News

Ferry Lane roadworks confusion as signs promise four weeks, not six

Published

9 months ago

September 11, 2025

RESIDENTS in Pembroke Dock say they are confused and frustrated by the latest round of roadworks on the A477 at Ferry Lane.

Welsh Government told The Herald this week that the scheme — a gas main upgrade by Wales & West Utilities, with National Grid and Mainline Pipe Line also carrying out maintenance — was originally expected to take twelve weeks, but had been cut to “four to six weeks” thanks to coordination between the companies.

However, one advance warning signs on Ferry Lane state that the closure will last “approximately four weeks” from 14 July. To residents, it appears the works were only ever scheduled for a month, however another sign said 14 weeks.

One of the signs has already been defaced with graffiti scrawled “AGAIN FFS!!” — reflecting local anger at repeated disruption on this busy route between Pembroke Dock and Pembroke.

Welsh Government said letters were sent to residents in advance, with details published on the Traffic Wales website. The site is staffed twelve hours a day, traffic lights are controlled manually at peak times, and the South Wales Trunk Road Agent monitors traffic issues daily.

Despite these measures, many locals expect weeks of gridlock and want clearer communication over how long the disruption will really last.

Local people have been quick to vent their anger online:

“No one working there at 5:30 tonight,” wrote Richard Barney Lewis. Others agreed, saying workers appeared to pack up early while traffic ground to a halt.
“Imagine if they’d thought of replacing the pipes when they redid the junction,” said Anne de Salis.
“Should be teams working 24/7 to get it done,” added Kerry Colson, with others calling for three shifts of eight hours to cut the timescale.
Jill Cooper said Essex Road was jammed with “coaches and cement mixers” trying to squeeze through side streets, while Louisa Calcutt described the scene at 11:15am as “a sh*t show.”
Lynda Rixon warned that queues were blocking the ambulance station, while Jo Court worried whether she would make her hospital appointment on time.

One motorist told friends it had taken them 45 minutes just to get from the top bridge roundabout to Waterloo. Another said bluntly: “Absolute nightmare — 14 weeks.”

Welsh Government said the site is staffed twelve hours a day, traffic lights are manually controlled at peak times, and the South Wales Trunk Road Agent monitors traffic daily.

But with residents already at boiling point, and uncertainty over whether the works will last four, six or fourteen weeks, frustration is set to continue.

News

Motorcyclist dies after four-vehicle crash on A40 in Carmarthenshire

Published

11 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a four-vehicle collision on the A40 between St Clears and Whitland.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 12:00pm on Sunday (Jun 21) and involved a grey Audi, a blue Seat, a grey Vauxhall and an orange KTM motorbike.

Sadly, the rider of the KTM died from their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has since been released on conditional bail while further enquiries continue.

The road was closed while collision investigators examined the scene and reopened at around 8:30pm.

The latest tragedy follows two other serious motorcycle crashes in west Wales.

On Sunday afternoon, another motorcyclist was injured in a separate collision and is recovering in hospital.

Last week, a 22-year-old rider sadly died in a crash near Narberth, while his female pillion passenger was taken to hospital.

Anyone with information, or dashcam footage which could assist the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: DP-20260621-177.

Health

Ambulance delays and blocked beds putting Welsh patients at risk, watchdog warns

Published

19 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

AMBULANCE handover delays, long waits in emergency departments and delays discharging patients from hospital are continuing to put people at risk across Wales, Audit Wales has warned.

The public spending watchdog said urgent and emergency care remains under “constant pressure” despite extra funding and new policies aimed at improving joined-up working between the NHS, ambulance service, councils and social care providers.

In an article published today, Monday (Jun 22), Audit Wales said its work since 2024 had examined how health boards and the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust manage demand for urgent and emergency care, as well as how health boards and local authorities support timely discharge from hospital.

It found that pressures across the system are increasing patient safety risks and driving up costs.

Key problems identified include ambulance handover delays, lengthy waits in emergency departments, underused new services despite extra funding, and delayed hospital discharges which continue to result in hundreds of thousands of lost bed days each year.

Audit Wales also said workforce problems across health and social care remain a major factor in delayed discharges.

The watchdog warned that data is still not being shared effectively across the system, making it harder for public bodies to make informed decisions and manage pressure.

The findings will add to growing concern about the state of urgent and emergency care in Wales, with patients, families and frontline staff repeatedly warning that delays in A&E and problems arranging social care packages are leaving people waiting too long for treatment or stuck in hospital after they are medically fit to leave.

Audit Wales said staff and leaders across the system had made clear that “something must change”.

It has set out six questions for the Welsh Government, NHS Wales and local authorities to consider as they look at how urgent and emergency care can be improved.

The Auditor General for Wales is the independent statutory external auditor of the devolved Welsh public sector and is responsible for auditing most public money spent in Wales.

The Herald has asked the Welsh Government and Hywel Dda University Health Board for comment.

Entertainment

Pembrokeshire soprano to perform at International Eisteddfod

Published

35 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST music teacher and soprano soloist Clare Harrison is set to perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen next month.

Clare will sing under the baton of Sir Karl Jenkins on Tuesday, July 7, as part of the World Choir, an auditioned international chorus of singers, for the long-awaited Welsh premiere of his work One World.

She will also perform in a new commission, Greeting the Dawn, by Sam Buttler, and in Peace Child with Wrexham-based chorus NEW Voices.

Clare combines a busy teaching schedule with regular solo performances across Wales and the borders.

Her next Pembrokeshire appearance will be as soloist with Tenby Male Choir at St Mary’s Church, Tenby, on Thursday, July 16.

Caption:

Clare Harrison: The Haverfordwest soprano will perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen.