Local Assembly Member Paul Davies has expressed his extreme disappointment that Pembrokeshire has not been selected to proceed to Stage 2 of the 'Vibrant and Viable Places' regeneration process. Following the Minister for Housing and Regeneration's recent statement, Pembrokeshire is now one of only four local authorities in Wales not to be considered for regeneration funding from the Welsh Labour Government.

Mr Davies said, "I'm extremely disappointed that the Welsh Government have dismissed Pembrokeshire's proposal to support regeneration efforts in Milford Haven. Sadly, the town centre underperforms with high vacancy rates (17% by unit or 11% by area for ground Class A) and the building of new affordable houses is low compared to need, with only 452 delivered between 2007 and 2013. Given that the Welsh Government's new framework is directed towards regenerating town centres and coastal communities, it's unacceptable that Milford Haven has been overlooked. Therefore, I will be raising this issue with the Minister in the Assembly Chamber to find out why Pembrokeshire has been ignored."