News

Contentious adventure tourism hub back before national park planners

Published

7 hours ago

October 13, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CONTENTIOUS scheme for a new adventure tourism hub in north Pembrokeshire is recommended to be backed by the national park next week despite Welsh government putting on hold any final decision of support.

Jet Moore, managing director of Adventure Beyond Ltd, is seeking permission for an outdoor adventure centre, with art studio and storage space above, and associated works at The Old Bus Depot, Moylegrove.

The application has been before multiple meetings of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, and was again recommended for approval at the September meeting, when the application was again deferred, returning to the October 16 meeting.

The plot was originally used as a bus depot by the founder of the Richards Bros bus company.

Concerns have been raised about the scheme, including local community council Nevern, and opponents fear that increased business for adventure firms will worsen the plight of birds and animals, some of which are on the UK’s amber conservation list.

A number of letters of support have also been received saying it would provide support for the local tourist economy, protect local jobs, and redevelop a brownfield site.

In a supporting statement for the scheme, Jet Moore, managing director of coasteering, kayaking and field studies outdoor activities provider Adventure Beyond Ltd, has previously said a site previously used for equipment and vehicles necessary for activities at Ceibwr Bay and surrounds may soon be unavailable, with “the Old Bus Depot site is the only suitable commercial site for us to transfer our operations to”.

The application was previously deferred at both the June and July meetings, the former for a site visit.

Since the early July site visit, “a Holding Direction has been received from Welsh Government which does not allow for a positive decision to be issued prior to the Direction being lifted, but this does not prevent the application being considered by members”.

A Welsh Government ‘holding direction’ allows time to consider whether the application should be ‘called-in’ for Welsh Government determination or not, meaning the authority can consider the scheme but can’t grant permission until that status is decided.

A report for members also says: “Through the application process a revised design has been submitted as an amendment which is considered to better respect the local vernacular of an edge of settlement development, and re-consultation has taken place.”

It adds: “The amended design is considered to be appropriate as a response to the specific location and not to result in a development form which is visually intrusive. The siting of the buildings is considered appropriate and not to result in a significant adverse impact on any neighbouring properties. Whilst the use of the adventure centre will result in a greater level of trip generation than the existing vacant use of the land, it is recognised that national planning policy supports the appropriate redevelopment of previously developed land.

“The building has been described as overbearing due to its two-storey nature. The original building was single storey, built to be able to service buses, but did not have a first floor. This proposal originally comprised a much more industrial looking building with a low shallow pitched roof and a full first floor.

“The application was revised, with the request that the building be made a more traditional rural shape with the pitch of the first floor being more towards the eastern end of the site in order to minimise impacts on the adjacent residential properties.”

Recommending the scheme is supported the report says: “Overall, the proposal is considered to comply with relevant national and local planning policies and can be supported subject to the imposition of appropriate planning conditions.”

Entertainment

New drama series ‘Cleddau’ premieres tonight on S4C

Published

4 hours ago

October 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A NEW Welsh drama series, Cleddau, is set to captivate audiences with its thrilling combination of a murder mystery and an intense love story. The six-part series, with each episode running for 60 minutes, will premiere tonight, Sunday 13th October, at 9pm on S4C.

Set in Pembroke Dock, Cleddau brings together some of the finest talent in Welsh crime drama. The series is penned by renowned writer Catherine Tregenna, known for her work on The Bench, Law & Order UK, Lewis, and DCI Banks. The cast includes Elen Rhys (The Mallorca Files, Craith/Hidden), Richard Harrington (Y Gwyll/Hinterland), and Rhian Blythe (Y Golau/The Light in the Hall, Craith/Hidden).

The gripping storyline begins with the shocking murder of a nurse, which reopens old wounds in the tight-knit community of Pembroke Dock. As the investigation unfolds, it throws a historic conviction into doubt, raising the disturbing possibility of a copycat killer. At the heart of the drama is the reunion of two former lovers, now tasked with solving the case, as they navigate both the complexities of the crime and their shared past.

With twists and turns throughout, Cleddau promises viewers a heart-stopping finale, offering a forensic examination of a town, a killer, and the turbulent relationship of the central characters.

All episodes will be broadcast in Welsh with English subtitles available across all platforms. The first episode airs tonight on S4C, and will also be available on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer. Don’t miss the premiere at 9pm!

Community

Final ride for biker Mark: Wife Ros appeals for bikers to join tribute

Published

6 hours ago

October 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN a heartfelt plea, Ros, the widow of lifelong motorcycle enthusiast Mark, has reached out to the local biking community to join her in a final ride to honour her late husband, who passed away unexpectedly after a short illness.

Mark, a passionate biker since the age of 16, spent much of his life restoring and riding motorcycles. He and Ros recently returned to their homeland of Wales after living in East Anglia for many years, hoping to enjoy a long and happy retirement together. Sadly, their plans were cut short when Mark became too ill to ride just two weeks after getting his bikes back on the road.

Mark’s love for motorcycles began in his youth, with many fond memories of touring with Ros on their Suzuki Bandit. Recently, his passion turned to restoring Moto Guzzis. “He was an ordinary guy who loved to ride and restore motorcycles,” Ros shared, adding that they had shared countless rides together, braving the elements and learning just how ineffective waterproof leathers could be on long trips.

Mark’s funeral is scheduled for the morning of Saturday, October 19. As a tribute to their shared memories of the Suzuki Bandit days, Ros has hired a Hayabusa hearse to take Mark on his final ride from their home near Cresswell Quay to Narberth Crematorium. Ros will ride pillion on the hearse, accompanying Mark on his last journey.

Ros is asking fellow bikers to join them for Mark’s final ride, creating the roar of motorcycles that Mark loved so much. “Please, if any of you can make it, I would love as many fellow bikers to ride with us on Mark’s final ride – and to make enough noise so he can hear us as he travels on down the road to the next world,” she said.

The cortege will leave their home at around 10:30am., heading first to Cresswell Quay, where the couple shared many happy bike nights with friends. Bikers are encouraged to meet there and join the ride, which will proceed to Narberth Crematorium, where the funeral directors, Rossiters, have requested an arrival by 11:15am.

After the service, Ros plans to return to the Cresselly Arms to celebrate Mark’s life in one of his favourite places. “I will be streaming tears of joy as well as sadness as we see him off on his final journey,” she said.

Ros’s appeal to the biking community is a touching reminder of the strong bond shared by those who ride. It’s clear that Mark’s passion for motorcycles and the camaraderie he found on the road will live on in the memories of those who join him for this final ride.

For those who wish to pay tribute to Mark, your presence on this special day would be greatly appreciated.

Community

Pembroke Michaelmas Fair opens with traditional fun and flair

Published

6 hours ago

October 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CROWDS flocked to Main Street, Pembroke, on a dry and pleasant evening for the annual Michaelmas Fair, an event with origins dating back to a royal charter granted in medieval times. The fair continues to draw both young and old to enjoy a variety of side stalls and traditional attractions.

The festivities began on Thursday night (Oct 10) with the rhythmic beats of Samba Doc, whose vibrant performance energised the crowd as they marched up Main Street towards the iconic Waltzers. The Mayor of Pembroke, Councillor Ann Mortenson, officially opened the fair alongside Mr Henry Studt, Chairman of the Showmen’s Guild, and Town Crier Councillor Gareth Jones, whose lively “Cry of the Fair” captivated the audience.

Following the opening, a reception hosted by the Showmen’s Guild took place at Pembroke Town Hall. Mr Studt expressed his gratitude to the people of Pembroke for their continued warm hospitality, noting how welcome the Showmen’s Guild always feels in the community. He also highlighted the success of the recent Haverfordwest Fair, which has now returned to the Rifleman’s car park after a period of relocation.