Road plan threat to hotel (From Western Telegraph)

Road plan threat to hotel

The future of one of Haverfordwest's oldest hotels may be jeopardised because of a controversial new road scheme.

A proposed link road between Barn Street and Dew Street, would cut across part of the Hotel Mariner's car park.

Joint owners Anne Cromwell and her son Andrew say this would significantly reduce the hotel's current 38-40 car-parking spaces.

It would also lead to a breach of planning conditions laid down during the most recent phase of the hotel development and affect future plans for a function room and extended restaurant and bar.

"Unless the level of parking can be maintained, we foresee a loss of trade and reduced limits on growth," they say in a letter to the county council.

The proposals would lead to the loss of vehicular access between the front and rear of the hotel, essential to unload deliveries, and would make the unloading and parking of coaches impossible, they add.

"The new road would be elevated and can you imagine cars and lorries travelling only yards from some of the hotel bedrooms?" asked Mrs Cromwell.

The hotel, which dates back to at least 1714, is a landmark in the town and its facade is listed.

Mrs Cromwell worked for Allied Breweries for 20 years before buying the Hotel Mariners in 1981. She gave a half share to her son Andrew, who is married with three sons of his own.

So angry is she, that she has refused permission for consultant engineers to make boreholes and trial pits on her land.

"We invested heavily in recent developments and it would all be wasted. The council should look again at the scheme as there could be an alternative route further up Barn Street," she said.

"Many of our staff have been here for years and they are worried about the future of their jobs."

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesman said: "A public consultation exercise was carried out last year over the council's proposals to improve traffic and parking within Haverfordwest.

"The exercise, which included an exhibition, was an opportunity for the public to air their views about the plans, which include a proposed new link road between Barn Street and Dew Street.

"In general, the proposals were well received and the cabinet has agreed to go ahead with a design feasibility study for the road scheme.

"The scheme is still very much in its early stages and no detailed final decision made. We are still talking to people who might be affected."