News

Haverfordwest airport ‘must be run as zero subsidy concern’

Published

3 years ago

July 4, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

HAVERFORDWEST’S airport must be run as a ‘zero subsidy’ concern, said Cabinet Member Paul Miller said this week.

After an improved financial position in recent years, the position at the council-supported airport deteriorated in 2022/23, members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet heard at their July 3 meeting.

The out-turn position for 2022/23 was £238,000, with a deficit of £180,000 expected for this year.

A report for Cabinet members listed a series of proposed changes to charges and costs, estimated to generate some £232,000.

The largest single source of revenue, fuel, would net some £175,000 on its own, the report says, by increasing the existing mark up of Avgas by 55p per litre and jet fuel by 45p a litre.

In the last few months inspections have also identified two critical pieces of infrastructure in need of replacement: aerodrome ground lighting, at a cost of £450-£500,000, and a fuel storage tank, at an estimated cost of £200,000.

It is suggested these be addressed throught a business case for UK government funded seedcorn capital allowance to support the Celtic Freeport.

Deputy Leader of Council, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change Cllr Paul Miller told fellow Cabinet members: “I am supportive of the airport being a working functioning airport in the county; however, I’m not closed to the view there are alternatives to how to work that airport.”

He added: “What I’m not happy to do is continue to see revenue subsidies ploughed in; the airport must be run as a revenue-neutral site.”

He said the list of options proposed to keep the airport in the black included changes in fuel prices, which currently needed Cabinet approval, proposing they should be decided by delegated powers.

Moving the recommendations, he said: “The target here is to run a functioning airport with zero subsidies.”

Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance Cllr Alec Cormack said there was a strategic benefit to having a county airport, stressing: “But we do need to get it revenue neutral.”

He said a need for Cabinet to decide fuel costs “makes no sense at all”.

Cllr Miller finished by saying: “I think the council can operate it at a nil subsidy, I think we can. I think doing so strengthens our hand in doing other options, it’s a plan that feels like it has legs.”

Cabinet members agreed to the seedcorn capital bid for infrastructure improvements as part of the Celtic Freeport Outline Business Case, and the schedule of revised and new charges.

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

7 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

9 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

9 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