News
Multi-million pound grant funding for transport projects sought
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is seeking £10.3 million grant funding from Welsh Government for a range of important transport improvement and active travel projects.
The projects will benefit local communities all over the county, said Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader.
Cllr Miller added: “By approving the need for these bids to be submitted we are demonstrating our commitment to improving communities for all residents, across Pembrokeshire.”
Among the Local Transport Fund grants bids being made are Public Transport Interchange Improvements at Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock.
A detailed scheme update on the Milford haven scheme was provided to the Cabinet last month. Subject to confirmation of further funding contributions from Welsh Government, work could start to begin on site next year and be completed in 2026.
This project is a key enabler for improving rail connectivity for Milford Haven and Pembrokeshire as a whole.
It also supports the work being done with Welsh and UK Governments as well as Great Western Railways to secure the return of direct, high speed, intercity services to the town.
The scheme involves improvement works to the existing Milford Haven train station to create a new public transport interchange by relocating the existing rail platform and providing a dedicated bus interchange between the station and retail area, along with a taxi rank, formalised car park, public realm spaces and improved Active Travel links.
The Pembroke Dock Interchange scheme is for a new public transport and active link from Pembroke Dock Retail Park, and subject to grant award, work would concentrate on design of connectivity into the interchange from London Road, and the installation of Traffic Signals.
The Active Travel Fund is an opportunity to seek funding for the completion of schemes in Saundersfoot, at Stammers Road and Francis Road.
The Resilient Roads Fund bid will cover a bid for the Newgale Coastal Adaptation and A487 Diversion. An update was provided to Cabinet meeting on 9th September.
There has been extensive engagement and consultation on this scheme, and the solution recommended is based on significant data and evidence which is contained in the project website library. There remains some discussion over the scheme proposal from some members of the community, and the Council is committed to listing to all views, and explaining its stance on adaptation to the challenges presented by climate change at this location.
Preparation of a Planning Application, including the statutory Pre-Application Consultation, is due later this financial year, which will again allow open and transparent scrutiny of proposals.
The Council’s proposals are about adaptation to tackle the scale of the problem of climate change.
Meanwhile, the county’s provision of electric charging points is seeking a boost with an application for grant to further expand the network and related infrastructure.
Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services added: “These bids, if approved, will bring to improvements to travel for all aspects of transportation in Pembrokeshire. Drivers, commuters, cyclists, pedestrians and others will all benefit.”
Crime
Bin lorry driver banned after “squishing” man in road rage incident
RHYS GRIFFITHS, a former bin lorry driver, has been banned from driving after injuring a man by colliding with his car door during a road confrontation on St Issels Avenue, Haverfordwest, on 22 February 2023.
Swansea Crown Court heard from Prosecutor Harry Dickens that Griffiths, 32, accelerated towards the victim’s vehicle, stopping bumper-to-bumper. Following a brief verbal exchange, the victim turned back to his car, only to hear Griffiths rev his engine, mount the kerb, and strike the driver-side door, pinning the man against his own car. Though the victim felt pain in his thighs, he did not require medical attention, and only minor damage was reported to the car.
Griffiths left the scene without stopping, and a witness alerted the police. The victim later told officers: “There was no need for this incident at all.”
Griffiths initially pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving, later changing his plea to guilty on the day of his trial. His defence lawyer, Emily Bennett, expressed Griffiths’ “deep shame” over the incident, noting he had been redeployed from his job as a bin lorry driver due to the offence.
Judge Paul Thomas KC described Griffiths’ actions as “incredibly stupid” and sentenced him to 10 months, suspended for 18 months. Griffiths must complete 100 hours of unpaid work, 25 rehabilitation days, and pay £1,200 in costs due to the lateness of his plea. Additionally, he was disqualified from driving for 12 months and must pass an extended driving test to regain his licence.
Health
Welsh GP committee reject contract offer and hold referendum for members
BMA Cymru Wales’ GP committee has voted unanimously to reject the Welsh Government’s offer for the 2024/2025 GMS (General Medical services) contract, as it fails to provide a credible and sustainable future for general practice.
GPs in Wales will now vote on whether to accept or reject the contract in a referendum which will open later this month.*
Dr Gareth Oelmann, chair of the BMA’s Welsh GP committee said:
“The decision to disregard the serious concerns and valuable contribution of general practice once again in Wales is beyond insulting, it is dangerous, leaving more surgeries and their patients in peril.
“We are deeply concerned that this offer will leave more practices with no option but to close their doors. GP practices are being denied the resources they need to deliver vital services to the population.
“For years, the service has been starved of adequate funding which has led to the closure of 100 surgeries since 2012. This is having a devastating impact on general practice.
“A recent survey** of our members showed that 91% of GPs are routinely unable to meet patient demand due to unsustainably high workloads.
“With 100 fewer surgeries for patients to turn to, GPs are now seeing up to 35% more patients each, causing unsustainably high workloads and burnout with doctors being expected to do more with less, risking patient safety. How long can this continue?”
Dr Oelmann continued: “General Practice is the foundation of a high-quality, cost-effective health system, but successive governments have insisted on ignoring the vital role general practice plays in the national health service.
“Welsh Government had an opportunity to change the current trajectory but has failed to do so. It is now up to GPs to decide what happens next.”
Entertainment
Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience torock Tenby Blues Festival
THE soulful, genre-bending blues act, Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience, is set to take the main stage on Friday at Tenby Blues Festival, bringing their high-energy mix of blues, rock, and soul.
Ranked #3 on both the Roots Music Report UK and the UK IBBA Most Played chart in September 2024, Pat Fulgoni’s latest album, Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience, has captured the hearts of blues lovers across the UK. Released on September 27, 2024, the album has received praise for its dynamic fusion of blues, funk, and soul. Tracks like “Drifter,” “Keep The Blues Alive,” and “Stickin’ the Knife in Blues” showcase Fulgoni’s powerful vocals, which have been hailed by Billboard magazine, describing him as a singer who “could sing a pearl from its oyster.”
The Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience began as a spontaneous lineup supporting a food bank fundraiser in Huddersfield. Since then, Fulgoni and his band have performed at numerous blues festivals, from Colne Blues to Blues Alive in the Czech Republic, and have built a reputation as a sought-after live act. The band’s lineup features rising guitar talent Jacob Beckwith, alongside the rhythm section of bassist Rory Wells and drummer Zebedee Sylvester, with Sam Bolt on piano. Together, they deliver a distinctive blend of original tracks and classic covers, including “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven” and “Midnight Train.”
For fans of soulful, energetic blues, don’t miss Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience this Friday at Tenby Blues Festival. More information and music are available on Spotify, Bandcamp, and other platforms.
Track Listing:
- Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven
- Drifter
- Keep The Blues Alive
- Midnight Train
- Bleeding Heart
- Lady Day & John Coltrane
- Confusion Blues
- The Thrill Is Gone
- Stickin’ the Knife in Blues
For press inquiries, contact Matt at Chocolate Fireguard on 07974 675244 or email [email protected].
For more updates, follow Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience on Facebook @patfulgonibluesexperience or explore their latest releases on Bandcamp.
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