New home for Park (From Western Telegraph)

New home for Park

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has agreed in principal to relocating from Haverfordwest to Pembroke Dock.

The Parks policy committee voted unanimously to support the move to the former South Pembrokeshire District Council offices in Llanion Park, though some councillors said they were voting reluctantly. The Parks cramped base in Winch Lane is deteriorating. Refurbishment costs are estimated at £353,000, with an addition of a fourth wing costing an extra £240,000.

The National Assembly has offered the Park financial assistance with a move to Pembroke Dock, but will not spend money on refurbishing the old building.

They are not willing to throw good money after bad, said Nic Wheeler, chief executive of the National Park. Councillor Elwyn Owen said if the Park did not relocate it would be misusing public finances quite significantly. He added: The location is not ideal, but there are ways in which the problems can be overcome. Councillor John Allen-Mirehouse welcomed the move, but warned that all costs must be looked into. Councillor Steve Watkins said the move is about prestige, practicality and prudence.

He said: There are those who like to regard us as a backstreet quango. If we stay here we will only foster that attitude. That is why it is so important that we are going to a prestigious new headquarters right on the Haven. Councillor Edward Holdaway said the move was an investment for the next 50 years of the National Park. But Councillor John Thomas said: I am not at all delighted we are moving down there right by the sea. We should be in the centre, in Haverfordwest, not down there on a limb. I am sure there would be a devil of a row if we moved to St Dogmaels in the north. I will support this, but it is against my will.

The National Park views the move as an opportunity to improve its operations across the county. It is looking to disperse its services and contacts through the park with an e-government style approach. The authority is also looking at how it can best utilise its visitor centres to provide a strong presence throughout.

Councillor Simon Hancock said: It is extremely important the people of the north of the county do not feel we are out of their grasp.

Chief executive, Nic Wheeler, said that was fundamental. That is part of the investigation over the next few months - how we can get the work of the Park out. We are looking to provide an electronic presence through the county and a human, physical presence too. Whether that is permanent or a once a week surgery with staff hot desking is something we can look at. Our meetings should be peripatetic as well. It is another way we can take the Park out to the people.