News

Claim investment will take a century to recover was ‘headline grabbing’

Published

1 year ago

December 18, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CLAIM by the leader of Pembrokeshire’s Tory group that council investment in the Western Quayside redevelopment will take well over a century to recover, has been labelled a headline-grabbing opportunity by the deputy leader.

The food market development on the site of Haverfordwest’s old Ocky White’s department store is expected to be opened next summer.

The three-storey riverside building, a key part of Pembrokeshire County Council’s regeneration of the county town, hit the headlines last year with the unexpected discovery of hundreds of human remains.

In a submitted question, heard at the December 14 full council meeting, Tory group leader and Martletwy councillor Di Clements said: “EJ Hales recently published that it anticipated an annual return of approximately £90,000 a year from renting out the entire floor space in the Western Quayside project.

“The cabinet’s most recent report has an approved budget for this project of £11.35 million.

“This means that without any interest, administration or repair costs, the project will take at least 126 years to recover the cost of the project.

“Therefore, my question to the Cabinet member for Place and the Region [Cllr Paul Miller] is, what is the estimated number of years that he forecasts it will take PCC to recoup its financial investment in the Western Quayside (Ocky White) project, inclusive of loan interest, admin fees, building repairs that are not covered in the tenancy agreements and any other costs associated with the upkeep of the building?”

Responding, Cllr Miller – who also serves as deputy leader – referenced the 126 years claim: “There’s a lot wrong with this question, it’s very much designed to secure the Tory group a headline, rather than actually add any value to the debate.”

He told members the council’s contribution would be nearer £7m than £11.35m, adding that Cllr Clements’ “flat cash income” projections didn’t work, with revenue changing over the period “to our advantage”.

He said the scheme was “never a commercial investment but a regeneration investment,” with private investors unlikely to ever regenerate the area on their own, leaving it “rotting”.

Cllr Miller said both the council and Welsh government saw the need for investment; the area “transformed,” with a private investor now in the process of “a multi-million fit-out,” which would create for than 50 jobs.

“The opposition like to complain loudly about the capital investment in our communities across Pembrokeshire, but my question is what exactly do they offer as an alternative?

“I’ve said before that the alternative – it seems to me – is just abandon our town centres and look the other way; that’s what the previous administration did in Haverfordwest, in Pembroke, in Fishguard, and it’s not a policy that I or any of my colleagues are willing to continue with.”

In her supplementary question, Cllr Clements said that council costs for every £1m borrowed for the project amounted to £70,000 against the backdrop of £90,000 a year in rents, adding: “I’ll leave you to do the maths on that.

“It will cost the taxpayer a lot of money; do you think this is fair for those that pay council tax?”

Cllr Miller conceded there was a cost to the public purse, accepted “at the outset,” but said the upside was the Riverside development occupied and businesses investing in the county.

“The benefits aren’t just pounds and pence on the council’s balance sheet,” he added.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

6 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

14 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

14 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.