Politics

Haverfordwest County AFC 3G pitch plans approval expected

Published

2 years ago

August 30, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

AN APPLICATION for a new 3G artificial playing surface pitch at Haverfordwest County AFC’s grounds is expected to get the go-ahead from Pembrokeshire planners next week.

The application, by Haverfordwest AFC, through agent Asbri Planning, seeks permission for the new pitch at The Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium, Bridge Meadow Lane, Sydney Rees Way.

It is recommended for conditional approval at the September 3 meeting of Pembrokeshire County council’s planning committee.

A supporting statement accompanying the application says: “The proposed pitch is currently a grassed football pitch located within the grounds of Haverfordwest County AFC, with the clubhouse, offices and private boxes to the south of the pitch and associated car parking beyond. There are spectator stands and floodlights to the east and west of the proposed pitch. The whole site is fence lined with mature vegetation to the north and east.”

It adds: “Aerial imagery dating from 2006 shows the site has been developed into Haverfordwest County AFC with associated grassed football pitch, spectator stands, floodlights, clubhouse, car park and infrastructure. It is believed the existing football stadium was built in the mid-1990s.”

Further documentation says: “This project aims to provide high-quality sports facilities while minimizing environmental impacts and preserving existing natural resources. In addition to enhancing the sports pitch, the project will include ecological enhancements, such as installing three swift boxes and three bat boxes on the rear western elevation of the large spectator stand to support local wildlife.

“The planning and execution of these works will consider environmental management practices to prevent run-off and erosion, particularly during periods of intensive rainfall or flooding.

“The new 3G pitch is expected to be completed in a timely manner to ensure minimal disruption to the regular use of the facilities and surrounding areas, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the site’s ecological integrity and addressing any potential impacts on surrounding neighbourhood.”

An officer report for planners, recommending conditional approval, says: “The proposed artificial pitch surface would be compatible with the capacity and character of the site and the area due to the site’s discreet location to the north of Haverfordwest. There are no viewpoints of the football pitch beyond the immediate area.

“The proposed sports pitch is typical of this type of leisure facility and there would only be a limited amount of associated development, namely improved drainage facilities which would have no visual impact. The provision of improved sporting facilities would not adversely affect landscape character, quality or diversity.”

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

1 hour ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.

News

Welsh Secretary holds first call with new First Minister

Published

2 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Jo Stevens and Rhun ap Iorwerth discuss poverty, public services, clean energy, steelmaking and economic growth

WELSH Secretary Jo Stevens has held her first call with Wales’ new First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth following the recent Senedd election.

The call took place today, Monday (May 18), with Ms Stevens congratulating Mr ap Iorwerth on Plaid Cymru’s election results and his appointment as First Minister.

The Welsh Secretary said it was important for the UK and Welsh Governments to work constructively together on shared priorities.

Those issues include the cost of living, poverty, public services, economic growth and the delivery of clean energy infrastructure in Wales.

Ms Stevens also raised the importance of collaboration on Welsh steelmaking and the transition at Port Talbot, as well as growth funds, defence and national security.

The conversation follows a call last week between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the new First Minister, during which Mr Starmer also congratulated him on his appointment.

The Prime Minister has offered to meet Mr ap Iorwerth in person in June to discuss shared issues and priorities.

News

New Welsh Government urged to end ‘injustice’ of term-time only pay

Published

11 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SCHOOL support staff in Wales are being pushed into poverty by “unfair” term-time only contracts, UNISON Cymru has warned.

The union is calling on the new Welsh Government to scrap the practice and establish a new body to negotiate pay for school support workers.

The call will be made at the TUC Cymru Congress in Llandudno today, Tuesday (May 19), where UNISON Cymru regional secretary Jess Turner will move a motion on the issue.

She will say: “Thousands of school support staff, mainly women, are trapped in poverty because of the unfairness of term-time only pay.

“Teaching assistants, cleaners, catering staff and admin workers support children and keep schools running, but many struggle to pay bills and have to take on second jobs just to survive.

“One in six school support staff in Wales has used a food bank. Many earn less across the year than they would on a full-time minimum wage job because they’re only paid when schools are open.

“This is a real opportunity for Wales to do things differently and reward people fairly. Ministers need to set up a body that can negotiate pay for school staff and end the injustice of term-time only pay.”

UNISON says evidence gathered from school support staff across Wales shows widespread financial hardship linked to term-time only contracts.

The union will also host a fringe event at the congress on Wednesday (May 20), calling for action on term-time only pay and further investment in public services.