“County town cash won’t shortchange the rest”

11:15am Thursday 18th January 2007

A £30-million cash injection for Haverfordwest does not mean other towns will be shortchanged, claim the county council.

Leader of the concil John Davies claim the two towns already get significant' investment.

He said: "Milford Haven receives a significant level of investment through organisations such as the Port Authority. The town also has the ability to attract tourists because of its natural waterside position.

"Meanwhile, Pembroke Dock is benefiting from a £13 million Technium, a Townscape Heritage Initiative which will represent £12 million of investment by the middle of this year, and major improvements to the hospital. A £100 million marina is also being planned for the town."

"I am saddened that we are playing petty politics with the important issue of the wellbeing of our county town."

He went on to say that most of the £30 million for Haverfordwest will be spent on statutory provision such as new schools and a leisure centre.

Chairman of the Chamber of Trade and member of Milford Haven Plus, Viv Phillips, said: "The Port Authority is limited company and their investment helps the marina not the town as a whole.

"It seems a bit off for Haverfordwest to get so much when Milford gets so little. It feels like the county council are unwilling to help our town. It is becoming increasing difficult for town centres to survive."

Pembroke Dock county councillor and town mayor Sue Perkins said: " In the main, investment in Pembroke Dock comes from outside sources, the county council makes a limited contribution in some cases, but the lion's share comes from outside.

"John Davies lists the Technium and the hospital. I welcome these initiatives but they do not materially benefit the centre of Pembroke Dock. They are for the county as a whole."

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