Community

Older people’s voices ‘must be heard’ on bus reforms

Published

2 months ago

May 8, 2025

THE OLDER people’s commissioner for Wales warned people could be denied a meaningful say about a major shake-up of bus services due to a tight timetable for scrutiny.

Rhian Bowen-Davies, who was appointed last summer, expressed concerns about the “extremely narrow” timetable for a bill which aims to transform bus services in Wales.
Writing to the Senedd’s climate committee, she said a six-week consultation window, which included three bank holidays, does not allow enough time for people to respond.

Ms Bowen-Davies wrote: “11 weeks is insufficient to undertake the scrutiny process, especially on such a significant piece of draft legislation.

“The timetable does not allow for meaningful consultation with stakeholders, including members of the public and particularly older people.”

Ms Bowen-Davies, who is scheduled to give evidence to the committee on May 22, argued the May 13 consultation deadline fails to give the issue the attention it deserves.

The former police officer said: “Issues relating to transport, particularly buses, are often raised with me by older people and I am very keen to ensure there is sufficient time for meaningful consultation on the bill and that older people’s voices are heard.”

In a letter published ahead of a committee meeting on May 7, she wrote: “Older people often tell me they want a voice in decision making but that digital exclusion often acts as a barrier.”
Warning that an explanatory note, which was published alongside the bill, runs to more than 200 pages, she stressed: “It is important to recognise that over 100,000 people aged 75-plus in Wales do not use the internet.”

Plaid Cymru’s Llŷr Gruffydd, who chairs the climate committee which is scrutinising the bill, stated that 11 sitting weeks is in line with standard practice in his reply.

“This necessitates a shorter consultation period than would be the case, for example, for a policy inquiry where the committee has autonomy over timetabling matters,” he wrote.

Senedd Members on the business committee, which organises proceedings in the Welsh Parliament, agreed the 11-week timetable.

Mr Gruffydd added: “We acknowledge that the six-week consultation period is likely to present challenges for those wishing to submit evidence. However, we are keen to ensure that this evidence is available in good time to test with witnesses.”

With the business committee reviewing the legislative scrutiny process, Ms Bowen-Davies called for reform to ensure digital exclusion is not “inadvertently built in”.

She told the climate committee: “This review should reflect on the time needed to support and enable genuine and meaningful consultation, as well as engagement with groups who have an interest in legislative proposals.

“Future timetables should also take into account bank holidays and other factors that may impact on people’s ability to respond. Changes to allow more time for consultation should be made to the timetable for scrutinising legislation.”

Community

Travel advice issued for Pembrokeshire’s Long Course Weekend

Published

3 hours ago

June 24, 2025

Luke Sinclair

Motorists and bus passengers across south Pembrokeshire are being advised to prepare for a series of road closures and transport changes as the Long Course Weekend returns to the region this weekend.

The popular endurance event, which draws thousands of athletes and spectators each year, will bring temporary disruptions to routes in and around Tenby on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June as competitors take part in the Wales Sportive and Wales Marathon.

Saturday 28th June – Wales Sportive

On Saturday, the Wales Sportive cycle event will see several roads in the wider Tenby area closed or converted to one-way systems to ensure participant safety. While the A40, A477, and the A478 Narberth to Kilgetty routes remain unaffected and fully open, other roads will be subject to closures and diversions throughout the day.

Sunday 29th June – Wales Marathon

Further closures will be in place on Sunday during the Wales Marathon, affecting routes between Tenby and Pembroke. These will operate on a rolling basis between 9.30am and 4pm, with the aim of minimising disruption while maintaining safety for runners and spectators.

Up-to-date information on all road closures can be found on the event’s official website:
https://community.lcwwales.com/road-closures

Special arrangements for carers and emergency access

Care professionals requiring access to clients in affected areas can obtain vehicle passes through their care organisation managers. More details are available at:
https://community.lcwwales.com/road…/carers-information

In case of emergencies during the event, organisers can be contacted directly on 01437 765777.

Public transport disruptions

Local bus services will also be impacted by the weekend’s events, with changes in place on both Saturday and Sunday.

Friday 27th June

All services will operate as normal.

Saturday 28th June

351 (Tenby-Kilgetty-Amroth-Pendine) – No service
381 (Haverfordwest-Narberth-Kilgetty-Saundersfoot-Tenby) – No service
Tenby Coaster (Tenby-Saundersfoot) – No service
349 (Haverfordwest-Neyland-Pembroke Dock-Pembroke-Tenby) – Will not serve Pembroke to Tenby until after 1pm
356 (Milford Haven-Neyland-Pembroke Dock-Pembroke-Monkton) – No service to Pembroke Commons or Monkton until after 1pm
387/388 (Coastal Cruiser) – Service will not operate until after 11am

Sunday 29th June

387/388 (Coastal Cruiser) – No service
Tenby Coaster (Tenby-Saundersfoot) – Will operate via the A4218 (Broadwell Hayes) instead of Marsh Road and Heywood Lane

Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time for travel where necessary.

Community

Landmarc raises the flag at Castlemartin to mark the start of Armed Forces Week

Published

1 day ago

June 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TO CELEBRATE Armed Forces Week 2025, Landmarc Support Services (Landmarc), together with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), is raising the Armed Forces Day flag at Castlemartin Training Area in Pembrokeshire, demonstrating their appreciation and support for service personnel.

The raising of the flag takes place each year at Defence Training Estate (DTE) sites across the UK and is witnessed by both Armed Forces personnel and civilians. This year, Landmarc and DIO are extending a special thank you to full-time serving and reservist troops, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, veterans and their families, by proudly flying the official Armed Forces Day flag at military training establishments across the nation.

Working in partnership with DIO, Landmarc provides the support services that enable the Armed Forces to live, work, and train on the UK Defence Training Estate. As part of this ongoing commitment, Landmarc is extending its guaranteed interview scheme to military spouses, civil partners and long-term cohabiting partners who meet the basic role criteria to ensure fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

The scheme reinforces Landmarc’s pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant, which was re-signed in 2024 following the company’s achievement of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award.

Mark Neill, Managing Director at Landmarc, said: “Having supported the Armed Forces for more than two decades, we’re proud that over 25 per cent of our team comes from a military background. Expanding our guaranteed interview scheme to military spouses and partners is another important step in recognising the loyalty and service these individuals contribute to our country, while also reinforcing our ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

“As a veteran myself, I know first-hand how important Armed Forces Week is for improving morale across our military communities, and we are proud to show our support during this special week.”

Brigadier Hatcher, DIO’s Head of Overseas and Training Region added: “Armed Forces Week is an opportunity to show our appreciation for the men and women of the Armed Forces community, providing a welcome morale boost to serving personnel, veterans, and their families.

“It’s fantastic to see the public, businesses, and fellow service members come together in support. Alongside our colleagues at Landmarc, we are proud to raise the flag at sites across the country to honour their contribution.

Community

Scam email targeting Pembrokeshire residents claims unpaid council tax

Published

1 day ago

June 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE residents are being warned to stay alert after reports of a scam email falsely claiming to be from the local authority.

The email, which carries the subject line “We’re writing to you about what seems to be an unprocessed council tax payment,” has been received by a number of residents in recent days.

It goes on to claim that the recipient has an outstanding balance on their Council Tax account and invites them to click a link to “check” the details. The message is signed off by a so-called “Local Taxation Authority”.

Pembrokeshire County Council has confirmed that the email is fraudulent and was not sent by the council.

“All genuine emails from Pembrokeshire County Council will come from an address ending in @pembrokeshire.gov.uk,” a spokesperson said. “We urge residents not to click on any links, open attachments, or provide any personal or financial information if they are unsure about an email’s authenticity.”

The council is advising anyone who receives the scam email to forward it to the National Cyber Security Centre at [email protected] for investigation.

The local authority reminded residents to always check the sender’s email address and contact the council directly through official channels if they have any concerns about council tax or other communications.