News
The Future of Haverfordwest – Engagement events at Haverhub

THE Regeneration Team at Pembrokeshire County Council are hosting a community engagement event on both the 19th and 20th July at Haverhub (the old Post Office building) to gather your ideas and input on shaping the future of our town.
The engagement event is the first of a series of engagement events, ensuring that the public’s voice is heard.
For years, our county town has held a special place in the hearts of its residents.
Like many town centres, it faces challenges and this event is a key step in defining the response to ensure that Haverfordwest realises its future potential.
Local Authority plans aim to create a vibrant town centre with thriving businesses, and a lively hub for residents and visitors to enjoy. But we can’t do it alone – your voice matters!
The community engagement event is your chance to be heard. Come along to our exhibition where we will be inviting your views on our plans to:
· Revitalise the town centre by improving the environment and public realm;
· Activate the riverside, attract new businesses and create a lively hub for residents and visitors;
· Improve infrastructure: including – a new Transport Interchange, addressing the needs of pedestrians and cyclists and enhancing accessibility;
· Create open spaces in the town centre for the community to enjoy;
· Enhance Haverfordwest’s heritage, arts and culture offer and
· Continue to support existing local businesses.
The Regeneration plans for Haverfordwest are already well underway. The Western Quayside building is nearing completion and the major restaurant chain Loungers will be opening by Dec 2024 on the ground floor.
Work has commenced on a new landmark footbridge to replace the old bridge which has reached the end of its lifespan. The new bridge, which will be complete by Spring 2025, will lead residents and visitors from the Transport Interchange, across to a new public space between the library and Western Quayside, where clear signage will lead people to Bridge Street and Castle Square and then on up to the Haverfordwest Castle.
A major renovation of the castle has begun to preserve it as a key heritage attraction for future generations. The work includes an exciting new event space which is due for completion in 2026.
Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said: “This is an important step in engaging with Haverfordwest residents and key stakeholders to help us to get a better understanding of what is important to them. This will help shape how we could take the redevelopment forward.
It’s not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about building a future that reflects the needs and aspirations of everyone who calls Haverfordwest home. We want to hear your ideas, concerns and hopes for the future.
This is an opportunity to demonstrate your interest in being part of a meaningful, regeneration programme which will change the face of Haverfordwest and pave the way for a better future for our residents, businesses and visitors.”
So come and join on either 19th or 20th July for discussion and a chance to share your vision for Haverfordwest.
Haverfordwest Regeneration engagement event:
· 19th July 2024: 10:00am – 5pm
· 20th July 2024:10am – 1pm
· Haverhub, (The Old Post Office Building), Quay St, Haverfordwest, SA61 1BG.
You are welcome to use the Welsh language. If you would like to do so, you will need to inform us a minimum of five working days in advance of the meeting. Email: [email protected]
If you can’t attend the event, visit www.pembrokeshire.go.uk/futureofhaverfordwest for more information and to complete the survey.
Let’s work together to create a Haverfordwest that is prosperous, vibrant and full of life. We look forward to seeing you there!
This engagement event is funded though the Levelling up Fund.

News
Car fire closes Market Street in Haverfordwest

FIREFIGHTERS were called to tackle a vehicle blaze in the centre of Haverfordwest on Monday afternoon (May 19).
The incident occurred at around 2:50pm on Market Street, where a car was reported to be alaze.
A crew from Haverfordwest Fire Station responded swiftly and brought the fire under control within half an hour. The road was temporarily closed while emergency services dealt with the situation.
A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 2:51pm, firefighters from Haverfordwest attended a car fire on Market Street. The vehicle was well alight on arrival. One hose reel jet, a thermal imaging camera, small tools and a breathing apparatus set were used to extinguish the blaze.
“The crew left the scene at 3:24pm.”
No injuries were reported.
Education
Excellent progress on the construction of new lower school building at Portfield School

PUPILS from Portfield School have had the exciting opportunity to leave their mark on history as work continues at pace at their fantastic new school.
The pupils attended an event to mark the reaching of the highest point of the new building, traditionally known as the ‘topping-out’ ceremony. The event gave pupils a chance to sign one of the first steel beams, and leaving handprints on a wall, symbolising their role at the heart of the school community and the bright future ahead.
The event was hosted by Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd and was attended by staff, pupils, governors, senior Council officers and officers from the project team to celebrate the key milestone.

Headteacher Sarah Hartley said: “We were thrilled to involve our pupils in this important moment. The new building represents a new chapter for Portfield School, and it’s wonderful that our children could be part of its foundations.”
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, Cllr. Guy Woodham, said that he was extremely pleased at the progress being made.
“Whilst I was unable to attend the event myself, my colleagues have shared with me their experience of the event, and the excellent progress being made on the new building at the school.
“This development will provide much needed modern, inclusive accommodation for the learners, and I am particularly pleased that the project remains on budget, and on programme, which means that Portfield School will be in a position to move into the building in December 2025.”
Following their visit, pupils made the following comments: “We had to wear protective clothing before entering the building site. Being able to write my name on one of the walls in the new building was really cool. I am very grateful to have been chosen to write my name in the new build it is extremely cool. Even though I am leaving this year my name will be there for ever.”
“Oh it was fun! I put my hand in paint and then put it on the wall.”
The project is being funded by Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council as part of the Sustainable Communities for Learning Capital programme.
Charity
Woman spared jail after drunken assault on two police officers

A PEMBROKESHIRE woman battling a complex range of mental health issues has narrowly avoided prison after spitting at and assaulting two police officers while heavily intoxicated.
Elisha Callen, 25, of Glenview Avenue, Pembroke Dock, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week for sentencing after admitting two counts of assaulting emergency workers and being drunk and disorderly in a public place.
The court heard that on April 21, Callen was found in a severely intoxicated state on Larch Road, Milford Haven. Officers attempted to calm her, but she became increasingly aggressive.
“She was told to behave herself, but she failed,” said Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies.
Following her arrest, Callen lashed out at officers at the station—striking one and spitting in the face of another.
In a victim impact statement read to the court, one of the officers said: “As a police officer, we expect to face conflict on a daily basis, but I don’t expect to be spat on by someone I’ve never met before.”
Callen later told officers she had no recollection of the incident.
Her solicitor, Tom Lloyd, urged magistrates to impose a suspended sentence, arguing she had significant mental health issues and was engaging with support services.
“Letting her attempt to seek help on her own hasn’t worked,” he said. “If you look at the marks on her neck and hands, you can see this is someone with far more going on than just anxiety and depression.”
“This is an individual with complex needs who is extremely upset by what happened and wants to apologise to every officer involved,” he added.
Magistrates imposed an 18-week custodial sentence, suspended for 24 months. Callen must also comply with a mental health treatment requirement, attend 25 rehabilitation activity days with drug and alcohol support, and complete a 120-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement.
“I can’t emphasise enough that this is your last chance,” the presiding magistrate warned. “You’ve come that close to custody.”
Callen was also ordered to pay £85 costs, a £154 victim surcharge, and £100 in compensation to each of the two officers.
As she left court, Callen said: “Thank you so much. This won’t happen again. I just need support.”
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