News
Developer allegedly ‘shuffled’ money
A CABINET grant, originally set out for a two storey office development, is allegedly being used to facilitate a housing project in Johnston.
Councillor Mike Stoddart revealed the findings on his blog after querying a number of aspects about the grant and the housing development.
In January 2015, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet approved a grant of £328,553 to Uzmaston Projects Ltd for the delivery of a 5,700sq ft two storey office in Hayston View, Johnston.
The same company is also building 14 homes on the site adjacent to the office buildings.
The report to Cabinet in January 2015 stated that the total cost of the project was £790,118 but that the completed project was valued at £318,350.
That leaves a development gap of £471,768 and even with the £328,553 grant, the developer would still be £140,000 out of pocket.
Uzmaston Developments also quoted £35,000 for proposed surface water drainage installations.
The estimated cost came to £36,510, meaning that Uzmaston Projects Ltd is taking a small hit of £1,510.
Cllr Stoddart added that 25 road gullies was a bit excessive for 20 car parking spaces and that a soakaway 12m x 10m x 2m deep (large enough to swallow a three bedroom bungalow up to the top of the windows) might be rather larger than that required for this modest 253sq metre building and its surroundings.
After requesting to see the drawings, Cllr Stoddart found the cost of the drainage for the housing estate had been shuffled across to the grant-aided office block.
He also found that there are only seven, not nine, brick manholes in the storm water system and 18 road gullies, not 25 as originally quoted.
He said: “Furthermore, most of the storm water drainage shown on the drawing concerns either the housing development, or the section of road to the top of the plan which is designed to give access to future development in an adjoining field.
“In addition, the soakaway would only need to be half the size if it was for the office development alone.
“It is difficult to see how the quantity surveyor missed this because in the bottom left hand corner of the plan is a box containing the ‘drainage strategy’ which makes it abundantly clear that the soakaway is designed to cater for the run-off from the ‘estate access road’.”
Rather than the developers taking a £1,510 hit, they are pocketing a 45% grant for work that had nothing to do with the office development.
The Herald contacted Uzmaston Developments Ltd, giving them a right to reply to Cllr Stoddart’s blog post, but they failed to respond.
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
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