BLUEPRINTS for new public footpaths and bridges along the banks of the Cleddau in Haverfordwest have been revealed.

The Haverfordwest Riverside Green and Blue Infrastructure project was discussed at a meeting of the town council on Wednesday, February 21.

Peter Howe, Community Implementation Officer for Pembrokeshire County Council presented the plans to the town council.

“We are looking at Haverfordwest because we already have the Haverfordwest masterplan in place. We are combining the two plans and adding to that the active travel plan,” he said.

The proposed new paths are currently subject to grant funding applications from Natural Resources Wales and Welsh Government.

If the applications are successful, then Haverfordwest could see a new public rights of way along the river banks of the town.

The route would add a new footbridge to cross the Cleddau at the Old Mill Ground near the Bridge Meadow to the north of town.

There would also be a new 250m public right of way running along the east bank of the Cleddau to the north of the town centre.

Plans for the north of town also include a scheme to graze the invasive plant Himalayan Balsam, and encouraging otters, sand martins, and lampreys who live in the river.

The route through the centre of town would remain much the same, with PCC planning to work with other local groups who have projects along the riverside, including HaverHub, and Transition Haverfordwest.

To the south of the town, the trail would link up with the Priory Saltings project, which is being led by Haverfordwest Town Council.

There are also plans to put sign posts along the river trail, with maps and information about the natural and historical surroundings.

One of the pots of money PCC has applied for is a green infrastructure grant from Welsh Government.

This grant could be re-applied for each year, and if PCC are successful, they hope to apply again and extend the riverside project into a second year, and possibly a third.

Plans for these further years could include a natural river corridor in the centre of Haverfordwest, which the council says would bring nature back to town.

Cllr Susan Cook asked if the path would be fully accessible, and Mr Howe explained the sign posts would show which parts of the path could be visited by wheelchair users.

The town council voted to write a letter in support of the plans to the county council.