News

‘Instagram-friendly’ Haverfordwest bridge plans submitted

Published

3 years ago

July 3, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

IMAGES of the ‘Instagram-friendly’ bridge proposed as part of the redevelopment of Haverfordwest have been released.

An application, submitted by Atkins Ltd, on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council, includes the demolition of the existing pedestrian footbridge; installation of new footbridge between Riverside and Western Quayside; public realm reconfiguration and enhancement; and repair, renewal and refurbishment of the former Cleddau Foundry building.

Western Quayside phase 2 was subject to a previously approved application, granted in February 2021. Those works have not commenced; and this planning application proposes a different regeneration approach for the area, now responding to the bridge proposals.

The Haverfordwest Footbridge and Western Quayside Phase 2 Planning Design and Access Statement by Atkins Ltd states: “The proposed scheme is envisioned as an opportunity to contribute to making the historic core of Haverfordwest a destination – the brief includes this within the overarching aspects, seeking increased dwell rates, broadening of the potential to host a range of activities and catalysing a new night time economy.

“This is allied to aspirations in the brief to re-establish a sense of arrival, improve accessibility and linkages and maximise the townscape quality, historic assets and setting of Haverfordwest.”

It adds: “The Haverfordwest Footbridge is envisioned as a low-level sculptural solution that complements the setting and opens up new visual interaction between this part of the Haverfordwest Conservation Area and Haverfordwest Castle, ensuring that it does not compete for attention within views of the Scheduled Monument.

“Innovation is introduced in the engineering, with technical modelling having been used to enable a solution that is exceptionally lightweight.

“The design presented responds to the context of Haverfordwest Castle and draws on elements and forms to inspire the geometries and angles within the new footbridge design.

“This embeds the bridge proposal in the setting and gives a unique and sculptural site-specific response.”

The former Cleddau Foundry building will be subject to works intended to bring the building back into commercial use. The application is part of the ‘Heart of Pembrokeshire’ regeneration project.

The successful ‘Heart of Pembrokeshire’ Levelling Up Fund application announced in late 2021 included adding to ongoing improvements at Haverfordwest Castle to create an outdoor performance area, renovation of the jail, and the ‘signature bridge’.

Questions about whether an ‘Instagramable’ bridge in Haverfordwest is an essential item have previously been raised at full council.

Responding, Deputy Leader of Council, and Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, Councillor Paul Miller said the existing bridge would need replacing regardless of any regeneration works, adding the cost was made up of 90 per cent external grant funding.

He said he had never used the phrase ‘Instagramable,’ and was not on the service himself. The phase 2 application will be considered by planners at a later date.

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

10 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

12 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

12 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle