News

Secretary of State for Wales visits Port of Milford Haven following successful Celtic Freeport bid

Published

1 year ago

April 11, 2023

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WALES, Rt. Hon David TC Davies MP, visited the Port of Milford Haven recently, as the UK Government launched its new Energy Security Plan and following the announcement that the Celtic Freeport bid had been successful.

The Celtic Freeport bid, encompassing the ports of Milford Haven and Port Talbot, was chosen by the Welsh and UK governments, along with Anglesey Freeport, as Wales’ first Freeports, helping to create tens of thousands of new jobs in the green industries of the future.

The Celtic Freeport will generate over 16,000 new, green jobs and up to £5.5 billion of new investment. The transformational bid spans clean energy developments, in particular floating offshore wind and sustainable fuels, as well as new training and innovation facilities, heavy engineering and the steel industry across south-west Wales.

The Welsh Secretary spent time with representatives from the Port of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire County Council and organisations from around the Haven where he was able to see first-hand the critical role the Port of Milford Haven plays, and will continue to play, in UK energy resilience and security. He also had a chance to see the rapidly progressing developments already underway at Pembroke Port to transform the site into a renewable energy hub bringing high skilled jobs to the region. The visit ended with a trip to Mainstay Marine Solutions to witness the extent of its large-scale engineering capabilities which will undoubtedly play a significant role in this green industrial revolution.

Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies, said:
“The UK Government has long been committed to creating a freeport in Wales so it was fantastic to announce the creation of two and then to visit Milford Haven to hear about the plans the Celtic Freeport has for local jobs, investment and the development of green industries.

“The Freeports programme is already benefitting businesses and levelling up communities elsewhere in the UK and I look forward to seeing greater prosperity delivered for Wales as a result of Celtic Freeport’s successful bid.”

Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, Tom Sawyer, hosted the visit. He commented:
“This is a milestone moment for everyone involved in the Celtic Freeport bid and I’m delighted that the Secretary of State for Wales chose to come and see the work already underway at Pembroke Port and take in the scale of our operations here.

“It’s clear the UK and Welsh governments appreciate the magnitude of opportunity that ourselves and Port Talbot have to offer to create a path for a green and more secure energy future and we look forward to working with our partners to deliver the objectives set out in our Celtic Freeport bid”.

The Celtic Freeport consortium comprises the Port of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire County Council, Associated British Ports (ABP) and Neath Port Talbot Council.

Crime

Jailed for breaching domestic violence protection order

Published

22 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Court Reporter

AMY Woolston, 20, of Vine Road, Johnston, Pembrokeshire, has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for breaching a domestic violence protection order.

On 15th May 2024, Woolston was found in the company of a man in a flat at The Farmers Arms, Market Street, Whitland, in violation of the order issued by Llanelli Magistrates Court on 10th May 2024.

The court deemed the offence serious due to the proximity to the original order and a previous breach involving the same victim. Woolston was not in custody and appeared unrepresented in court. Her total sentence length is 18 weeks.

The case was dealt with in Haverfordwest court on May 16.

News

Lease of former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse approved

Published

23 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet has this week approved the transfer of the former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council.

The Cabinet approved a 21-year lease which will facilitate the Town Council’s plan to bring the premises back into use.

The future of the former Courthouse has been considered in detail, with the Town Council carrying out a public consultation on the community’s requirements, and the sites potential contribution to those local needs. The outcome of the consultation suggested that the local community wanted the building to be retained, refurbished and transformed into a multi- use centre.

Newcastle Emlyn Town Council intend to submit an application for funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund [UKSPF] in order to pay for the necessary restoration work. The funding is conditional upon the Town Council having a lease of sufficient term on the premises.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Alun Lenny commented: “The building as it currently stands is not needed for further use by the County Council and has been empty for some time. I welcome the Cabinet’s decision to approve the transfer of this asset to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council. The funding will ensure that the building is being used for the benefit of the town’s residents.

“This decision is in line with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Wellbeing Objectives: Enabling our communities and environment to be healthy, safe, and prosperous (Prosperous Communities).”

Crime

Teenagers fled from Pembroke RFC after setting spectators stand on fire

Published

24 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON MONDAY (may 16) between the hours of 16:25 and 17:00, the spectators stand of Pembroke Rugby Football Club was deliberately set on fire, police have said.

Two males, aged between 17-19, fled from the club grounds immediately after the smoke plumes were noticed.

Both males were on dark framed push bikes and wearing dark coloured hooded jumpers.

Officers are asking if anyone who has any information or has witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area around these times, is asked to contact police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Quote reference: 24000446140

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.