Community

Demolition of St Thomas Green vandal-blighted building approved

Published

1 month ago

May 24, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A SOCIAL housing provider scheme to demolish a deteriorated vandal-blighted house in Haverfordwest has been approved by county planners.

Earlier this year, social housing provider Ateb Group Limited gave county planners prior notification of its plans to demolish The Grove, St Thomas Green.

In its application, it stated: “The building has been unoccupied for several years and its physical condition has deteriorated significantly over that time. It has become prone to vandalism and trespass and is becoming difficult to manage and secure.

“It’s demolition will allow the structure and resultant debris to be removed, improving the visual amenities of the locality. It will also enable the site to become readily available for a sensitive redevelopment in association with the adjacent Meyler House.”

It added: “The cleared site will become part of the adjoining Meyler House site, with proposals being prepared to redevelop and construct affordable elderly persons apartments and associated parking facilities.”

Agent Evans Banks Planning Limited, in a supporting statement said The Grove, adjoining Ateb’s head offices at Meyler House, received permission back in 2009 for the “Demolition of existing dwelling and replacement with apartments, houses and landscaped grounds.”

Conservation Area Consent was also granted at that time.

“Those permissions were not implemented and have long since lapsed, but nevertheless indicate that the principle of demolishing The Grove was deemed acceptable at that time to the local planning authority,” said Evans Banks Planning Limited.

“A pre-application enquiry has recently been presented before the local planning authority which seeks to reignite such redevelopment proposals but on a much larger site, incorporating Meyler House and its grounds into a comprehensive redevelopment scheme to create elderly persons apartments.”

It added: “This current submission seeks to renew that 2009 Conservation Area Consent given that the existing former dwelling house has now reached a physical state where its deterioration is causing concern.”

However, county planners determined that prior approval was needed before any demolition works take place, with details of tree protection while the works take place needed, along with a suitable method statement to minimise noise, dust and a strategy for dealing with hazardous materials should they arise during the demolition.

County planners have now granted Conservation Area approval for the plans.

A similar application by Ateb, for demolition works at the town’s former learning centre, near to the former county library, recently made subject to broadly similar conditions, has since been granted permission.

Community

Major military exercise begins today at Castlemartin

Published

2 days ago

June 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

The Ministry of Defence has announced the commencement of “Exercise Iron Storm,” a significant military training operation taking place at Castlemartin Range over the next two weeks. The exercise, which runs from 24th June until 5th July, aims to enhance the operational readiness of the UK’s armed forces.
This critical exercise will enable troops to be trained for any future operational requirements, both within the UK and overseas. The Ministry of Defence emphasizes the importance of this exercise in maintaining the nation’s defense capabilities.
Residents near Castlemartin Range are advised that live firing will occur from Monday to Friday. The firing schedule is set to start at approximately 09:00 hrs and conclude at 18:00 hrs. However, on Monday, 24th June, and Tuesday, 25th June, night firing will extend until 03:00 hrs. Although these times mark the earliest and latest possible firing hours, not all days will adhere strictly to this schedule.

In addition to live fire exercises, military vehicles will be active over the weekends, further contributing to the comprehensive training agenda. The Ministry of Defence has also planned a public briefing prior to the exercise, scheduled for 18:30 hrs on 13th June at Castlemartin Camp (SA71 5EB). A post-exercise briefing will be held on 10th July at 18:30 hrs. Pre-booking is not required for either event.

Exercise Duration: 24th June – 5th July
Daily Firing Times: 09:00 hrs – 18:00 hrs
Night Firing: 24th & 25th June until 03:00 hrs
Post-Exercise Briefing: 10th July at 18:30 hrs

The Ministry of Defence says it appreciates the local community’s continued support and understanding during “Exercise Iron Storm.” This exercise is a vital part of ensuring that the UK’s armed forces remain highly trained and ready to respond to any threats.

Community

Coastguard responds to coasteering injury at Abereiddy’s Blue Lagoon

Published

2 days ago

June 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (JUN 23), HM Coastguard Fishguard responded to an emergency at the Abereiddy Blue Lagoon. The incident, which occurred at approximately 16:28, involved a casualty who had sustained a lower back injury while coasteering.

The individual was brought ashore on a paddle board and located on the beach, where HM Coastguard – St Davids was already in attendance. Coastguards assessed the casualty’s injuries and transferred them onto a stretcher, subsequently carrying them from the beach to the car park.

The RNLI St Davids Lifeboat was also tasked with attending the scene, providing vital pain relief until the arrival of the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust. Upon the ambulance’s arrival, the casualty was handed over for further treatment and transport to the hospital.

The prompt and coordinated response by the Coastguard teams and the RNLI ensured that the casualty received swift medical attention.

Community

Lifeboat station’s open day a community success!

Published

4 days ago

June 22, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE RNLI St Davids Lifeboat Station hosted a successful open day today, drawing in locals and visitors alike. The event featured full station tours and refreshments, with many enjoying a relaxing cuppa and cake along the picturesque coast path.

The station expressed heartfelt thanks to the community for their generous support. A special mention was made for the local bakers who donated an array of delicious cakes, which were sold to raise funds for the lifeboat station. The total amount raised will be announced shortly.

The open day was made possible by the dedicated volunteers, crew members, and fundraisers who selflessly give their time to the vital mission of saving lives at sea. Their unwavering commitment and hard work are truly commendable.

“We salute you,” the RNLI St Davids Lifeboat Station stated in their message of gratitude.

The event underscored the strong community spirit and the shared commitment to supporting the life-saving efforts of the RNLI.

Over £650 was raised, the RNLI said.

John Williams, Lifeboat Operations Manager for St Davids RNLI lifeboat, added: “On behalf of St Davids Lifeboat station, I just wanted to extend our warmest gratitude to each and every one of you who joined us for our station open day. Your presence and interaction with our stations team made the event a truly special occasion!

“A big shout-out to our dedicated fundraisers, volunteers and crew who generously gave their time to showcase our station to the public. Special thanks to all those who baked and donated cakes for the event, their delicious contributions were a massive success! Without your unwavering support and the donations you made, we wouldn’t be able to continue our life-saving mission around our coastline.”