MILFORD HAVEN businesses say they are concerned that continuing works connected to the former Motor World redevelopment are affecting footfall and trade in Charles Street.

The roadworks and planned closures are linked to the construction of new flats on the site of the old Motor World building, a long-awaited town centre redevelopment being delivered by W.B. Griffiths & Sons Ltd.

Milford Haven Business Circle said traders accepted the need for the works, but many had hoped for clearer communication about when closures would be in place, what the works involved, and how long disruption would last.

For some businesses along Charles Street, there is also concern that the impact is being felt beyond the official closure area, with customers potentially assuming shops and services are not accessible.

The Business Circle said the closures were expected to continue through to mid-July, and called for better support for traders during the disruption.

In a statement, the group said: “With the ongoing works and planned road closures on Charles Street continuing through to mid-July, many local businesses are understandably concerned about the impact this will have on footfall and trade.

“While W.B. Griffiths & Sons Ltd are carrying out the works, many businesses had hoped for clearer communication regarding the timings, nature of the works, and when closures would be in place.

“For several businesses along Charles Street, it also feels as though they are still suffering the effects of the closures despite being outside the officially closed area.”

The group said improved signage should be considered, including clearer directions, “Businesses Open As Usual” signs, and better promotion of access routes to encourage customers to continue visiting the street.

The former Motor World site has long been seen as a key regeneration location in Milford Haven town centre. The new flats are intended to bring the vacant site back into use and provide much-needed housing.

However, the Business Circle said more should be done to help existing traders during the construction period.

It added: “We fully appreciate the need for these works to be carried out, but we hope Pembrokeshire County Council may be able to provide additional support for businesses affected during this difficult period.”

The group also suggested that Cllr Paul Miller, who leads on economic development, business support and regeneration strategies, could help advocate for affected businesses.

Planned closure dates listed so far include May 27–29, June 4–5, June 12, June 15–16, June 19, June 22–23, June 29–July 1, July 3, and July 6–10.

Local businesses remain open and are urging residents to continue supporting Charles Street shops and services while the works continue.

The Herald has contacted Pembrokeshire County Council for comment.

DAILY coastal bus services have returned to Pembrokeshire for the summer, giving residents and visitors an easier way to explore the county’s coastline without relying on cars.

The seasonal services began operating on Friday (May 23) and will run daily until Saturday, September 27.

The Puffin Shuttle, service 400, operated by Richards Bros, links St Davids and Marloes, taking in Broad Haven, Little Haven, St Brides, Marloes and Martins Haven, the departure point for boat trips to Skomer Island.

The Strumble Shuttle, service 404, also operated by Richards Bros, follows the coast road between St Davids and Fishguard, with stops including Abereiddy, Porthgain and Strumble Head.

The Coastal Cruiser, services 387 and 388, operated by Pembrokeshire County Council around the Angle Peninsula, has also moved to its summer timetable.

The Celtic Coaster, service 403, operated by Sarah Bell, is running an enhanced half-hourly timetable around the St Davids Peninsula during half term, from May 23 to May 31, and again throughout July and August.

The services are delivered through the Pembrokeshire Greenways Partnership, with funding from Pembrokeshire County Council, the Welsh Government and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Councillor Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents Services, said: “Our coastal bus services are a key part of our local bus network, making it easy for both locals and visitors to get around the Pembrokeshire coast without having to use a car.”

Extra services will also be available in the Tenby area this summer.

The Tenby Coaster, operated by First Cymru, will return daily from Saturday, May 30, to Sunday, August 30, running between Tenby and Saundersfoot.

Service 351, operated by Taf Valley, will provide additional journeys between Kilgetty and Tenby from Saturday, July 18, to Monday, August 31, including a return journey on Sundays.

More information about these and other bus services serving the Pembrokeshire Coast will be available in the new 2026 Coastal Bus timetable booklet, which will be distributed through local libraries and information centres.

Copies can also be requested by emailing [email protected] or calling 01437 764551.

Timetables can be downloaded from Pembrokeshire County Council’s website.

Pembrokeshire’s Best Areas for Access to Parks

A NEW report has revealed the best and worst neighbourhoods in Pembrokeshire for access to parks and green spaces, with Fishguard topping the list as the county’s most accessible area for outdoor recreation.

The Park Access Report, created by MG Timber and Online Marketing Surgery, analysed neighbourhoods across Pembrokeshire based on the number of postcodes located within 900 metres of a park, public garden, or playing field.

According to the findings, Fishguard ranked first overall, with 262 postcodes falling within walking distance of a green space. Pembroke Dock followed closely behind with 252 postcodes, while Tenby & Caldey secured third place with 228.

Haverfordwest North and Milford Haven West completed the top five, highlighting strong access to parks in some of Pembrokeshire’s busiest residential communities.

Top five Pembrokeshire areas for park access (postcodes within 900m of a park):

Fishguard – 262 

Pembroke Dock – 252

Tenby & Caldey – 228

Haverfordwest North – 225

Milford Haven West – 183

At the other end of the rankings, Crundale, Clynderwen & Maenclochog recorded the lowest level of park accessibility in the county, with just 83 postcodes located within 900 metres of a park or playing field.

Neyland and Cilgerran & Crymych also ranked among the least accessible areas, suggesting that residents in more rural parts of Pembrokeshire may face longer journeys to reach public green spaces.

Areas with the least access to parks (postcodes within 900m of a park):

Crundale, Clynderwen & Maenclochog – 83 

Neyland – 101

Cilgerran & Crymych – 104

Narberth – 114

Johnston, Broad Haven & St Ishmaels – 118

They used data from the Office for National Statistics around access to gardens and public green spaces in UK, where they found the access to public park and playing fields data for all MSOAs (Middle Layer Super Output Areas) and LSOAs (Lower Layer Super Output Areas) in Pembrokeshire.