News
Funding secured for Cleddau Bridge upgrade inspired by Brunel’s designs
IN A SIGNIFICANT development aimed at revitalising the aesthetic and cultural landscape of the National Park, the Cleddau Bridge, a structure often regarded as a plain embodiment of 1970s utility architecture, is set to undergo a remarkable transformation.
The project, funded by the Government’s Levelling Up fund, promises to encase the bridge in stone and other materials, with a design reminiscent of the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge.
This ambitious endeavour not only seeks to enhance the visual appeal of the bridge but also pays homage to the engineering legacy of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, whose historical ties to Neyland and the surrounding areas are well documented. The redesign is expected to significantly elevate the profile of the Haven, bringing a renewed sense of pride and historical continuity to the region.
Officials have announced that the funding, secured from the Levelling Up initiative, aims to not just upgrade the bridge but to also contribute to the environmental enhancement of the National Park. This move is seen as a step towards balancing the needs for infrastructural utility with the demands of aesthetic and environmental considerations in public works.
The project, which has garnered widespread attention, symbolises a bridging of past and present, integrating the functional with the inspirational. By drawing on the design elements of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the initiative seeks to infuse the area with a design ethos that resonates with Brunel’s engineering marvels, thus enriching the region’s architectural heritage.
Details regarding the commencement and expected completion of the project are yet to be released. However, the announcement has sparked considerable interest among local residents and history enthusiasts alike, eager to see the transformation of the Cleddau Bridge into a landmark that reflects the ingenuity of Brunel’s engineering while serving the practical needs of the community.
The investment in the bridge is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to the Levelling Up agenda, aiming to equalise opportunities and enhance living conditions across the country. This project, by linking the historical with the modern, stands as a testament to the innovative spirit that continues to shape the United Kingdom’s architectural and engineering landscape.
News
Lifeboat crew plucks woman in difficulty from the water
ANGLE All-Weather Lifeboat was requested to launch at 10pm on Sunday night (May 19).
The Coastguard had received a call reporting a female in difficulty in the water off Fort Road, Pembroke Dock.
The Lifeboat launched and began making best speed to the area, arriving on scene just 10 minutes later.
The Police and Ambulance Service also attended and were waiting in Hobbs Point car park.
The Port Authority Pilot Vessel ‘St Davids’ had not long arrived on scene and commenced searching, and members of the Dale Coastguard Rescue Team were on the beach with the first informant conning the Lifeboat on to the approximate position of the casualty.
The crew could hear the casualty screaming, and shortly after she came into view in the Lifeboat’s searchlights.
Heading immediately for her, she began to struggle further and on numerous occasions began to slip below the surface.
Just in time, the crew reached out a boat hook which the casualty managed to grab hold of where she was then floated into the Lifeboat’s man overboard recovery cradle and recovered onboard.
The crew immediately began warming and reassuring the casualty whilst carrying out a thorough casualty care assessment.
The decision was made to redirect all assets to Hobbs Point where the Lifeboat would come alongside.
A few minutes later once secure alongside, the crew were met by members of Dale, Tenby and St Govan’s Coastguard Rescue Teams, Paramedics and Police Officers.
The casualty was safely walked ashore to an awaiting ambulance.
With no further assistance required, the lifeboat and her crew were stood down to return to station where she was readied for further service by 11:45pm.
The RNLI said: “A huge thanks to the crew of the pilot vessel for their quick response and valuable assistance in searching, and to the Coastguard for their direction to the casualty. A fantastic example of multi-agency teamwork!”
News
Paul Davies calls for Withyhedge independent public inquiry
A CALL for an independent public inquiry into the ongoing situation at Withyhedge landfill site has been made by local Senedd Member Paul Davies. Mr Davies made the call in the Senedd Chamber, whilst asking the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs just how bad the situation had to get before the local community could receive some support from the Welsh Government.
Resource Management Ltd (RML), which operates the Withyhedge site has already been issued several Enforcement Notices by Natural Resources Wales and yet local residents are still living with potentially toxic odours and emissions.
Mr Davies said, “Week after week I have stood up in the Senedd Chamber and asked for the Welsh Government to intervene to support the local community. People have complained of coughs, nausea and swollen eyes and yet despite the sympathetic words of Government Cabinet Secretaries, there has been no support forthcoming.”
“The people of Pembrokeshire deserve better and so I’m calling for an independent public inquiry to fully understand why this situation has been so poorly handled and why my constituents have been so badly let down.”
Farming
Simon Hart calls for a Sustainable Farming Scheme that delivers
FURTHER delays to the introduction of new farming subsidies in Wales have met with a cautious welcome.
Following widespread protests from farmers, Welsh Labour Rural Affairs Secretary, Huw Irranca-Davies, has announced the Sustainable Farming Scheme will now be put on hold until 2026.
The decision has been welcomed by former Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart MP. The candidate for Caerfyrddin says the Welsh government must now work closely with farmers – and not against them.
He said: “We are told this decision shows the Plaid Cymru / Welsh Labour Cooperation administration is listening to farmers concerns. In my opinion, they should have been listening to them from the get-go and these proposals should never have been included by Plaid Cymru as part of their co-operation agreement.
“Whilst I appreciate this pause gives the Welsh government more time to get this vital scheme right, it also prolongs uncertainty in an industry that is at the very heart of our economy.
“We now need to see real progress, with the Plaid Cymru / Welsh Labour cooperators working at pace, alongside people who know the industry, to deliver a scheme that brings real benefits to our farmers.”
After a series of delays, the Sustainable Farming System was meant to come into operation in April 2025.
Rules that meant 10% of land needed to be covered by woodland and 10% earmarked for wildlife habitat caused widespread protests and led to claims that 5,000 jobs could be lost from the industry.
-
Entertainment6 days ago
Dolly Parton to explore Welsh roots near Tenby in upcoming TV special
-
News13 hours ago
Two men arrested following death of Milford Haven woman
-
Crime6 days ago
Milford woman ’caused significant life-changing injuries to motorcyclist’
-
News5 days ago
Life literally ‘buzzing’ for west Wales EuroMillion winners
-
Crime4 days ago
Four young Pembrokeshire men arrested on suspicion of rape
-
Crime2 days ago
Teenagers fled from Pembroke RFC after setting spectators stand on fire
-
Crime3 days ago
Arrest made following report of sexual assault in Haverfordwest
-
News7 days ago
Sian Batchelor: Police issue new appeal for information