News

Pembroke Dock fire damaged hotel gets approval to become care home

Published

2 years ago

February 14, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS to replace the remnants of a fire-ravaged hotel with a care home at the gateway to Pembroke Dock were unanimously given the go-ahead today, February 14.

The application, by Hawkfire Developments Limited sought the demolition of the remnants of the former Cleddau Bridge Hotel, Essex Road, replaced by a residential care home and linked bungalows.

It was recommended for conditional approval at Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, meeting today, February 14.

In a prime location at one of the entrances to Pembroke Dock the former Cleddau Bridge Hotel has been derelict since a fire in March 2019, scuppering plans to turn it into a 48-bedroom care home, following a change of use application granted in 2018.

The building had suffered severe structural damage in the fire – said to have started deliberately – and some of the sections have completely collapsed, leading to the new application for demolition and a new build.

A report for planners said the proposed new residential care home would accommodate approximately 55–70 beds, each of which would be provided to Care Inspectorate of Wales (CIW) Standards, complete with en-suite facilities.

Moving the recommendation, Pembroke Dock councillor Brian Hall said: “What’s there now is a mess, there’s horses grazing there, there’s fly-tipping and there’s all manner of vandalism.

“I’m delighted with this application; when you come over the Cleddau Bridge from the ‘north Mecca’ [Haverfordwest] to the ‘south Mecca’ [Pembroke Dock] you cannot avoid looking to the right at it. I hope whoever is going to build this gets on with it quickly.”

Fellow members unanimously supported the application.

2019 fire

The March 2019 fire brought emergency services from as far afield as Ammanford, Aberystwyth and Swansea; a total of seven fire engines had been at the hotel throughout the night, with the initial crews coming from Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven, Tenby and Haverfordwest.

A high-volume water pump was also brought in from Ammanford, a high-level engine was called in from Swansea, and another fire crew from Aberystwyth was also called but later stood down.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service previously said the fire was started by a deliberate act.

Following a fire investigation, Dyfed-Powys Police said they found there to be insufficient evidence to identify a suspect.

Image Caption: Pembrokeshire county councillor Brian Hall

Image Caption: The site of the fire-ravaged Cleddau Bridge Hotel, Pembroke Dock

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

3 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

17 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

17 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.