News
Purchase of old Library site in Haverfordwest confirmed
ATEB have announced the purchase of the old Library site in Haverfordwest.
The land and buildings covering 3.3 acres, which had been on the market since December 2018, were purchased this week.
Over the coming months, ateb will seek planning permission to develop the site with the potential uses including office space, collaborative community spaces, a community café, and a residential development to meet the housing needs of the local area.
Ateb Group Chief Executive Nick Hampshire said it was important to the organisation that its headquarters remained in Pembrokeshire’s county town.
“We are delighted and proud to become the new custodian of the old Library site and look forward to evolving this exciting regeneration project,’’ he said.
“The new homes, subject to planning, are very much needed for the local area.’’
Early artist impressions of the refreshed building.
The planning stage is likely to take around 12 months with an aim to start working on this project in 2023.
Nick would like to reassure residents with parking concerns that they will be engaging with those affected to find the best solution going forward.
He said: “We are aware of the issues around parking and look forward to engaging with residents and local councillors to consider their concerns and objections.’’
In the meantime, the car park will remain open and will be run in the short term by Pembrokeshire County Council
Ateb are pleased to be able to support the county council’s wider town centre regeneration plans along with generating new footfall in this under-used part of town.
The development of much-needed town centre residential accommodation is also important, all designed in a style in harmony with the importance of the location.
To minimise the impact on the town and on local residents, they intend to carry out the development in phases, with the timescale for submitting the application for planning consent set for later in the year.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
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
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
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.
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