News

Council criticised over Riverside plans

Published

10 years ago

August 20, 2015

Tom Sinclair

The Riverside Market: Showing ‘temporary’ plywood fascias

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has been criticised over its handling of Haverfordwest Library’s relocation to the Riverside Market after it has been suggested that the projected cost of the move could be wildly inaccurate.

According to the data used to calculate the cost of relocating the library to a number of locations, the Riverside option was the cheapest in a central location. The projected total cost of works, including abnormal, came to £1,019,810.97, giving a total cost per square metre of £946.90. This compared favourably with the former site of Ocky White’s, which had a larger area, although concerns were raised about the layout. The estimated costs for work on that site came to £1,676.58 per m2.

The cost of locating the building in the North Wing of County Hall, a larger site, came out at £598.57 per m2, but it was thought that locating the library ‘out of the town centre’ at County Hall would reduce footfall in the town centre. This also applied to the Dew Street Library. A brief visit to Google Street Maps shows that County Hall is 0.3 miles from the centre of Bridge Street, with an estimated walking time of five minutes. The Library on Dew Street is also a five minute walk, though this may not take the hill into account.

It was pointed out when these figures were discussed that they were subject to further surveying work. However, The Herald has learned that a survey of the Riverside Market was in fact carried out some five years ago, when the market traders were told that thebuildingneeded £1.3m of necessary works carried out, in addition to £1.7m worth of desirable works.

Bearing in mind that this survey is five years old, and that no major works have taken place in this time, it would be reasonable to assume that the fabric of the building has deteriorated further, meaning the costs could be even higher. Our reporter was told that the structural steel over the river was meant to be painted every five years. This task had been carried out once, around 20 years ago. When the fascias were removed for the steel to be painted some years ago, the metal was said to be in too poor a condition to paint. A temporary plywood cladding was installed, and remains to this day. Our reporter was shown a number of sites where the roof was leaking – apparently an ongoing problem.

In a meeting held with traders a week before the library relocation was discussed by the cabinet, Michael Cavanagh of the Cultural Services Department is said to have told representatives of the market committee that the actual cost of the works would be double what was quoted.

If we assume that all of the £1.7m of ‘desirable’ work would have been undertaken with the idea of improving the Riverside as a retail venue – by no means a given – and therefore does not apply to the redevelopment of the venue as a library, then this still leaves £1.3m of ‘necessary’ work. This generous assessment, when added to the original estimate, would lead to a figure of £2,319, 810.97, or £2,153 per m2. It is possible that some of the work could be counted twice, though as it was explicitly pointed out that further surveying was needed when the report was presented in January, this seems unlikely.

When the Herald asked Pembrokeshire County Council about this, we were told that the previous survey was ‘historic’, and ‘was not prepared for the same purpose or on the same basis. It was undertaken in the context of a major redevelopment proposal for the town centre’.

Regarding the projected costs a council spokesman said: “ As part of the options appraisal work that led to the Riverside Market being identified as the best location for a new County Library and Information Centre, external Quantity Surveyors provided an estimate of £1,019,810.97. However, this did not include some costs that we anticipate may be required as part of the development, such as replacement of the roof. It also did not include costs associated with relocating the market traders. The full costs of the scheme cannot be identified until the project brief has been finalised, and this work is currently underway as stated in the recent Cabinet report.”

We were also told that the Cultural Services Department had been aware for some time that the costs would by far exceed this figure, and had been told that £2.3m was available for the project.

The earlier assertion that the Riverside Market had not received any major works in recent years was based on talks with many of the traders, who expressed their dissatisfaction with the council’s management of the market, especially in the last 18 months since the plans for relocating the library were first discussed.

It was claimed by more than one person that the council’s treatment of the market over that period amounted to a managed decline, or ‘death by a thousand cuts,’ as one stallholder memorably put it. Half of the market has been empty for some time. Another stallholder said that reports in local media claiming that the market’s closing was only a matter of time when the issue was first raised had meant that people were unwilling to take on any of the vacant units. They added that no particular effort seemed to have been made by the council to fill any of the vacant units. These have now been blocked off by barricading one of the walkways.

This perceived mismanagement has affected the businesses of all the traders we talked to. The Herald was informed that eighteen months ago, when the relocation plans were first discussed, the market had 95% occupancy, which compared very favourably to Haverfordwest town centre as a whole. This has nosedived since – apparently as a result of traders moving elsewhere due to uncertainty about the market’s future, and new traders being unwilling to move in because the council was unwilling to give long-term assurances. The large number of vacant premises and the appearance of the market have both undoubtedly contributed to significantly reduced footfall.

The council has said that help will be given to traders looking to relocate, including two years of business rates relief. This does not take into account the paucity of ‘like for like’ premises in the town centre, which would mean that established businesses would have to move away from their client bases. Apparently, businesses moving to larger premises would receive less assistance. It can be assumed that this would be classified as business expansion rather than the lack of a more suitable property.

The Council was keen to clarify this issue: “The relocation package is on a like-for-like basis so if a trader elects to take a larger unit, the Council will provide support based on a similar-sized unit. This is not a reduced level of financial assistance, it is an apportioned level of assistance.”

Traders expressed their concerns about suitable properties available, and the lack of communication from the council. One trader told us that a ‘mini market’ had been considered for Bridge Street, and that four properties had been viewed. However, no further details had been made available, leading some of the businesses to accuse the council of not answering basic questions pertaining to their future.

As has been pointed out, the uncertainty surrounding the market has led to decreased trade. This has meant that some businesses have found themselves in rent arrears. The council has told businesses in arrears that they face eviction if the money is not paid soon, and that they will not be entitled to any assistance with relocation. Whether or not the council has been honouring the terms of the rental agreement by allowing the market to deteriorate is another question.

News

Paris in February made easy with special direct Air France flights from Cardiff

Published

2 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TRAVELLING to Paris has never been simpler for Welsh holidaymakers, with Air France launching a series of special direct weekend services from Cardiff Airport to the French capital this month.

The limited-period flights offer a convenient, non-stop journey of under two hours to Paris, giving passengers more time to enjoy the city’s culture, cuisine and famous landmarks without the hassle of connections or long road transfers to other UK airports.

Timed perfectly for winter city breaks and Valentine’s getaways, the services run between February 13 and February 16, making them ideal for long weekends.

February is widely considered one of the best times to visit the French capital, with fewer crowds and a relaxed, romantic atmosphere. Visitors can explore world-famous attractions including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame Cathedral, browse galleries at the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, or simply enjoy cafés, bistros and Michelin-starred dining across the city.

With Valentine’s Day falling during the operating period, the flights offer couples an easy escape for scenic walks along the Seine, memorable meals and classic Parisian experiences.

Jon Bridge, CEO of Cardiff Airport, said: “We’re delighted to offer direct flights to such a vibrant city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach, giving customers an easy, friendly travel experience and fantastic options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are excited to make this opportunity possible, with more to come from Cardiff.”

Seats are available now via airfrance.co.uk and through travel agents. As availability is limited, early booking is recommended.

Flight schedule

Cardiff (CWL) to Paris (CDG)

• Feb 13 – AF4149 – 6:20pm → 8:50pm
• Feb 14 – AF4149 – 3:20pm → 5:50pm
• Feb 15 – AF4149 – 9:20am → 11:50am
• Feb 15 – AF4151 – 9:00pm → 11:30pm
• Feb 16 – AF4149 – 9:20am → 11:50am
• Feb 16 – AF4151 – 5:50pm → 8:20pm

Paris (CDG) to Cardiff (CWL)

• Feb 13 – AF4148 – 5:00pm → 5:30pm
• Feb 14 – AF4148 – 2:00pm → 2:30pm
• Feb 15 – AF4148 – 8:00am → 8:30am
• Feb 15 – AF4150 – 7:40pm → 8:10pm
• Feb 16 – AF4148 – 8:00am → 8:30am
• Feb 16 – AF4150 – 4:30pm → 5:00pm

Education

Language commissioner launches probe into school closure impact on Welsh

Published

2 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH Language Commissioner has launched a formal investigation into claims that the proposed closure of a rural Carmarthenshire primary school did not properly assess the impact on the Welsh language.

Campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith confirmed this week that the Welsh Language Commissioner will examine whether Carmarthenshire County Council complied with its legal duties when producing a language impact assessment linked to plans to close Ysgol Llansteffan.

The council issued a statutory notice last year proposing to shut the village school at the end of the summer term as part of wider education reorganisation. A final decision had been expected this spring.

However, the investigation now creates fresh uncertainty over the timetable.

Complaint over ‘insufficient assessment’

Cymdeithas yr Iaith says it submitted a formal complaint arguing that the council failed to produce a sufficiently detailed assessment of how the closure could affect Welsh-medium education and the wider Welsh-speaking community.

The group claims the authority selectively used data to support closure rather than examining all available evidence objectively.

Two key concerns were raised.

Firstly, campaigners argue there may not be enough places in neighbouring Welsh-medium schools to accommodate pupils from Llansteffan and nearby housing developments, potentially forcing some families into English-medium provision.

Secondly, they say the assessment did not meaningfully consider the school’s role as a community hub or explore ways the site could generate income and support local Welsh-language activities.

On behalf of local members, Ffred Ffransis said: “There will not be places for all the Llansteffan children, nor for the children of the new housing estates, in other Welsh-medium schools in the area.

“The most cost-effective way of providing sufficient places locally in Welsh-medium education is by keeping open Ysgol Llansteffan and making better use of the buildings, including environmental education and community use.”

Formal investigation

In a letter to the group, the commissioner confirmed an investigation will be held under Section 71 of the Welsh Language Measure to determine whether the council complied with Welsh language standards.

The probe could take up to three months.

Campaigners believe this may delay implementation of the closure and could require the council to revisit its assessment and potentially carry out a fresh statutory consultation.

Ffransis said: “Even if the council now decided to make a full and meaningful assessment, there would likely have to be a new consultation. The original decision may have been taken on a faulty basis.”

He added that similar concerns had been raised about language impact assessments connected to other proposed school closures in the county.

Council position

The council has previously said that school reorganisation proposals are driven by falling pupil numbers, financial pressures and the need to ensure sustainable, high-quality education.

Authorities across Wales have faced difficult decisions in recent years as rural rolls decline and building maintenance costs rise.

It is expected the council will respond formally to the commissioner’s investigation in due course.

What happens next

If the commissioner finds that language standards were not properly followed, enforcement steps could be taken and the process delayed or revisited.

For families in Llansteffan, the outcome may determine whether their local Welsh-medium school remains open beyond the summer term.

The Herald has contacted Carmarthenshire County Council for comment.

Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.

Business

First Minister criticised after ‘Netflix’ comment on struggling high streets

Published

2 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Government announces 15% support package but campaigners say costs still crushing hospitality

PUBS, cafés and restaurants across Wales will receive extra business rates relief — but ministers are facing criticism after comments suggesting people staying home watching Netflix are partly to blame for struggling high streets.

The Welsh Government has announced a 15% business rates discount for around 4,400 hospitality businesses in 2026-27, backed by up to £8 million in funding.

Announcing the package, Welsh Government Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “Pubs, restaurants, cafés, bars, and live music venues are at the heart of communities across Wales. We know they are facing real pressures, from rising costs to changing consumer habits.

“This additional support will help around 4,400 businesses as they adapt to these challenges.”

The announcement came hours after Eluned Morgan suggested in Senedd discussions that changing lifestyles — including more time spent at home on streaming services — were contributing to falling footfall in town centres.

The remarks prompted political backlash.

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Jane Dodds, said: “People are not willingly choosing Netflix over the high street. They are being forced indoors because prices keep rising and wages are not.

“Blaming people for staying at home is an insult to business owners who are working longer hours just to survive.”

Industry groups say the problem runs deeper than consumer behaviour.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) welcomed the discount but warned it would not prevent closures.

Chris Charters, CAMRA Wales director, said: “15% off for a year is only the start. It won’t fix the unfair business rates system our pubs are being crushed by.

“Welsh publicans need a permanent solution, or doors will continue to close.”

Across Pembrokeshire, traders have repeatedly told The Herald that rising energy bills, wage pressures and rates — rather than a lack of willingness to go out — are keeping customers away.

Several town centres have seen growing numbers of empty units over the past year, with independent shops and hospitality venues reporting reduced footfall outside the main tourist season.

While ministers say the relief balances support with tight public finances, business groups are calling for wider and longer-term reform.

Further debate on rates changes is expected later this year.