News

Council denies claims new Haverfordwest bridge is wrong size

Published

7 months ago

July 17, 2025

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has rejected claims that the new pedestrian bridge in Haverfordwest has been fabricated 300mm too short.

The bridge, which forms part of a wider town centre regeneration scheme, was delivered to the site in late May and is scheduled for installation on the weekend of August 16–17.

In recent weeks, The Herald has received multiple reports alleging that the structure was slightly too short and that adjustments were being made to the concrete bases to compensate. One trusted source said the bridge was “300mm too short” and claimed: “They aren’t extending it, but they are re-doing the concrete bases to receive it.”

A town councillor, speaking anonymously, also told The Herald they had heard the fabricators used the old bridge as a reference and ended up “around 15 to 20 centimetres out.”

However, the council has issued a firm denial.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: “This is incorrect/false information. There hasn’t been any modification undertaken to the concrete bases as originally designed and constructed. No adjustment was made or required. There are no contractor or design errors.”

According to the council, the crane required for lifting the bridge into place is due to arrive on site on August 11. The booking for the crane was made in February.

The bridge has been promoted as a visual centrepiece for the town, with ambitions to boost footfall and appeal to visitors and social media users. Some residents, however, have voiced frustration over delays and limited visible progress.

The Herald will continue to monitor the situation.

Crime

Drink-driver narrowly avoided collision in town centre

Published

17 seconds ago

February 4, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

Motorist almost three times over legal limit

A DRINK-driver narrowly avoided crashing into another vehicle while almost three times over the legal alcohol limit, a court has heard.

Nathan Lloyd, 33, was seen driving a Nissan X-Trail in Haverfordwest in the early hours of December 20 without headlights.

Police followed the vehicle, which narrowly missed a car and struck a kerb before being stopped.

Lloyd, of Adams Drive, Narberth, recorded a breath reading of 97 micrograms of alcohol, nearly three times the legal limit.

He was disqualified from driving for two years and given a 12-month community order requiring 80 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation days. He was ordered to pay £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

Crime

Drug-driving linked to paddleboard tragedy anniversary

Published

1 minute ago

February 4, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

Court hears woman turned to cocaine to cope

A WOMAN struggling with the anniversary of the Haverfordwest paddleboard tragedy turned to cocaine to cope, a court heard.

Vicki McKinwen, 53, was stopped by police while driving a Volvo V70 in Milford Haven and later found to have 363 micrograms of benzoylecgonine in her system, well above the legal limit.

Her solicitor Jess Hill said McKinwen had been directly affected by the tragedy and her mental health deteriorates around the anniversary.

“She now understands the consequences and never wants to use drugs again,” she added.

McKinwen, of The Square, Hubberston Road, Milford Haven, was banned from driving for 12 months. She was fined £138 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £55 surcharge.