News
‘Fishguard Marina: Bring it on!’
NEW plans have been submitted for the Fishguard Marina project by Conygar Stena Line Limited after locals wait for news for over a decade.
Planning and marine licence applications have been submitted to the Marine Management Organisation for the the first phase of the Fishguard Harbour Marina project by Conygar Stena Line Limited, a joint venture between The Conygar Investment Company PLC and Stena Line.
This consists of the construction of two new breakwaters, revetments and an 8 hectare reclamation platform, 1.4 hectares of which would be allocated for the future port development works and the remainder for the residential and marina related development.
In addition, the proposed development will include the construction of a marina basin to accommodate 345 berths and an approach channel to provide all tide access.The first phase of the development would also include a public slipway, a boat hoist and a service quay for local fishing boats.
The Fishguard Marina proposal has been in the news since late 2003 with locals eagerly awaiting solid information on the sites development ever since.
Both Conygar and Stena Line believe that this exciting regeneration scheme will be a major boost to the economy of the area, creating an exciting visitor destination together with much needed employment opportunities.
The granting of a planning consent will allow for a reconfiguration and expansion of the port facilities to deliver further economic and commercial benefits and reaffirm the Stena Line commitment to ensuring Fishguard remains a thriving port.
The end value of the development is expected to be in excess of £100 million. The Crown Estate, owners of the sea bed, and Pembrokeshire County Council who own much of the surrounding harbour area, have welcomed the proposals and Neil Jacobson, Head of Coastal Operations, said:“The proposed redevelopment would bring considerable long-term economic benefit to the area and we are pleased that this exciting proposal has been submitted to the County Council for consideration.”
Michael McGrath, Stena Line Area Director, commented: “We look forward to working with all the relevant parties concerned to move these projects forward which are critical to our business and the local economy.”
Robert Ware, CEO of Conygar said: “The submission of these applications for the construction of the infrastructure which includes two breakwaters, dredging the marina basin and so creating a platform for the housing, is an important further step towards Conygar being able to deliver the residential development and the marina with its ancillary facilities.”
“Bring it on!” Said local man and Sea Trust founder Cliff Benson: “I think it will create jobs and if done sensitively and sustainably will greatly enhance Goodwick and Fishguard, We have been advising Conygar on conservation Issues as well as conducting surveys.
“We will continue to be consulted as to the ongoing protection of the marine wildlife of the area which Conygar is keen to take on board.” He added.
Crime
Police appeal for information after several tractors stolen
POLICE officers in Pembrokeshire investigating a theft from several tractors, which happened overnight between April 17-18, 2024.
The tractors had been in a field near to Loch Turfin, Haverfordwest.
Included in the stolen items were vehicle keys, tools and waterproof clothing.
A spokesperson said “Police are now appealing for anyone with information that could help them with their investigation to contact PC 772 Boyt either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 101.
“Quote reference: 24*355571”
Community
Pembrokeshire firefighters help deliver fire engines to Ukraine
FIRE services from across the United Kingdom have rallied together to donate vital firefighting equipment to Ukraine, amidst ongoing conflicts that have seen local fire stations and firefighters come under direct attack.
The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) was at the forefront of this international goodwill effort, donating three fire appliances and dispatching nine of their personnel to ensure safe delivery.
The initiative, coordinated by Fire Aid UK, involved a total of 11 UK fire services. Over a grueling 5.5-day journey that spanned several countries—starting from Kent Fire and Rescue Service and moving through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and into Poland—33 fire appliances were transported to a location just 20 miles from the Ukraine border. They left Kent on April 23.
This convoy, laden with not just fire engines but also 3000 items of critical firefighting gear including cutting equipment, fire hoses, first aid kits, and generators, was a sight of resilience and humanitarian commitment. Watch Manager Rob MakePeace, a Business Fire Safety Officer, and Watch Manager Keith Jenkins, who is retired but still oversees part-time personnel at Haverfordwest, played pivotal roles in the operation from Pembrokeshire.
Speaking on the experience, Keith Jenkins expressed the profound impact of the mission, “It was a fantastic experience to be involved in. The convoy itself was an amazing sight, but the people we met, places we stayed and the reason we were delivering the appliances was something we will remember for a long time.”
The donation comes at a critical time for Ukraine, where daily attacks have not only jeopardized the lives of local firefighters but have also devastated much of the essential infrastructure needed to fight fires effectively. The additional appliances and equipment from the UK are expected to significantly bolster the capabilities of the Ukrainian fire departments, providing them with the necessary tools to save lives and protect property under dire circumstances.
This act of generosity and the strenuous efforts by the UK firefighters underscore a deep commitment to aiding those in peril, transcending borders and showcasing the best of international cooperation and humanitarian assistance.
News
Protest outside Stephen Crabb’s office over Rwanda deportations
SUPPORTERS of West Wales Stand Up to Racism group will attend a protest outside the office of Stephen Crabb MP in Market Street at 6pm on Tuesday evening (May 7).
The protest is to highlight the inhumane scheme to send refugees to Rwanda.
Since the Rwanda Bill was finally passed last week, refugees have already been identified, detained and are being prepared to be flown to Rwanda to have their asylum claims processed there.
Rushi Sunak has said “To detain people while we prepare to remove them, we’ve increased detention spaces to 2,200.
“To quickly process claims, we’ve got 200 trained, dedicated caseworkers ready and waiting. To deal with any legal cases quickly and decisively, the judiciary has made available 25 courtrooms and identified 150 judges who could provide over 5,000 sitting days.”
The protestors are asking: why is all this money being spent when these vulnerable people could have their asylum claims dealt with in the UK?
If the Prime Minister hoped his Rwanda plan would help get more votes for the Conservative Party in the recent elections, it would appear he was mistaken.
A new report from the Refugee Council warns that the UK Government’s flagship Illegal Migration Act and Rwanda Plan will lead to another catastrophic “system meltdown”, trapping over 100,000 people in permanent limbo while costing taxpayers billions.
West Wales Stand Up to Racism has campaigned against the Government’s plan to send refugees to Rwanda from the time this scheme was first suggested.
Supporters have previously met with Simon Hart MP and attempted to deliver a giant postcard to his office.
The group has taken part in the online Hands in Protest project organised by Artisan Avenue, Tenby which allowed everyone to express on line how they felt about Rwanda by submitting drawings of their own hands. The collective Hands In Protest gives a powerful message that the Rwanda plan should be stopped.
The organisers said: “Supporters will be once more taking the giant postcard on Tuesday, to protest about the Rwanda scheme. We will have small post cards for supporters to write messages to Stephen Crabb, telling him how strongly we feel about this.
“All over the UK, anti-racists are picketing Home Office buildings to show their opposition to the Rwanda scheme and are trying to prevent arrests and giving support to the refugees being arrested and detained.
“West Wales Stand Up to Racism supporters want to make their voices heard too.”
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