News

Call to end Pembrokeshire County Hall parking charges expected to fail

Published

11 months ago

February 7, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A call to end parking charges at Haverfordwest’s County Hall is expected to be turned down senior councillors.

Members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, meeting on February 12, are to consider a notice of motion by Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest, county councillor John Cole.

Last February, following a 2022 consultation, the county council’s Cabinet backed the introduction of charges at the car park, on the edge of Haverfordwest’s town centre, during a wider item on short-stay parking in the county.

That consultation had raised concerns about a potential loss of footfall and an impact on businesses in the town, and fears parking charges may divert shoppers to out-of-town retail parks.

Cllr Cole’s notice asked: “That the council undertake a full assessment of how parking charges introduced at County Hall have impacted the businesses in and around the town.

“That council reverses the decision to charge a fee in respect of parking at County Hall on the Saturday and Sunday periods.”

His notice added: “Current charges mean residents and visitors are restricted by the hours purchased, as to the amount of time they spend in the town, thereby surely having a detrimental effect on businesses that rely on such custom.”

A report for Cabinet members said: “Haverfordwest is clearly in a transition phase with regeneration developments well underway. County Hall car park is primarily a County Hall staff car park, with public parking evenings and weekends. As well as on street and off-street parking public transport links are available.

“The County Hall car park is now managed via the off-street parking area and charges applied are in line with full cost recovery and budget pressures. There is alternative free parking available. There is no evidence that the charges at County Hall have impacted directly on footfall in Haverfordwest.”

Two options are highlighted to Cabinet members, to adopt the motion, with the costs of managing the car park needing to be found from council budgets, and a recommended ‘do nothing’ approach.

The report, recommending the motion not be adopted, concludes: “Car park charging is often perceived, particularly amongst businesses, as being a key determinant for changes in footfall levels in town and city centres, although research has shown this to be almost entirely anecdotal.

“The same research showed that whilst a ‘blanket’ free parking strategy has been suggested to encourage more car park users, these were generally found not to benefit target visitors. There is currently a complex situation in Haverfordwest at the current time: significant development work is ongoing.

“Coupled with the fact that the County Hall car park does not have previous usage figures, it is difficult to properly assess the impact of removing charges and whether such measures would have any impact on returning the numbers visiting the town centre back to pre-charge numbers.”

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

13 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.