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.

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

15 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

16 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

16 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.