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Community

Calls for ‘dangerous’ speed limit in Pembrokeshire village to be lowered

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A PETITION calling for the speed limit to be reduced through a north Pembrokeshire village to address “a serious safety concern for the community” is to be heard by councillors later this week.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, meeting on November 15, are to consider a petition, entitled Reduce the Speed Limit at Square and Compass, calling for a reduction of the current 50mph limit on that section of the A487 Fishguard-St Davids road.

The petition, which attracted 127 signatures on the council’s own website, was started by Emma Tannahill, and has met the threshold for committee debate.

It reads: “We call on Pembrokeshire County Council to reduce the current speed limit of 50 miles per hour on the main road (A487) through Square and Compass as it is a serious safety concern for the community. This road is home to many families with young children.

“A school bus from Croes Goch Primary School has a drop-off point on this stretch of road which further exacerbates the risk of accidents. In addition, there are young families that cycle to and from Croes Goch primary school along this road.

“This section of road also serves as a thoroughfare for traffic to and from Croes Goch petrol station and Torbant caravan-site. Both of which see a high volume of traffic and pedestrian activity. The high speeds of traffic on the main road is a risk to those coming in and out of these sites.

“In addition to the petrol station and caravan-site there is also a pub and public bus stop, both of which are adjacent to this 50 mile per hour section of road. Reducing the speed limit would significantly improve safety for pedestrians and cyclist.”

Committee members will hear the petition at their November meeting.

A further speed reduction call petition, by Emma Pritchard of Broadway Community Group, for the Pembrokeshire village of Broadway will also be heard by the committee.

That petition reads: “We call on Pembrokeshire County Council to reduce the speed limit through the community of Broadway.

“The road is shared with pedestrians, children, dogs, horses and cyclists. It is the ‘pavement’ through Broadway. The current speed limit is dangerous to those sharing the road with vehicles.”

Community

Public meeting for Haverfordwest’s new transport interchange

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RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are invited to attend a public engagement event at HaverHub on Thursday, 21st November from 3:00pm to 7:00pm to meet the team behind the upcoming Public Transport Interchange (PTI) development. The event will provide an opportunity for local people to learn more about the exciting project, which is due to start its rebuild phase imminently.

The PTI scheme forms part of the broader South West Wales Metro project, designed to create a modern, integrated transport hub for Haverfordwest. The new facility will bring significant improvements to local transport infrastructure, including enhancements to pedestrian and cycle access, as well as a more efficient and accessible bus station.

Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, and Climate Change, said: “This is another exciting step in the extensive regeneration of Haverfordwest, and we look forward to seeing construction start on this important project.”

The new development will include seven bus bays, upgraded passenger facilities, and a multi-storey car park with around 280 spaces. The car park will also feature electric vehicle charging points, with provisions for future expansion, as well as solar panels on the roof. These green features are part of the project’s commitment to sustainability and the promotion of Active Travel, with a focus on walking and cycling.

Cllr Thomas Tudor, County Councillor for the Castle Ward, welcomed the public engagement event, saying: “This is a great opportunity for residents to come together and learn more about the ongoing regeneration projects that will improve the town for everyone.”

The PTI project will also improve car parking provision and local bus access at Haverfordwest railway station, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable transport network for the town.

Jason Taylor, Regional Director at Kier Construction, said: “We are excited to meet the people of Haverfordwest and share the plans for this important project. Kier is proud of its Welsh heritage and thrilled to contribute to the town’s development.”

Kier Construction, which has been awarded the contract to build the PTI, will also have a presence at Riverside Shopping Centre, where residents can drop in for more information once work begins this month.

Please note that the temporary Riverside car park has closed to make way for the development.

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Business

Cilgerran cafe could close but a new one could open as plans submitted

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A CALL to convert a Pembrokeshire village café back to a house, while another ongoing scheme in the same village seeks to convert a house to a café, have been submitted to county planners.

David McDonald, through agent Acer Town Planning, seeks permission to change the use of the ground floor of Awelfa, High Street, Cilgerran from a café to being used as part of the attached dwelling.

A supporting statement, through the agent, says Adele’s café at Awelfa, High Street was originally a dwelling but has seen mixed commercial use for decades.

“Prior to opening as Adele’s café by the applicant, the ground floor commercial use had been vacant for around two years having previously been operated as a Chinese takeaway.

“The current owners took over the rental of the property in April 2019 (purchasing in October 2020) and have operated Adele’s café from the premises between June 2019 and August 2024 whilst living in the linked dwellinghouse.

“During this period, the Awelfa, Cilgerran business has been under prolonged and sustained economic pressures from the cost-of-living crisis with the subsequent increases in utility and food costs and minimum wages.

“Summers 2023 and 2024 saw a significant drop in trade from both local customers and, in particular, a drop in the number of tourists visiting the area.  The closure of the toilets and visitors centre at Cilgerran Castle is considered to have contributed to this reduction in visitor numbers.

“The business was closed during January due to low trade and opened again in February for three days a week and then four days a week from April.  Even with reduced opening hours the business has not been viable for the applicant to continue operating.  The reluctant decision was therefore made to sell the property and trading ceased on August 24.”

The statement says was put up for sale with no offers to buy despite several price reductions, with only three viewings in total.

“In order to increase the pool of buyers for the property, the applicant is now applying for the change of use of the café areas back to form part of the residential use of the main dwelling (as per the original building),” the statement adds.

It also references an unrelated application to convert The Old Post House, High Street, owned by nearby village stores Siop Y Pentre, from a dwelling to a café and flat, saying it “could act as a replacement facility for the community”.

Both applications are currently before planners and are expected to be considered at a later date.

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Community

Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest is now officially open!

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WALDO Lounge has officially joined Haverfordwest High Street, promising to be a “home-from-home” with a welcoming atmosphere and a variety of offerings for the community.

The venue offers an all-day menu featuring everything from hearty breakfasts to indulgent dinners, with dedicated gluten-free and vegan menus ensuring there’s something for everyone. Guests can enjoy a relaxed environment complete with board games for all ages, toys for younger visitors, and even refreshments for canine companions. Whether you’re stopping by for coffee with friends, a family brunch, or an evening meal, Waldo Lounge aims to create a space where every customer leaves happy.

The ground floor of the Western Quayside development has been transformed by Loungers PLC into a cosy yet stylish haven. Highlights include vibrant wallpapers, Gothic chandeliers, vintage sofas, and a back bar mural that nods to Haverfordwest’s mediaeval past.

Gemma Irwin, Head of Community at Loungers, shared her enthusiasm for the opening:
“We are delighted to bring Waldo Lounge to Haverfordwest. At Loungers, we put community at the heart of hospitality. Our teams are encouraged to connect with local groups, charities, and businesses, making a meaningful difference. We can’t wait to welcome residents to our new home.”

The venue’s family-friendly ethos extends to providing high chairs, baby-changing facilities, and a selection of games and activities for younger guests. With this combination of features, Waldo Lounge seeks to become a central hub for the community.

Council leaders have praised the addition to Haverfordwest’s town centre. Pembrokeshire County Council Leader, Cllr Jon Harvey, commented: “This is a fantastic addition to the hospitality sector in Haverfordwest. Waldo Lounge will undoubtedly improve footfall and vibrancy, showcasing Western Quayside as a key asset to our town.”

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Cllr Paul Miller, added: “Loungers shares our vision for Western Quayside, and this opening represents a significant step in regenerating Haverfordwest. It’s exciting to see the area evolving into a great place to live, work, and visit.”

Paul McGeown, a Site Manager for Loungers who oversaw the Waldo Lounge project, shared his experience: “The project itself was an enjoyable one, and the community were great and very welcoming. I’ve been with Loungers for over seven years now, working nationally since October 2017, and it’s been amazing to be part of such a rapidly expanding and fantastic company. My family lives in Pembrokeshire, so I’ll definitely be visiting Waldo Lounge when I’m there on holiday. I wish the team every success in their new home!”

With its eclectic design, varied menu, and community focus, Waldo Lounge is poised to become a firm favourite among residents and visitors alike.

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