Community

New Year, new bus services as changes introduced

Published

1 year ago

December 12, 2024

A NUMBER of changes to key local bus services in Pembrokeshire will be introduced in January 2025, including reinstating some reduced services.

The changes are designed to improve punctuality and service performance on key routes.

In addition, several services that had been reduced in recent years will be reinstated.

This includes an hourly year-round service between Haverfordwest and Tenby via Pembroke Dock, a Saturday service between Tenby and Pendine and additional daytime journeys between Haverfordwest and Broad Haven, and between Merlin’s Bridge and Haverfordwest town centre.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services said: “We have listened to feedback from passengers and worked with bus operators to put in place these improvements with additional funding through the Welsh Government Bus Network Grant.

“We hope these changes will provide a better and more reliable service for bus users in Pembrokeshire.”

Passengers using Fflecsi Pembrokeshire services may also notice that the Fflecsi app now provides details of bus timetables where a fixed route bus service is available for the journey they have requested. This will help improve the availability of the Fflecsi service for journeys where there is no other public transport option.

A temporary timetable will also be introduced on the T5 service operated by Richards Bros between Haverfordwest and Cardigan, due to a major road closure in Newport.

For further information about copies of the new timetables, please visit https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/bus-routes-and-timetables/planned-bus-service-changes or contact [email protected]

The changes are as follows:

From 04/1/25

351 – Tenby-Amroth-Pendine (Taf Valley Coaches)

Service will now also run on Saturdays during the winter.

From 6/1/25

301 Haverfordwest Town Service (Pembrokeshire County Council)

Service will no longer call at Augustine Way. Alternative bus stops are available at St Thomas Green or Horsefair.
New stop on Scarrowscant lane near the junction with Tasker Way.

302 – Withybush Hospital –Hubberston (First Cymru)

Extra time added to journeys to help with punctuality.

307 Haverfordwest to Merlins Bridge (Pembrokeshire County Council)

New service mid-morning (Monday to Friday) and mid-afternoon (Fridays only).

308 Haverfordwest – – Llangwm-Burton circular (Pembrokeshire County Council)

Afternoon journey will call at Withybush hospital and retail park.

311 Haverfordwest – Broad Haven (Pembrokeshire County Council)

Two additional journeys provided, mid-morning and mid-afternoon.

322 Withybush Hospital – Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen (First Cymru)

Change to route in Carmarthen. Bus will go from Carmarthen bus station around the bypass to Glangwili hospital, and then return via the town.
Connection with 381 in Narberth for travel to/from Tenby has been maintained.

Extra time added to journeys to help with punctuality.

349 Haverfordwest-Pembroke Dock-Tenby (First Cymru)

Change to route in Haverfordwest. Bus will depart from Bus Station to Withybush hospital, then around the bypass to Picton Place.
14.25 service from Haverfordwest will run throughout the year, not just in school holidays.
New later bus from Pembroke-Haverfordwest at 19.40.
Improved connection with 381 in Tenby.
Extra time added to journeys to help with punctuality.

381 Haverfordwest-Narberth-Tenby (First Cymru)

Change to route in Haverfordwest. Bus will depart from Bus Station to Withybush hospital, then around the bypass on its way out of town towards Narberth. Passengers for Withybush retail park will use the stop outside Home Bargains for both inward and return journeys.
Connection with 322 in Narberth for travel to/from Carmarthen has been maintained.
Improved connection with 349 in Tenby.
Extra time added to journeys to help with punctuality

T5 Haverfordwest-Fishguard-Cardigan-Aberystwyth (Richards Bros)

A temporary timetable will be in place from 6/1/25 for at least 8 weeks, due to a road closure in Newport.
Buses will not be able to use the main bus stop in Newport. Alternative bus stops will be available at Newport Memorial Hall and the Golden Lion.
Due to the narrow diversion route, a low-floor accessible minibus will be provided between Fishguard and Cardigan.
All passengers will have to change at Fishguard for onward travel towards Cardigan or Haverfordwest.
The 07.45 from Haverfordwest will terminate at Fishguard.

Community

Loose horse sparks police response in Pembroke

Published

5 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Animal seen galloping through residential streets and towards main road

POLICE are reportedly tracking a loose horse which strayed into a residential area of Pembroke.

The animal was first spotted in Gatehouse View before making its way onto a nearby main road.

A post on the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Citizens’ Forum said the horse had left Gatehouse View and was seen heading towards the road by Pembroke Leisure Centre.

The resident wrote: “Anyone recognise it? Police following it.”

The horse was later reported to be galloping down Buttermilk Lane in the direction of Martha’s.

Stray horses are not uncommon in the area. In January, several animals were reported loose around Pembroke and along the A477, particularly near Buttermilk Close and the Cleddau Bridge.

Those incidents created a hazard for motorists, prompting Pembrokeshire County Council to step in and return the animals. Drivers were advised to take extra care and avoid startling them.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

13 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

22 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”