Asian-inspired takeaway launches on Quay Street offering fresh rice and noodle boxes

A NEW takeaway offering Asian-inspired noodle and rice dishes has opened in Haverfordwest town centre today (Monday, Mar 9).

Stix Noodle Bar has opened its doors at 1a Quay Street, promising fast, fresh meals packed with flavour for customers looking for something different in the town’s growing food scene.

The new business specialises in takeaway boxes filled with rice or noodles, topped with chicken and other ingredients, alongside a range of sauces and sides. The concept focuses on quick, freshly prepared meals designed to be both convenient and full of flavour.

Owner Shaun said he hopes the new venture will become a popular choice for people in Haverfordwest looking for a quick and satisfying meal.

“We’re really excited to be opening in Haverfordwest,” he said. “Stix is all about fresh ingredients, bold flavours and giving people something a little different to enjoy.

“We believe it’s going to be a great addition to the town and we’re looking forward to welcoming customers through the door.”

The takeaway officially opened at 12:00pm on Monday, with the team inviting local residents to stop by and try the menu.

Stix Noodle Bar says it aims to support the local community while bringing a new style of fast-casual dining to the area.

The business is located at 1a Quay Street, Haverfordwest, and customers can visit from midday today as the new venture begins trading.

Historic oil paintings from Pembrokeshire County Art Collection showcased in “Reflections” exhibition

CLLR THOMAS TUDOR recently visited the VC Gallery to view a new exhibition celebrating the work of Narberth-born artist Edgar Thomas.

The exhibition, titled “Reflections,” features a collection of oil paintings by Thomas (1862–1936) and is drawn from the Pembrokeshire County Art Collection. The display has been organised in collaboration with Scolton Manor Park.

The Pembrokeshire County Art Collection holds the largest publicly owned collection of Edgar Thomas’ work anywhere in Wales.

During his lifetime, Thomas was recognised by the Welsh nationalist movement Cymru Fydd (Young Wales) as one of the artists who would represent the movement through the arts.

Despite a promising career, Thomas later fell into relative obscurity following the rise of fellow Pembrokeshire artist Augustus John. John’s major London exhibition opened just weeks before Thomas was due to launch his own, overshadowing the Narberth painter’s work.

Thomas was particularly fascinated by the use of chiaroscuro — the contrast between light and shade — and many of his paintings demonstrate considerable technical skill and delicate brushwork in capturing this dramatic effect in oils.

The exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to rediscover the work of a significant but often overlooked Welsh artist.

Party says Wales is lagging behind rest of UK after nearly three decades of Labour-led government

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES have tabled a debate in the Senedd this week calling for a series of tax cuts and economic reforms, arguing that Wales’ economy is falling behind the rest of the United Kingdom.

The debate, scheduled to take place on Wednesday evening, will focus on what the party says are long-standing economic challenges facing Wales, including low employment levels, rising numbers of people claiming Universal Credit, and high rates of economic inactivity.

According to the Welsh Conservatives, Wales currently has the lowest employment rate in the UK, while unemployment stands at 4.5 per cent. The party also claims that pay packets in Wales remain the lowest in the United Kingdom.

They argue that after almost three decades of Labour-led government in Cardiff Bay, supported at times by Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats, the Welsh economy is underperforming and requires a stronger pro-growth strategy.

The motion being debated will ask the Senedd to note the UK Government’s Spring Statement delivered on Monday (Mar 3) and the latest economic forecasts. It also expresses concern that economic growth projections have been downgraded and that unemployment is expected to rise.

The proposal states that Wales now has record numbers of people receiving Universal Credit and the highest levels of economic inactivity in Great Britain.

Calls for tax cuts

As part of its proposals, the Welsh Conservatives are urging the Welsh Government to introduce several measures aimed at reducing taxes and supporting businesses.

These include cutting the basic rate of Welsh income tax by 1p in the pound, scrapping business rates for small firms, pubs and post offices, and abolishing the proposed tourism tax.

The motion also calls for the abolition of Land Transaction Tax for people purchasing a primary residence and would require local authorities to hold a referendum before increasing council tax by more than five per cent.

Samuel Kurtz MS, the Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary for the Economy, said the party believes the measures would help boost growth and ease pressures on households and businesses.

He said: “Under Labour, enabled by Plaid Cymru and the Lib Dems, the Welsh economy is broken.

“It’s clear that only the Welsh Conservatives have a credible costed plan to cut taxes and lift unnecessary burdens from our drivers of economic growth: hardworking people and businesses.

“Welsh Conservatives want to see a Wales open for business. As part of our plan to get Wales working, we will scrap business rates for small businesses, deliver an income tax cut, axe the tourism tax and ensure the whole of Wales receives investment.”

The debate in the Senedd is expected to begin at around 6:00pm on Wednesday and will be available to watch online via the Senedd’s official broadcast channels.