Community

Pembrokeshire A40 Improvement Scheme: Key dates announced

Published

12 months ago

December 16, 2024

A SIGNIFICANT milestone in Pembrokeshire’s A40 improvement scheme is set to be reached this week, with the opening of a major section of the upgraded road.

The ambitious project to enhance the county’s main transport artery is expected to be completed by March 2025, according to the latest updates. Recent traffic management at the Penblewin roundabout has paved the way for the opening of a westward stretch of nearly two kilometres on Wednesday (Dec 18). This new section will take vehicles under the Redstone Bridge and on to Jacobs Park near Narberth, the final point in the improvement scheme.

Temporary speed restrictions
While the new section will open to traffic, a 30mph speed limit will remain in place until the entire project is complete. Once fully operational, the speed limit will increase to 60mph.

The project’s total cost is yet to be confirmed, although the Welsh Government currently estimates it at £60 million, including £45 million of EU funding. The scheme is being delivered on behalf of the Welsh Government by contractors Griffiths.

A spokesperson for Griffiths expressed gratitude to those impacted by the work, saying:
“We would like to thank local residents, businesses, and road users for their ongoing understanding throughout the project.”

Environmental considerations
Finishing touches along the route include planting British native species of trees and wildflowers, with green sleeves protecting the saplings east of Redstone Bridge.

Key dates:

Wednesday, December 18:
- Opening of the section from Penblewin Roundabout, under Redstone Bridge, to Jacobs Park.
- Partial opening of Bethel Roundabout, with eastbound traffic redirected to the new roundabout leading to Pengawse Hill. Westbound traffic will follow the existing route to Llanddewi Velfrey.
Thursday, December 19:
- Opening of Henllan Lane and the section from Henllan Lodge through to Penblewin Roundabout.
Week beginning February 17, 2025:
- Increased opening of Bethel Roundabout to accommodate east and westbound traffic.
Week beginning February 25, 2025:
- Opening of Llanfallteg Bridge.
End of March 2025:
- Full project completion, including the long-anticipated bypass around the village of Llanddewi Velfrey.

This major upgrade promises to significantly improve transport links across Pembrokeshire, benefiting residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

(Images: Griffiths Contractors)

Community

Festive creativity shines as Kurtz MS meets card competition winner

Published

41 minutes ago

December 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, visited Pembroke Dock Community School on Friday 12th December to present a prize to the winner of this year’s Christmas Card Competition.

The competition invited pupils to design a festive Christmas card, with entries received from schools across the area. The standard of artwork was exceptionally high, showcasing the creativity, imagination and talent of young people in the community.

During the visit, Samuel Kurtz congratulated the winning pupil and thanked all those who took part, as well as the teachers and staff who supported the competition. Each child who entered also received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and effort.

Speaking after the presentation, Samuel said, “It was a real pleasure to visit Pembroke Dock Community School today and announce the winner of my Christmas Card competition. This year the winner is Mair Moseley, aged 10, and she designed a wonderful Santa image that really stood out. She has won a chocolate selection set and a £20 book token to enjoy over Christmas.”

He added, “ The creativity and enthusiasm shown by all the children was fantastic, and it made choosing a winner extremely difficult. I want to congratulate all the entrants and thank the staff for their ongoing support.”

Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher, Mrs Katie Crockford-Morris, added, “We were delighted to welcome Samuel Kurtz MS to the school to present the prize. The children thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the competition, and they were incredibly proud to receive their certificates.”

The winning design will now be used as Samuel Kurtz’s official Christmas card this year, with one copy already on its way to His Majesty, King Charles.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

20 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.