News

Snow and ice in Pembs: Some schools closed and police warn of road dangers

Published

2 years ago

January 18, 2024

Good morning, residents of snowy Pembrokeshire.

In light of the cold weather conditions affecting the county, we are keeping you informed with the latest updates on road safety, school closures, and public transport alterations.

As of 06:00 AM, travellers are advised to exercise extreme caution on the A487 route from Newgale to Haverfordwest. This stretch has become treacherous due to significant ice accumulation. Authorities recommend allowing extra time for travel along this route, as the icy conditions have considerably increased the risk of accidents.
By 06:30 AM, the A487 near Boncath experienced disruptions. A lorry, unable to navigate the snowy and icy hill at Rhos Hill near the turnoff to Boncath, became a partial roadblock. Efforts are underway to safely remove the vehicle and restore normal traffic flow.
Schools have been significantly impacted by these harsh conditions. At 07:20 AM, Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi announced its closure for the day, citing the severe weather and the cancellation of school buses. The safety of students and staff is paramount, and the decision to close was made to ensure their wellbeing.
Shortly thereafter, at 07:23 AM, further potential school closures were reported. Portfield School, Pembroke Dock School, Neyland LRC, Goodwick School, and Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi are likely to remain closed today. However, Pembrokeshire College, Milford Haven Community Primary School, and Cosheston VC have reported that they will remain open.
Richard Bros. announced at 08:00 AM the suspension of all school and college service routes until further notice. This decision, made in response to the adverse weather and road conditions, aims to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff. Richard Bros. apologises for any inconvenience caused and urges the public to stay updated for further notices.
At 7:46am there were reports of cars stuck on Newgale Hill.
At 07:52am The council said Mary Immaculate School, Haverfordwest says it can open.
At 07:53am Cilgerran Church in Wales VC School will be closed today .
At 07:55am The council said Pembrokeshire Learning Centre will be closed today.
At 07:56am We received news that Puncheston Community Primary School will be closed today.
At 07:56am It was confirmed that Roch Community School will be closed today.
At 07:58am The council said Ysgol Bro Ingli – Newport will be closed today.
At 07:59am We received news that Ysgol Caer Elen will be closed today.
At 08:00am It was decided that Ysgol Gymunedol Brynconin – Llandissilio will be closed today.
At 08:04am We received news that Ysgol Gymunedol Maenclochog will be closed today.
At 08:04am Goodwick Community School will be closed today.
At 08:05am It was confirmed that Ysgol Llandudoch – St Dogmaels will be closed today.
At 08:06am Confirmed that Ysgol Llanychllwydog – Gwaun Valley will be closed today.
At 08:07am The council said Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA will be closed today.
At 08:09am It was confirmed that Ysgol Bro Preseli will be closed today.

08:09am – Holy Name Catholic Primary School in Fishguard will be partially closed today due to staff shortages caused by adverse weather conditions. Classes 4 and 5 will be closed this morning Work will be set on Google Classroom If we are able to safely reopen the classes later today we will inform parents
08:10am – Ysgol Ger y Llan in Letterston will be partially closed today Staff say conditions will be re-assessed by 10am and parents contacted via Seesaw
08:11am – Ysgol Hafan y Môr will be partially closed today as some staff are unable to reach the school site. The school will be partially open today. This means open to pupils in yrs. 3 – 6 however the school is closed to all pupils in Nursery, Reception, Yrs. 1 + 2. Breakfast club open – yrs. 3 -6 only Cylch Meithrin is open. School says apologies for any inconvenience this may cause however the health and safety of staff is paramount. Thank you for your understanding.
08:23am – Coastlands School – St Ishmaels will be partially closed today.
08:24am – Haverfordwest High VC School will be partially closed today. School is closed to KS3 and Open to KS4 and 5.
08.34am – Road between the country road between St Davids Road and Nolton Haven is impassable for cars.
08:51am – B4329 road at Poyston Cross, Haverfordwest, is currently obstructed due to a single-vehicle traffic collision.
09:00am – Pembrokeshire County Council have announced that there are challenges surrounding waste and recycling collections this morning due to weather conditions. Collections will be later starting than usual, and when commencing, priority will be given to Residual (grey/black bags) and AHP (purple bags) collections. We will make every effort to collect where it it safe to do so, however wherever possible can households please keep their recycling until the next collection day.
09:20am – Update from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – We’re aware of snow falling across many areas of the National Park overnight and this morning. We’d advise everyone to be cautious if you’re heading out – and be mindful that some local roads are already in a treacherous condition. For those planning to enjoy the snow, please remember that much of the land in the National Park, including North Pembrokeshire, is privately owned. Have fun, but please respect the land, farmers and their livestock. Take all litter home with you and park wisely, without blocking gates or roads that may be used by local residents, landowners and emergency services.
09:21am – Pembrokeshire County Council have said that primary routes and secondary routes have been gritted and are being patrolled again this morning but conditions remain very icy and slippery. Untreated routes will be hazardous and dangerous. Please take caution and cnsider if journey is essential. Coastal roads are reported as dangerous.
09:22am Police confirm road closure at Jackson Way and Goodwick Hill, Goodwick. Drivers are reminded to follow diversion routes which will be gritted.
09:31am Pembrokeshire County Council said A478 has been gritted but road is icy, especially around Rhoshill. Reports of cars being stuck also between Cardigan and Crymych at Bridell.
09:40am Emergency services are still dealing with accident on the A478 at Newgale Hill, police said.
09:59am Warning from local residents that Snowdrop Lane in Haverfordwest is very icy and to proceed with care
10:04am Warning that B4318 is blocked due to lorry stuck on hill due to ice/snow between Tavernspite and Red Roses. Team deployed by Pembrokeshire County Council to assist.
10:52am Avoid the back road past the Priory Inn, Lower Priory, Milford Haven, vans and cars stuck all over the place, the snow has frozen, so very slippy.
11:08am Gritting lorry stuck in snow near Scolton Manor, take care to avoid obstruction.
11:09am Road closure at Saundersfoot and Stop & Call, Goodwick due to burst water mains. Drivers are reminded to follow diversion routes which are gritted.
11:10am Road closure for the B4582 requested between Croft and Nevern due to several vehicles stuck
11:12am B4313 between Fishguard and Llanacher at Trebover Hill only passable by 4 x 4 cars unable to pass
11:13am Back roads around Letterston and Wolfscastle are not passable with a number of cars getting stuck
11:15am A478: Icy especially between Cardigan and Crymych at Bridell.
11:17am A487: Icy conditions around each side of Newgale on the hills
11:20am Hill on Glenover fields, Redhill park, side roads around Trafalgar roads in Haverfordwest are very icy
11:22am Take care on Johnston to Troopers Inn and Church Road
11:20am B4329 Haverfordwest to Cardigan road between Scolton and Crundale: Car accident
11:27am Road between Jordanston and Rosemarket around St Mary’s Park: Car Stuck and Public transport blocked. Team deployed by council.
11:30am Roads around Milford Haven are reporting as hazardous due to frost freezing over the snow. Fender bender on Victoria Road and also at Murray Road.
11:32am Take care on B4313 between Fishguard and Llanacher at Trebover Hill only passable by 4×4 – ordinary cars are unable to pass, police said.
11:36am A number of cars are blocking the access road between the A40 and Sealyham
11:47am Roads around Eglwyswrw, Llangwm, Letterston, Ambleston, Little Newcastle,, Wolfsdale, Leweston, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Keeston very slippy and have difficult driving conditions to name a few – Pembrokeshire County Council warning.
13.10pm The A487 between Fishguard and Cardigan has been closed in both directions due to snow. Police are currently on scene. Pembrokeshire County Council have been informed. Please avoid the area and find an alternative route.

The Pembrokeshire Herald urges all residents to stay informed, plan ahead, and prioritise safety during these challenging weather conditions. For the latest updates, please continue to follow our website and stay tuned for any further announcements.

Stay safe, Pembrokeshire.

Business

Plaid energy policy challenged by Labour after Adam Price interview

Published

22 hours ago

May 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

LABOUR SAYS MINISTERS MUST EXPLAIN COST AND TIMETABLE FOR PYLON PLANS

PLAID CYMRU’S approach to energy infrastructure has come under scrutiny after Energy Minister Adam Price was challenged over plans to reduce the use of overhead pylons in Wales.

Mr Price defended the Welsh Government’s position during an appearance on BBC Radio Wales’ Sunday Supplement, arguing that communities must have greater confidence in how major grid projects are handled.

Plaid Cymru has pledged to give communities a stronger voice over energy developments and to look more closely at alternatives to overhead transmission lines, including underground cabling where possible.

The issue has become increasingly sensitive in rural parts of Wales, where proposed pylon routes linked to renewable energy schemes have raised concerns about landscape impact, tourism and local consultation.

However, Welsh Labour said the minister had failed to explain when any restriction on pylons would take effect, or who would pay the additional cost of placing cables underground.

A Welsh Labour spokesperson said: “Adam Price keeps saying how clear their manifesto was and yet he won’t say when they’re banning pylons. They won’t say who is paying for the extra cost of undergrounding cables.

“Without certainty, companies won’t invest. That’s thousands of clean, green energy jobs at risk. Plaid need more than a plan to have a plan.”

Labour said the Welsh Government must now set out how its policy would work in practice, including whether it amounts to an outright ban, what exemptions would apply, and how any extra costs would be funded.

The debate highlights the challenge facing ministers as Wales seeks to expand renewable energy generation while addressing public opposition to large-scale grid infrastructure.

Community

Pembroke Fair praised as well-organised community event

Published

22 hours ago

May 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HORSES, STALLS AND FAMILY CROWDS RETURN TO MONKTON

FAMILIES, horse owners and visitors turned out in force for Pembroke Fair on Saturday (May 23), with many praising the event as one of the best organised in recent years.

Held at the Community Centre Field in Monkton, the annual fair brought together horse owners, traders and local families for a traditional day centred around horses, ponies, stalls and socialising.

Coloured cobs, heavy horses, ponies and horse-drawn traps attracted attention throughout the day, with many visitors gathering around the field to watch the animals being shown and led around the site.

A variety of stalls selling everything from clothing and ornaments to tack and second-hand goods helped create a lively market atmosphere, while food vendors kept visitors fed throughout the day.

Despite overcast conditions at times, the event remained busy, with many attendees staying for several hours to enjoy the traditional fair atmosphere.

Community members later took to social media to praise the smooth running of the event, with several publicly thanking organiser Charlie Price for his efforts in bringing the fair together.

Comments described the day as “well organised” and praised the welcoming atmosphere, with many saying it was encouraging to see a long-standing local tradition continuing to thrive.

The fair once again brought together members of the travelling community, local residents and horse enthusiasts from across west Wales.

A horse drive was also due to take place on Sunday (May 24), continuing the weekend’s celebrations.

Photo captions:

Traditional gathering: Horses, ponies, horse-drawn carts and market stalls drew crowds to Pembroke Fair in Monkton on Saturday (Pic: Herald).

News

Watchdog criticises health board over £10m GP contract checks

Published

2 days ago

May 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HEALTH board has been criticised by Audit Wales after GP contracts worth more than £10m were awarded without sufficient due diligence checks.

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board allowed a GP partnership associated with eHarley Street Primary Care Solutions to take on eight GP contracts in south-east Wales, with a combined annual value of around £10.1m.

Audit Wales said the board should have carried out greater scrutiny before approving the arrangements, including checks on financial resilience, workforce plans, business risks and the partnership’s ability to manage several practices at once.

However, the watchdog found no evidence of fraud and noted the board was dealing with significant pressure in general practice, including vacant contracts and limited interest from other bidders.

The report said weaknesses in governance and scrutiny contributed to later disruption and uncertainty for patients and staff when problems emerged.

Concerns included financial and workforce pressures, unpaid invoices, and issues relating to tax and pension payments. Some contracts were later handed back, requiring the health board to step in to protect services.

Natasha Asghar MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Minister for Health and Social Care, said the findings were “deeply concerning”.

She said: “Patients and staff were left facing disruption and uncertainty because proper scrutiny was not carried out before these contracts were awarded.

“The Welsh Conservatives believe lessons must be learned to ensure robust checks are in place, protect frontline services and restore confidence in primary care across Wales.”

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board accepted the recommendations and said it had already strengthened its processes.

Audit Wales said the case highlighted the need for stronger checks before GP contracts are transferred, particularly when a single partnership is taking on multiple practices in a short period.