THERE was big news for both of Haverfordwest's cinema proposals last week - some more positive than the other.

The development company behind the Slade Lane area proposal, Conygar, announced it has a partner backing its scheme.

While a Natural Resources Wales objection to Fairacre's town centre plan was highlighted.

Conygar said that it has signed an agreement with Premiere Cinemas to deliver a five-screen cinema complex and accompanying restaurants if planning is approved.

“In addition, several major hotel chains have expressed an interest and one has provided a letter of intent to create a 60-bedroom hotel as part of the development, highlighting the faith in the scheme that key businesses have,” adds the announcement.

Fairacre, that owns the town's Riverside Shopping area, has submitted a plan for a cinema complex at the current Wilko site but Natural Resources Wales considers the area a flood risk.

A response to Pembrokeshire County Council states: "We have significant concerns with the proposed development as submitted." It outlines a number of requirements that would need to be met to negate flooding concerns.

Fairacre said the cinema could attract 177,000 visits to Haverfordwest per year, and an additional 35,000 visits from tourists. It would also create 65 to 85 new jobs.

Conygar's proposed 17-acre schemes, close to Haverfordwest town centre will also include ten retail units (including restaurants) covering 95,000 sq ft and would potential create hundreds of jobs.