ROAD DUE TO OPEN WEEK COMMENCING APRIL 28

THE MAJOR A40 improvement scheme in Pembrokeshire is entering its final stages, with the Welsh Government confirming the new road will open in the week beginning April 28.

Construction of the long-anticipated bypass around Llanddewi Velfrey began in summer 2021. Once completed, the new dual carriageway will remove all temporary traffic management, including bollards and reduced speed limits. The entire stretch will carry a 60mph speed limit.

Wales transport secretary Ken Skates, responding to a written question from Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MS Samuel Kurtz, confirmed the road is on schedule.

He said: “Section 1 of the A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Redstone Cross Improvements Scheme is programmed for completion week commencing 28th April 2025. Section 2, the detrunking works through Llanddewi Velfrey village, will commence thereafter.”

The scheme is being delivered on behalf of the Welsh Government by Alun Griffiths Contractors Ltd. Although the final cost has yet to be announced, the project was originally estimated at £60 million, including £45 million from EU funding.

In preparation for the opening, the final three weekend road closures are now underway. The first closure began last weekend (March 21-24), with the remaining two scheduled for this weekend (March 28-31) and the following weekend (April 4-7).

The closures affect the section between Penblewin roundabout and Robeston Wathen roundabout, allowing the new A40 to be connected to the existing route at a location known as Jacobs Park.

All closures begin at 7:00pm on Friday and end by 6:00am on Monday morning.

Scheme spokesperson Matthew Davies said: “Due to the significant level differences between the new A40 and the existing road, the principal contractor requires three weekend closures.

“To ensure minimal disruption to local communities, commuters, and the economy, the work has been timed to finish before the Easter holiday.”

Emergency services have been fully briefed and will use carefully planned diversion routes to minimise the impact on North Pembrokeshire. Access to homes and businesses along the affected stretch of road will be maintained throughout the closures.

Mr Davies added: “Preparation work is already underway to reduce the closure duration, and all parties, including the local health board, are prepared for the temporary measures.”

A TEENAGER with a passion for rugby and a heart “full of love” took his own life at his home in Narberth after taking cocaine and leaving a note for his family.

Samuel Price, who was 19, died in the early hours of September 21, 2023, at a property in the centre of the Pembrokeshire town.

At an inquest held at County Hall in Haverfordwest on Thursday (Mar 27), the coroner heard how Sam had returned home after a busy day which included a job interview, a shift at a local pub, and rugby training. He had messaged his mother later that evening to ask to borrow some money, which she agreed to.

At 11:15pm, he contacted someone to ask about buying cocaine. He then began walking to a friend’s house but changed his mind and returned home. His stepfather found him unresponsive the following morning, and despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at 7:32am.

A note was discovered on his phone indicating his intention to end his life. A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as hanging, with recent cocaine use recorded as a contributing factor.

Sam’s mother, Clare Price, described her son as a “very happy kid” who was “beautiful” inside and out.

“This came completely out of the blue,” she told the hearing. “We had plans to go to a gig on Saturday night. He had a big, big heart and loved people so very much. There was no middle ground with Sam—he was very black and white. I want everyone to know that he was so much more than this. He was a beautiful human being.”

The coroner concluded that Sam had taken his own life and extended his condolences to the family.

A legacy of love and hope

Following Sam’s tragic death, his family has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention. His auntie Shelley, uncle Anthony, and cousins Hollie and Sophie recently completed a 19-mile walk from Minehead to Donniford—one mile for every year of Sam’s life.

The fundraiser, which has already passed £1,000, was part of a wider campaign led by Sam’s mother, Clare, who has raised more than £6,500 through her initiative, The Sammy-sized GAP. The project aims to strengthen support networks for people in crisis and push for changes in government policy, including allowing friends and family to refer vulnerable adults for mental health intervention.

Sam, who grew up in Minehead before moving to Pembrokeshire, was known for his love of rugby and was a proud member of Minehead Barbarians’ mini team, once taking part in a memorable trip to France with the side.

Speaking after the walk, Clare said: “The Hooper family’s walk is a powerful symbol—a tribute filled with love, but also a call to action. It echoes Sam’s vibrancy, emphasizing the need for suicide prevention education and support for those affected. From this tragedy, they are crafting a legacy of hope, ensuring that others find strength and assistance in their darkest moments.”

She has also warned against young people self-medicating to deal with anxiety, isolation and mental health struggles, urging anyone affected to seek proper help.

“If you knew our Sam, or know a young person who might be going through similar struggles—who might be tempted to numb the pain with drugs—please consider giving what you can to this fund,” she said. “On Sam’s behalf, we will be very grateful.”

Donations to The Sammy-sized GAP initiative can be made via GoFundMe.

If you or someone you know is struggling

If you are affected by the issues raised in this article, help is available.

You are not alone, and talking to someone can make a difference.

• Samaritans offer a free, confidential 24/7 listening service. Call 116 123 at any time or visit www.samaritans.org for more support.
• CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales: Free support and listening service available 24/7 on 0800 132 737 or text “Help” to 81066.
• Papyrus HOPELINE247: Support for young people struggling with suicidal thoughts. Call 0800 068 41 41, text 07860 039967 or visit www.papyrus-uk.org.
• Mind: Mental health charity offering advice and support. Visit www.mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393.

If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

THE ANNUAL Hywel Dda ‘Loved and Lost Baby Remembrance Service’ will take place at midday on Saturday (Apr 26) in Carmarthen.

The service, organised by Hywel Dda University Health Board and led by the Spiritual Care Department (Chaplaincy), is intended to offer comfort and reflection for parents and families who have experienced the loss of a baby.

It will be held at Bethel Chapel, Hill House, Picton Terrace, SA31 3BT. The chapel is behind the Welsh Government offices and the Army Reserve Centre, with parking available nearby.

Senior Chaplain Euryl Howells said the service is an opportunity for people to come together and remember babies who have passed away, regardless of when the loss happened or at what stage of pregnancy.

A parent who attended a previous service said it meant a great deal to them in remembering their child.

Cerian Llewellyn, interim head of midwifery, said the service also allows health professionals to show support for grieving families and to honour the memory of the babies who have died.

Parents are invited to bring a photograph or a small item such as a blanket, toy, or something bearing the baby’s name to place on a memory table during the service.

Refreshments will be provided by Pastor Tim and members of Bethel Church.

Those unable to attend but who wish to commemorate their baby can email a message to Loved.Forever.HDD@wales.nhs.uk by Tuesday (Apr 22).

Further information is available by calling Euryl Howells on 01267 227563 or by email at Euryl.Howells2@wales.nhs.uk.