News

Haverfordwest apologises after Sheriff’s ‘corruption’ claim

Published

1 year ago

July 5, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has issued a formal apology after its Sheriff questioned whether corruption of incompetence was behind what he saw as a lack of investment in the town.

Late last month, Haverfordwest sheriff Cllr Arthur Brooker, who represents Portfield Ward on Haverfordwest Town Council, had raised his concerns while questioning the ongoing saga of the £18m Haverfordwest Transport Interchange.

In late January, county councillors heard a doubling of the costs of the interchange – which will replace the now-demolished multi-storey car park and bus station – to nearly £18m was not fully communicated with the public.

Cllr Brooker had criticised the interchange project as “knocking it [the car park] down and rebuilding the same thing again,” adding: “Surely a transport interchange should go next to the train station?”

He also called on Pembrokeshire County Council to invest more in the town centre in a bid to revive business and enhance the main shopping area.

“We have a High Street that’s in a really sorry state,” he said.

“Surely it would be better to spend money on reducing business rates and give rate relief to local businesses so that our high street will be filled up with shops.

“Because without them, who’s going to park in the new car park? Who’s going to come to the town?

“Is this corruption? Is it incompetence? Will someone please explain this to me because people are asking me what’s going on and I don’t know what to say to them.”

Haverfordwest Town Council has now said it wishes to put on public record that it does not support or condone the recent remarks made by Cllr Brooker.

“The remarks are purely the personal views of Arthur Brooker and they do not represent the views of Haverfordwest Town Council,” it said in a statement.

“We as a town council are focused on building a strong relationship with Pembrokeshire County Council in order to communicate the views of our townspeople in a positive and productive manner.

“We support and appreciate the commitment from Pembrokeshire County Council to deliver on the regeneration plans for our town.

“We wish to apologise profusely as a council for any upset or offence [an online video of Cllr Brooker’s comments] may have caused to Pembrokeshire County Council and members of the public.”

A 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 scheme, with the full value of grant funding secured, but a problem with contract tenders leading to at least a six-month delay.

Cabinet members agreed to create a temporary car park at the site.

An unrepentant Cllr Brooker responded: “I just want to make it clear that I am not apologising for what I said, and I stand by every word.

“The whole point of being an elected official is that you represent the views of your local community, which is exactly what I am doing.

“It would be fantastic if other members of Haverfordwest Town Council could do the same, rather than just being on there for the ego boost and a feeling of importance, ultimately wasting taxpayers’ money.”

He added that, since his initial comments, the temporary car park had been created, saying it was “what the majority of residents that I have spoken to about the issue want,” adding: “So I must be doing something right.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

15 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

22 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

23 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.