News

Confusion over library plans

Published

10 years ago

January 28, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Why can’t this building reopen?: Haverforwest County Library

PLANS to relocate the County Library from its current temporary home to Haverfordwest’s Riverside Market have been given a cautious welcome from local councillor Tom Tudor, while some traders at the Riverside Market have expressed dismay at the plans. Cllr Tudor told The Herald: “Following the last meeting of Full Council I made a request as to why the old library building can’t be put back into use. Ian Wesley then contacted me saying that he is consulting with businesses regarding moving the library in Haverfordwest into the Riverside Market.”

He added: “If the Cabinet are determined, then Pembrokeshire County Council should think outside the box and incorporate the longer established businesses into the new development. This, I believe, will help with footfall to both those businesses and the library itself.” When asked why the library cannot be returned to the original building, Cllr Tudor said: “So far I have not had any reasons. There is a lot of talk, but there has been no comprehensive explanation, nor an engineer’s report on the building.”

Meanwhile, traders at Haverfordwest Market have expressed grave concerns over the future of their businesses if they are forced out of their present location. One trader, who did not want to be named, told The Herald: “We haven’t even been consulted about this. It’s disgusting, the way they think they can just tell us what to do and we don’t have any say.”

As reported previously in this newspaper, the Cabinet is considering making use of vacant properties on Bridge Street to house some of the market traders’ businesses. There will soon be one more vacant shop premises available, should the Council press ahead with its scheme. The Profi le clothing store is soon to close, with the company citing high overheads as a contributory factor to its withdrawal from the town centre.

The Cabinet has given no indication for how it believes market stall holders will be able to afford the rents and rates of commercial properties on Bridge Street, how it will compensate stall holders for uprooting them, or what assistance it will offer them if they are forced to move. The manager of Terminal Records, Mr Thompson, located in the Riverside Market, said he disagreed with the Riverside suggestion.

He said: “I think the library should be located to the bottom of town, and that the Shire Hall would be the ideal building. It’s a great building at the bottom of Haverfordwest, and its a great shame that it is not going to be put to use. Mr Thompson added: “I disagree bitterly with Cllr Tom Tudor’s suggestion that that the library should move to the Riverside Market. I’d like to know when the council sold the Shire Hall building, who to and how much for.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.