News

Temporary chargeable car park to be sited on demolished remains of old multi-storey

Published

3 years ago

July 4, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A TEMPORARY car park will be sited on the demolished remains of Haverfordwest’s old multi-storey car park until a new Haverfordwest Public Transport Interchange is built.

At July 3’s meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members heard there was good and bad news in the ongoing plans for the near-£18m replacement bus station and multi-storey car park.

The scheme is part of the South West Wales Metro project and aims to enhance access to the town centre.

Deputy Leader of Council, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change Cllr Paul Miller told fellow Cabinet members the “big positive” was the full value of grant funding had been secured, with an expected £2m total cost of the project to the council.

He said it was expected some £300,000 a year would be generated from the site, describing it as a strong return on the investment for what is hoped to be a “transformational” site.

Referring to the “less good” part of his report, he said no compliant tender had been received, with an alternative tender method now proposed, which would lead to a six-month delay.

“Instead of leaving that site boarded up I’m proposing we create a temporary car park on that site,” said Cllr Miller, adding he wanted to go “one step further,” with income from a temporary car park being ring-fenced for a disruption fund for the town centre.

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Rhys Sinnett welcomed the news that Welsh Government “have the belief in us delivering this scheme,” adding: “The temporary car park will be welcomed by the public; I look forward to us being able to move forward.”

Members agreed to note the update, and that a new tender will be launched under the South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework as a two-stage tendering process.

Members also agreed to the creation of a temporary chargeable car park, with the revenue collected ring-fenced.

A report for members said several options had been considered on the future of the interchange including abandoning it, which highlighted a number of issues including the need for a suitable facility and substantial grant funding already in place.

The report stated: “If the scheme were abandoned the grant funding would likely be lost (because it was approved on the basis of the submitted scheme). In addition, there would be risk of ‘claw back’ of grant funding expended.

“In addition – the council would then need to progress any work from scratch, deploying its own resources, rather than the grant (which is currently already either already held or approved).”

In late January, councillors heard a doubling of the costs of Haverfordwest’s public transport project to nearly £18m was not fully communicated with the public.

Community

Milford Haven remembers those lost at sea

Published

19 minutes ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

National Fishing Remembrance Day marked by Port

MILFORD HAVEN came together on Sunday (May 10) to remember those who have lost their lives at sea.

The Port of Milford Haven joined the Fishermen’s Mission, Stella Maris – Apostleship of the Sea and members of the local community for a National Fishing Remembrance Day service at St Katherine’s and St Peter’s Church.

The service was followed by a gathering at the Fisherman’s Memorial on The Rath, where those who never returned home from the sea were remembered.

Canon Chancellor John Cecil and Reverend Paul Osunyikanmi led what was described as a moving service of remembrance.

The Port of Milford Haven said it was honoured to take part in the event, paying tribute to fishing families and the wider maritime community.

The annual day of remembrance holds particular significance in Milford Haven, a town with deep fishing and seafaring roots.

Local Government

Jonathan Grimes becomes 647th Mayor of Pembroke

Published

1 hour ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

JONATHAN GRIMES has said he is “incredibly proud and deeply honoured” after becoming the 647th Mayor of Pembroke.

Cllr Grimes, county councillor for Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, thanked those who had placed their trust and confidence in him.

He said: “With the support, commitment and dedication of Pembroke Town Council and our wonderful community, I am confident we can meet every challenge together, celebrate our successes, and continue building a brighter and more inclusive future for Pembroke.

“It is a true privilege to serve as Mayor, and I look forward to working alongside the people of Pembroke in the months ahead.”

Cllr Grimes said he was also looking forward to attending this afternoon’s service at St Mary’s Church in Pembroke for the Blessing of the Bells.

He added that he hoped to meet as many people as possible as the town celebrates the return of the historic bells.

News

Paul Davies confirms bid to become next Senedd Llywydd

Published

4 hours ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Senior Conservative MS says he has the experience and procedural knowledge needed for the role

PAUL DAVIES has confirmed that he will put his name forward to become the next Llywydd of the Senedd following growing speculation after the Welsh election.

The former leader of the Welsh Conservatives and long-serving Member of the Senedd said he had decided to stand after discussions with colleagues and encouragement from others.

In a statement issued on Sunday (May 10), Davies said he believed he had the experience needed to champion the Welsh Parliament and oversee proceedings fairly.

He said: “There has been much speculation since the election about who will take on the role of the next Llywydd in the Senedd.

“I want make it clear that, after consultation with colleagues and having been urged to do so by others, I will be putting my name forward to be the next Presiding Officer.

“I have the experience to champion the Welsh Parliament and have a clear understanding of its Standing Orders and procedures.

“As the Temporary Presiding Officer in the previous Senedd, and as a former Committee Chair and Business Manager in the Welsh Parliament, I have the necessary skills to take on this important role.”

The role of Llywydd is one of the most senior positions in the Senedd, with responsibility for chairing debates, maintaining order in the chamber and ensuring parliamentary rules are followed.

Davies, who represents Ceredigion Penfro, has been a prominent figure in Welsh politics for many years and previously served as leader of the Welsh Conservatives.

Sam Kurtz disappointment

Davies’ announcement also comes against the backdrop of disappointment within Welsh Conservative circles after Sam Kurtz failed to win a seat.

Kurtz, the former Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MS, had been placed second on the Conservative list in Ceredigion Penfro behind Davies.

That decision was controversial locally, with many party supporters believing Kurtz had built a stronger personal following in Pembrokeshire and was one of the party’s most visible and energetic campaigners in west Wales.

His failure to return to the Senedd is likely to be seen as one of the most significant Conservative casualties of the new electoral system, particularly given his profile in rural affairs, farming, tourism and local campaigning.

There is already speculation about Kurtz’s next move, including rumours that he could seek to stand for Parliament in the future.

However, speaking to The Herald at the declaration, Kurtz was tight-lipped about his plans and even suggested he may return to journalism.

Before entering politics, Kurtz worked in local journalism, including at The Pembrokeshire Herald and the Western Telegraph.

Davies said he was saddened that Kurtz had not been returned, describing him as a hard-working colleague who had given strong service to Pembrokeshire and west Wales.

The announcement comes as parties continue discussions following the historic 2026 Senedd election, which resulted in no overall majority and a dramatically reshaped Welsh political landscape.