News

Council Invests in Haverfordwest’s Historical Regen Project

Published

5 years ago

July 31, 2019

PEMBROKESHIRE’S Regeneration programme has taken an important step forward with major funding from Pembrokeshire County Council now available to support a new phase of Haverfordwest’s Castle site redevelopment.

Haverfordwest Castle is an important historical and tourism asset to the County with enormous,
previously untapped potential. Since 2015, the castle’s owners Pembrokeshire County Council have
been working with a wide range of local organisations in the private, public and voluntary sectors to
realise ambitious plans to bring the castle back into use to play an important role in the regeneration
of the county town.

With first-phase costs of £4 million, Pembrokeshire County Council has shown its intent by pledging
£475,000 as match funding towards the vision. Critically, the Authority are also busy putting
together a funding application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and researching other funding
opportunities and partners to drive forward what promises to be a stunning piece of regenerative
work.

Now over 900 years old, Haverfordwest castle has a rich and fascinating history. In 1289 Queen
Eleanor, the wife of Edward I ‘The Longshanks’ – of Braveheart infamy – acquired it. In 1648, Oliver
Cromwell ordered the castle to be dismantled but thankfully, that order was not carried out. The
ruins of the castle were robbed of dressed stone over successive centuries, leaving what can be seen
today. With so many more stories to tell, the completion of these renovations will unveil more of the
castle’s fascinating secrets – and its important place in Welsh history – to enthralled visitors from
near and far.

Mike Cavanagh, Head of Culture, Leisure and Registration, sees this work as vital to the
transformation of Haverfordwest and PCC’s vision of making the town a destination of choice. He said: “Although the castle is very centrally placed, it does not look or feel close to the town centre. You can see the castle looming above but it soon disappears and it is very hard to know how to get to it from the town centre. The first phase of our exciting plans are to make the castle much more accessible to people by improving the different routes from the town centre to the castle. We will also complete a perimeter wall walk so that it is not just possible but positively enjoyable and easy to walk all the way around the outside of the castle.”

Mike is excited about the prospect of the historical sites of the town driving its future success. “The
castle redevelopment can help regenerate the town by bringing both local people and tourists to
Haverfordwest. It really can become a cultural showpiece. We know that towns cannot survive on
retail alone these days. They need high quality leisure opportunities to draw people back into our
destinations. The castle gives us a great opportunity to add an attractive leisure offer to
Haverfordwest’s arsenal.”

Perhaps the most exciting element of the scheme will be the creation of an outdoor events space in
the castle grounds with a capacity of around 500. The events space will have an all-weather cover,
hosting everything from comedy, music, theatre through to specialist, local markets. Interaction and
technology will play a role in the castle’s makeover with visitors able to interact with the castle via a
visitor app, digitally discovering more about the castle’s fascinating heritage.

Plans do not stop there: The second phase of the vision for Haverfordwest Castle will see the prison
building within the castle grounds transformed into a modern, digitally enabled and family-friendly
visitor attraction based around the unique and fascinating heritage of the county.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s commitment to the regeneration of the town means that after
centuries of neglect, Haverfordwest castle will become a new jewel in the crown of a County that
is determined to make its regeneration ambitions a reality.

Charity

Set a New Year Challenge and explore Pembrokeshire for animals in 2025

Published

5 mins ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ANIMAL lovers in Pembrokeshire looking to set an exciting goal for 2025 can now sign up for the RSPCA’s fundraising challenges, including the iconic Tour of Pembrokeshire on 24 May 2025.

From scenic bike rides to adrenaline-fueled adventures, the RSPCA is encouraging participants to embrace a challenge that not only benefits their health but also helps animals in need.

Abi Mustard, Events Manager at the RSPCA, said: “If you’re looking for a unique challenge for the New Year, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers a perfect blend of stunning coastal views, physical endurance, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare.”

The Tour of Pembrokeshire is renowned for showcasing some of the most breathtaking routes in Wales, attracting cyclists of all abilities. Participants will navigate challenging climbs, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, all while raising crucial funds for the RSPCA’s work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals across Wales.

Abi added: “Every mile cycled and every pound raised makes a difference. You’ll not only experience the beauty of Pembrokeshire but also become part of a dedicated team working to stop animal cruelty and neglect.”

Why Join the RSPCA Tour of Pembrokeshire Challenge?

Personalised support from the RSPCA events team
RSPCA branded cycling jersey once fundraising reaches £50
Access to a dedicated events Facebook group for tips and encouragement
Cheering packs for family and friends on event day

More RSPCA Challenges Across Wales in 2025

Chepstow Half Marathon: 26 January
ABP Newport Wales Marathon: 13 April
Gower Peninsula Challenge: 19–20 July
Snowdon Triple: 18–19 August
Cardiff Half Marathon: 5 October

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a first-time fundraiser, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers an unforgettable experience with a purpose.

To sign up or request a fundraising pack, visit the RSPCA website today and start your journey towards making a difference—for yourself and for animals in need.

Together, let’s make 2025 a year of action, compassion, and achievement.

News

Police close Westfield Pill Bridge over concerns for person’s welfare

Published

13 mins ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FEARS for a person’s safety led police to close Westfield Pill Bridge, near Neyland.

The bridge, on the A477 between Honeyborough roundabout and the Cleddau Bridge, was shut for just over an hour, with drivers advised to seek alternative routes.

The incident took place on Friday evening and was concluded when the person was located safe and well.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a call for a concern for the welfare of an individual on Westfield Pill Bridge at around 7:30pm on Friday, December 20.

“The road was closed and reopened at around 8:40pm.

“The individual was located safe and well.”

This is not the first time such an incident has led to a bridge closure.

There have been several previous similar incidents, including on Friday, October 4, 2024, the Cleddau Bridge was closed for about an hour following a call reporting a welfare concern. The closure occurred at around 4:45pm, and the bridge reopened at 5:45pm.

The person involved was taken to the hospital for treatment.

In June, a multi–agency rescue operation unfolded at Neyland Marina after a youth jumped approximately 40 metres from Westfield Bridge into the water below.

Emergency services, including crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) stations in Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, and Carmarthen, were swiftly dispatched to the scene.

According to a spokesperson for MAWWFRS, members of the public were instrumental in rescuing the youth before the arrival of the emergency crews.

Charity

NatWest Cymru encourages customers in Wales to spread Christmas cheer

Published

28 mins ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NATWEST has introduced a new way for its customers to support Social Bite in the fight against homelessness this festive season.

Through its mobile app based MyRewards programme, customers can now easily donate their available Rewards (over £5) to buy someone experiencing homelessness a Christmas dinner with Social Bite. NatWest has also pledged to match all donations to any of its 16 MyRewards charities, including Social Bite, up to the value of £50 until 31st December, up to a total of £150,000.

The initiative comes as part of Social Bite’s ‘Festival of Kindness’ – an annual mission that aims to provide 300,000 meals, gifts, and essential items to people who are homeless and vulnerable this Christmas.

NatWest has previously worked with the Scottish charity to open a coffee outlet for colleagues and visitors in its Royal Bank HQ in the capital Edinburgh, as well as launching a public coffee shop at its site at 440 Strand, London.

Since the launch of Festival of Kindness in 2020, Social Bite has successfully distributed 1.1 million meals, gifts, and essentials to people who are homeless during the festive period.

Jessica Shipman, Chair, NatWest Cymru Regional Board, said: “Social Bite makes a positive difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The festive season often brings into focus the hardship so many face every day.

“We know that people want to help but don’t know how. We’re excited to support Social Bite’s inspiring ‘Festival of Kindness’ initiative, giving our customers a way to gift a homeless person a warm meal.

“We encourage everyone to join in and help make the festive season a little brighter for the most vulnerable in our society.”

Josh Littlejohn MBE, Founder of Social Bite, added: “Social Bite is proud to have had the support of NatWest for a number of years, and together, we’ve made great strides to help people break the cycle of homelessness.

“For many of us, Christmas is a period where we look forward to spending time with friends, family and loved ones. However, the reality is very different for people without a place to call home over the festive season. With homelessness rising across the UK, it’s more important than ever that we do what we can to help people affected by homelessness and food poverty.

“A big thank you to all the wonderful NatWest customers who chose to donate their rewards to Social Bite. Your contribution will make a real difference to someone in need, including a hot meal with all the trimmings in loving company on Christmas Day.”

To find out more about NatWest’s MyRewards and the other charities which are being supported, please visit: https://personal.secure1.natwest.com/app/MyRewards