HAVERFORDWEST’S river is set to be given a facelift after funding of more than £100,000 was secured to give an enhancement project the go-ahead.

Over £100,000 has been earmarked for the Haverfordwest Riverside Circular Path and Greening Project by Natural Resources Wales (NRW); the single largest award from NRW for a project in Wales.

The project is a joint venture between Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC), Haverfordwest Town Council (HTC), the Bridge Meadow Trust and Haverfordwest Kayak Club.

Plans for the scheme include improving the existing rights of way network in the Town Centre, creating a new river crossing to the north of Haverfordwest (on the site of the old river weir near Crowhill where people used to learn to swim) and providing links to the Priory and the Saltings area in the south of the town.

Other elements include habitat and invasive weed management, the creation of otter holts and Sand Martin towers, and a new riverside access for Haverfordwest Kayak Club and the wider community.

A greening element on the river steps opposite the new library will deliver a visual enhancement to the river and create a new habitat for wildlife in the centre of town.

Volunteers from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Pembrokeshire College have already pledged their support to the scheme.

“Once complete, I’ve no doubt the Haverfordwest Riverside Circular Path and Greening Project will provide residents and visitors with a fabulous leisure amenity for them to enjoy for many years to come,” said Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure, Cllr Phil Baker.

“It mixes old with new giving users a glimpse into the heritage of the town with walks passed the ruins of the priory in the south and old mill located near the headwaters of Crowhill, and, of course, the state-of-the-art library being constructed in the centre.

“This is an exciting project that will ensure Haverfordwest is a vibrant, colourful and exciting town to live work and play in.”

Pembrokeshire County Council would like to hear from members of the public to learn more about the history of the Old Mill at Crowhill and the land around the river

They’d like to know:

1) Are you in any of these photographs?

2) Has anyone got any photos of the Old Mill at Crowhill (St Martins Mill?)

3) Has anyone got any photos of the river boats servicing the Mill?

4) What was the Mill used for?

5) Has anyone got any illustrations of Prendergast Manor?

6) Have you heard about or experienced the ‘The white lady of the Ghyll’ (pronounced guile)?

If you have any information to share, please contact Peter Howe at peter.howe@pembrokeshire.gov.uk or call 01437 775550.