News

Milford practice parking concerns

Published

10 years ago

February 5, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Health issues: Is a 200 yard walk too far?

PLANS to build 10 two-storey terrace houses by Milford’s Manchester Square, on Fluke Street, were given the go ahead at this week’s County Council planning meeting. However, opponents to the plans expressed their concerns that this would drastically reduce car parking facilities for a nearby health centre.

Speaking with reservations about the proposal, Cllr Stephen Joseph said: “I can understand the scepticism from the recent site visit. This is the only medical centre in Milford, and people come from miles around. It is shared by two doctors’ surgeries. With the Health Board offloading services to Health Centres, this was designed with that in mind. It is due for expansion too.”

He went on to point out that if the development went ahead it would reduce parking to the extent that people who are ill would be forced, in some cases, to walk over 200 yards to attend the health centre.

Adding to the concern was County Councillor Ken Rowlands, who said: “This is not just a local doctor’s practice – it’s two doctors who practice here and it serves a huge area. The local school is bursting at the seams and will need to increase its size and child intake. Also, there is an out lying area population increase.”

Cllr Jacob Williams also expressed his concerns: “I found the site visit helpful because before that I didn’t think there were grounds to object. However, what I learnt was that previous planning consent that exists for the plot now has a condition that it must be for car parking for the health centre. I am now in two minds. It’s about the future and not the present situation. Surely that condition was made with the future in mind? Why was that condition originally set?”

A council officer responded to his question, stating: “When the application was done a different set of parking standards were applied on spaces needed – these have since been revised and have reduced those requirements. The car parking standards have been applied on the number of consulting rooms available in the building.”

Cllr David Bryan finished by saying: “I went on the site visit. If you are attending a doctor’s surgery, you are ill, so you don’t want to be walking 200 yards. I will be voting against this.”

The planning application was, however, approved, despite some votes against.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

5 hours 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

12 hours 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

13 hours 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.