “This is not something we are aware of here, so it appears to be an inaccurate rumour.”

Amendments to the previously-granted scheme were recently submitted to county planners by Jones Brothers (Henllan) Ltd, with minor changes to roofing and other visual alterations.

In approving the amendments, a report for planners stated: “The proposed amendments are not so significant as to have a greater impact than the approved scheme; there will be no detrimental impact visually or in terms of local amenity; no third-party interests would be disadvantaged; and there will be no conflict with national or development plan policies.”

The amendments were conditionally approved.

Community

River festival returns to Haverfordwest this weekend

Published

10 hours ago

June 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CELEBRATION of the Cleddau will take place in Haverfordwest this weekend as the town’s River Festival returns for a second year.

The event will be held on Saturday (June 13), from 10:00am until late, centred on HaverHub and stretching along the quay towards the Bristol Trader.

Organised by The Cleddau Project, the family-friendly festival will include guided walks, demonstrations, art, science activities, live music, market stalls, free canoe trips and a boat race.

The event aims to celebrate the beauty, wildlife and heritage of the Cleddau, while encouraging more people to make use of the river and riverside area.

Organisers said the weather is looking promising and have invited families to “come on down” and enjoy the day.

Groups involved include West Wales Rivers Trust, Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Paddle West and Pembrokeshire Marine Wildlife.

Community

Mayors and community leaders join Milford Haven Founders Day celebrations

Published

22 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Town’s civic leaders praised as event highlights community spirit

A HOST of civic dignitaries and community representatives joined residents for this year’s Milford Haven Founders Day, helping to mark the town’s annual celebration of its heritage and community spirit.

The event, held on Saturday, welcomed mayors and representatives from towns across Pembrokeshire, alongside police officers, clergy and local business leaders.

Milford Haven Founders Day organisers thanked guests for attending and supporting the occasion, describing their presence as helping to make the day “even more special”.

Among those attending were the Mayor of Milford Haven, Mark Woodward, accompanied by Mayoress Evija Upeniece Woodward; the Mayor of Haverfordwest, Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner, accompanied by Mayoress and Sheriff Councillor Dani Thomas-Turner; the Mayor of Pembroke, Jonathan Grimes; the Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Councillor Tony Wilcox; and the Mayor of Neyland, Councillor Peter Hay, accompanied by Mayoress Mitzy Hay.

The event also welcomed local Police Community Support Officers from Milford Haven and Neyland Police, Reverend Dr Adrian Furse of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, Milford Haven Business Circle chairman Byron Thomas Jenkins, and treasurer Amanda Dyson.

Organisers said the strong turnout from civic leaders reflected the importance of Founders Day as a celebration of Milford Haven’s identity and local pride.

A spokesperson for Milford Haven Founders Day said: “Your presence and support helped make the day a memorable celebration of our town, its history and its community spirit. We are truly grateful that you took the time to join us and share in the festivities.”

Pembroke Mayor Jonathan Grimes later praised the event, commenting: “Thank you for the kind invitation – it was a wonderful event!”

Photo caption:

Civic guests: Mayors, community representatives and local officers gather during Milford Haven Founders Day celebrations (Pic: Captured Soul Photography).

Community

Community rallies to protect AJ Store after break-in

Published

23 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New security gate installed thanks to generosity of Pill and Milford Haven residents

MILFORD HAEVN residents have rallied around the owner of AJ Store in Pill Lane after a recent break-in, helping fund new security measures to protect the independent business.

Just days after an appeal was launched to support the shop following another break-in, donations from local people helped pay for a new security gate, now installed at the front of the store.

The owner, who took over the business around nine months ago, had faced costly repairs and mounting concerns over security after the latest incident.

The fundraiser, launched with the owner’s permission, asked for help towards repairs and measures to safeguard the future of the business.

In an emotional message posted online, AJ Local thanked the community for its support.

The shop said: “I would like to thank everyone who have been so generous with your donations to the GoFundMe and have enabled us to have this amazing security gate made and fitted by an excellent local business, KGM Welding.

“A big thank you to Kyle Morris, I’m very, very grateful to you and all of the people of Pill and Milford community.”

Community spirit

The rapid response to the appeal has been praised as an example of Milford Haven residents coming together to support a valued local business during a difficult time.

Independent convenience stores often face significant financial pressures following break-ins, with repair costs, insurance increases and additional security expenses placing strain on small traders.

The Herald previously reported on concerns about shop crime in Milford Haven, with businesses in areas including Pill Lane and Charles Street affected by robberies and break-ins in recent years.

Protected:

The new security gate installed at AJ Store in Pill Lane following community donations (Pic: AJ Local).