Mayor challenges accusation of political inaction over town decline
The mayor of Haverfordwest has publicly disputed claims by a Pembrokeshire county councillor that local representatives have allowed the county town to fall into decline, saying the town council has been active in promoting the centre and offering a clear vision for regeneration.
Councillor Scott Thorley, who represents Milford Hakin for Reform UK, ignited the row in a social-media post that blamed Haverfordwest’s troubles on what he described as a "lack of vision", a failure to understand modern shoppers, the introduction of paid parking, and a decade of inaction by local councillors. He argued the town should have pursued a retail-park model with free parking and several major stores in one location.
In response, Haverfordwest Town Mayor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner said the criticism was misplaced if it was aimed at the town council. He highlighted the council’s recent activity and an 18-month piece of work that led to a 24-page strategic report presented in July.
“If you mean Haverfordwest Town Council and its councillors, then I’m struggling to understand the point,”
The mayor told reporters the town council has organised more than 27 events this year to draw people into the centre and has launched other initiatives to support local traders. He also pointed to a proposal that would see Haverfordwest considered as a Welsh Government pilot area for the temporary suspension of business rates, which he said was designed to support existing businesses, attract new enterprises and put empty premises back into use while wider regeneration projects continue.
Debate over regeneration and the signature bridge
The exchanges come amid a wider dispute over whether major investments in Haverfordwest are generating tangible benefits for residents and traders. Some councillors have questioned the value for money of the town’s new £5.7m footbridge, a project that has been described variously as transformational and controversial.
Supporters say the bridge forms part of a broader regeneration effort, while critics, echoing Cllr Thorley’s scepticism, suggest alternative retail models might have delivered quicker or clearer outcomes for shoppers and local businesses.
- Town council activity: More than 27 events this year plus other initiatives aimed at supporting traders.
- Strategic work: A 24-page report produced after around 18 months of study and consultation.
- Policy proposal: A bid to become a Welsh Government pilot for temporary business-rate suspension.
Local political representatives from across the spectrum — including Labour, the Conservatives and Plaid Cymru — together with business representatives, have been involved in discussions prompted by the strategic report, the mayor said. The bid for pilot status on business rates is intended to provide breathing space for existing shops while longer-term regeneration is carried out.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Events delivered this year | 27+ |
| Strategic report length | 24 pages |
| Signature footbridge cost | £5.7m |
Those living and working in Haverfordwest will be watching closely as the debate unfolds. The underlying issues — empty shop units, shifting consumer habits, parking policy and how best to deploy public money for regeneration — are familiar to many market towns across Wales and the UK.
For now, the mayor insists there is a plan in place and highlighted practical aims: to protect traders, attract new businesses, and bring vacant premises back into use while continuing to pursue longer-term investments. Opponents argue different policy choices might have delivered faster results for shoppers and businesses.
The controversy is likely to continue as councillors and local stakeholders debate evidence, priorities and the impacts of recent investments on the everyday life of Haverfordwest.
Residents and traders have been invited to follow council meetings and public consultations where the strategic report and the business-rate pilot proposal are discussed.
