News

Masterplan spells doom for listed building

Published

12 years ago

August 5, 2014

MILFORD HAVEN Port Authority’s ‘masterplan’ means relocation for a local vets practice, as the grade two listed building in which they operate is destined to be either demolished or moved to make way for port access. Bille Schleicher, of the All Vets Pet Care, told The Herald what the Docks redevelopment meant to their practice and the building she sees as part of Milford’s rich maritime history: “When we came here in 2009 the building was a wreck, it was not nice at all but it is such a lovely building which is what it’s about. We are guardians of a building that was here for generations and should remain here for generations. It was the old Docks Office. “It has so much history involved with Milford Haven and people come in here and have a connection with this building. It seems crazy to sacrifice this building for buildings that are the same as everywhere else. The Port Authority are proposing to build another building. It would be difficult to get the same feel of this building”. The Herald spoke exclusively with Jeff Teague, from the Port Authority, who gave us his perspective on the controversial plan for demolition: “One of the main issues for this development is access. The existing entrance couldn’t cope with it, so our engineers came up with nine schemes, eight were rejected and only one was acceptable: to open the old dock entrance and widen it with two lane entries and exits. “This was accepted by County Highways. Of the two listed buildings (on the pier) one must be sacrificial, so we went for the single story building which we will replicate and re-site. The proprietor is aware of us designing a purpose built new building. It is not a decision we have taken lightly.” He continued by stating that the local authority, Pembrokeshire County Council, had given the go ahead to knock down the grade 2 listed building, in order to facilitate the development. On whether they (the Council) would therefore gain financially from this development, Mr Teague simply said: “I can’t speculate on that, that’s a question to put to the County Council.” The masterplan, to which the redevelopment is referred, proposes a complete overhaul of the Milford Docks area, in terms of both heritage and commercial viability. Jeff Teague described the proposals: “Here is an opportunity to correct things economically, to create a new attraction which brings more money in to Milford Haven. It is estimated that the ‘leakage’ in spend out of the town is about £50 million, because of a lack of ‘offer’. “We want to capture a share of that and with more visitors we estimate pulling back £45m in revenue per annum. Our share is small; economic regeneration is the important thing, equating to about 650 new jobs. Milford benefits little from tourism. Over the last two seasons only 12% of all tourists to our county admitted to visiting Milford Haven. We think Milford should change its image and upgrade; another 10% should come to Milford.” Claire Palmer, Business Manager, spoke about the potential impact on local fishing: “We want to upgrade facilities to add value to fish that are landed here, so instead of product going out of the area we want to see it processed and value added here, creating an identifiable Welsh brand. We are largest fishing port in Wales. An upgrade would create opportunities to diversify.”

Community

Tenby 10k raises more than £20,000 for Paul Sartori

Published

18 minutes ago

June 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A POPULAR Tenby road race has raised more than £20,000 for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

Runners and sponsors taking part in last year’s Tenby 10k raised £20,559.07 for the Pembrokeshire charity, which provides hospice care to people in their own homes.

The race, organised by Waterfront Community Runners, took place in October 2025 and was well supported by locals and visitors, who lined the route through the town to cheer on competitors.

Laura Hugman, Chief Executive of Paul Sartori, has now received the cheque, presented by a selection of those who took part in the event.

This year’s Tenby 10k will take place on Sunday, October 25, 2026, on a closed-road, two-lap course through the centre of Tenby.

More than 400 runners have already signed up, with entries now past 40 per cent capacity and organisers expecting the event to sell out again.

Anyone wishing to take part can enter at www.waterfrontcommunityrunners.co.uk.

All proceeds from this year’s race will again be donated to the Paul Sartori Foundation.

Caption:

Laura Hugman, Chief Executive of Paul Sartori, receives the cheque from Tenby 10k runners and organisers.

Community

Forgotten wartime archive found in Pembroke Dock attic after 80 years

Published

33 minutes ago

June 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Remarkable family collection reveals story of father and son who served through two world wars

A REMARKABLE untouched family archive documenting the lives of two Pembroke Dock servicemen who fought for Britain across both World Wars has been discovered in the attic of a terraced house in the town.

The collection, found at a property on Lewis Street, contains original military papers, wartime identity documents, Army service certificates and an old Dyfed driving licence belonging to members of the Atcherley family.

The archive was uncovered by local resident Ryan Guy, who said he was stunned by what he found hidden away in the loft of his home at 33 Lewis Street.

At the heart of the discovery are records belonging to father and son Samuel and James Atcherley, whose military careers spanned decades of British history.

World War One soldier

Among the most significant finds is an original discharge certificate belonging to Samuel Atcherley, who served with the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.

The document shows Samuel enlisted at Shrewsbury on July 19, 1909, before going on to serve throughout the early years of the First World War.

Military records found in the attic show he was discharged on September 6, 1916 after being declared “no longer physically fit for war service” following more than seven years with the Colours.

The papers also paint a vivid picture of the soldier himself. Samuel was described as standing 5ft 6in tall, with fair complexion, grey eyes and blonde hair.

Experts in military history say surviving original service records from the First World War are increasingly rare, particularly where complete family papers remain together.

Secret wartime work

The archive also sheds light on the military career of Samuel’s son, James Henry Atcherley, who served during the Second World War and into the post-war period.

Among the papers is an Army Certificate of Service confirming James reached the rank of Sergeant and served for almost twenty years.

One of the most intriguing discoveries is his wartime military service book carrying stark warnings about secrecy, including instructions that “Military Secrets Must Be Guarded In Peace And War”.

The wording suggests James may have worked in a sensitive military role during a period when Britain was developing radar and communications systems that proved crucial to the war effort.

A surviving wartime National Registration Identity Card lists James Atcherley as living at 33 Lewis Street, Pembroke Dock, linking the documents directly to the property where they were uncovered.

A glimpse into local history

The find offers a rare snapshot of ordinary life in Pembroke Dock across much of the twentieth century.

Also discovered among the papers was an original Great Britain driving licence issued through Dyfed County Council in 1976, again showing James Atcherley still living at the same address.

The Herald understands the collection may include further military material and family records yet to be examined.

Ryan Guy said he hopes the discovery will help preserve the memory of the Atcherley family and provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of local men who served their country during some of its darkest hours.

The Herald would be keen to hear from anyone who remembers the Atcherley family or has further information about their military service.

Community

Tenby station works to bring five overnight road closures

Published

1 hour ago

June 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIVE overnight road closures are to take place in Tenby as major work continues on the town’s £8.3m railway station upgrade.

Station Road will be closed overnight to allow heavy machinery and bridge steelwork to be delivered for the Access for All scheme at Tenby railway station.

The project, being delivered by Network Rail with contractor AmcoGiffen, will provide step-free access to both platforms through a new footbridge and lifts.

Work began earlier this year, with the old footbridge removed in March using 220-tonne and 60-tonne cranes. A temporary walkway was installed so passengers could continue moving between platforms while the new structure is built.

Network Rail said the scheme is now at the stage where permanent foundation works are being completed on the platform, ahead of bridge steelwork being installed from July 4.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “The scheme will provide step-free access to both platforms via a new footbridge and lifts, making it easier for disabled passengers, as well as those travelling with pushchairs or heavy luggage, to move around the station independently.

“To maintain the safety of both the public and our teams, Network Rail have worked closely with the local authority to implement a road closure while the steelwork and cranes are delivered and installed.”

Pembrokeshire County Council said Station Road will close from its junction with Warren Street south to its junction with Park Place.

The closure will be in place on Tuesday, June 30, from 9:00pm to 5:00am, and again from Saturday, July 4, for five nights between 9:00pm and 5:00am.

The council said the restriction is needed “to facilitate abnormal load movements in conjunction with the installation of the pedestrian bridge at Tenby Train Station.”

A signed diversion will be in place, with the route depending on the direction of travel.

Traffic management operatives will be on site throughout the works, and the one-way order affecting Harding Street will be temporarily suspended to allow limited two-way access to properties where practicable.