News
New scheme to help revitalise Milford’s town centre with paint
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has launched a new scheme to support town centres by helping property owners to revitalise and revive their properties.
The Streetscape Paint Scheme is being launched in Charles Street, Milford Haven this month (February 2024) before it is widened to include other town centres in Pembrokeshire – details of which will be published accordingly.
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), the scheme is part of the Council’s Street Enhancement Programme.
It enables property-owners in eligible areas to apply for grants to paint the outside of their properties. The grant will provide 80% of the total capital expenditure.
Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said the scheme is part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to regeneration in Pembrokeshire.
‘We want to support our town centres in every way we can and this is just another example of support we’re making available,” he said.
“This scheme aims to help them thrive by improving the overall look of the surrounding area – in order to boost footfall, support businesses to create new jobs, and strengthen the mix of businesses.”
Local County Councillor, Cllr Terry Davies, is supportive of the initiative.
“The aim of the paint grant is to provide an immediate and instantly recognisable uplift to the overall attractiveness of Charles Street,” said Cllr Davies.
“It is a targeted intervention running for one year so I would encourage an early response by building owners and occupiers to secure funding support whilst it’s available.”
The fund will support owners of eligible properties and tenants/leaseholders who have the written consent of the property owner. Grants can be used for the purchase of materials (primer, masonry undercoat and exterior masonry paint) or towards the cost of using a contractor. The maximum grant award per property is £4,999. Schemes must be completed by November 2024.
For full information on the Streetscape Paint Scheme, including details on grant eligibility and a link to apply for the scheme, please view the Council’s Street Enhancement Programme page on their website
or email [email protected]
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
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
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
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.
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