Local Government

Haverfordwest free parking proposal to boost high street

Published

3 months ago

January 19, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

HAVERFORDWEST councillors have called for a shake-up of the approach to parking in Pembrokeshire’s county town, with free short-term parking to boost business.

At the January 15 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s policy and pre-decision overview and scrutiny committee, Haverfordwest Castle Ward county councillor Tom Tudor requested a public submission of a ‘Strategic Parking Plan to Boost Haverfordwest Town Centre Economy’ be added to the committee agenda.

Cllr Tudor brought forward a proposal made by town councillor Scott Thorley “aiming to increase footfall while maintaining fiscal responsibility,” which includes two hours free parking in Haverfordwest town centre across all car parks to encourage short visits for shopping, dining, and services, Monday-Saturday, 9-5.

It also includes extending the parking duration at the Perrots Road Car Park to a four-hour maximum stay, with the first two hours free, with free parking from 5pm Saturday to 8am Monday to support evening and weekend activities.

He also proposes free parking all day on Sundays “to attract visitors to hospitality businesses, such as cafes, restaurants, and pubs, fostering a vibrant weekend economy”.

His strategy also includes leveraging “increased footfall from free parking to boost local business revenue, offsetting potential losses in parking fees through keeping businesses open and attracting more investment into the town,” adding: “Evidence from similar UK schemes suggests a potential five–15 per cent increase in retail spending with free parking initiatives,” with a call for social media and local press marketing of the proposed changes.

He also proposes staff working in the town centre “adopt alternative transport methods to free up parking spaces for customers,” through such things as the promotion of car-sharing, encouraging the use of public transport, and supporting cycling and walking through investments in secure bike storage and incentives for staff.

He says there would be an economic boost to the town’s businesses through his proposed changes through increased footfall; free Sunday parking also helping the hospitality industry, and encouraging staff to shift to alternative transport reducing congestion and giving environmental benefits.

Members agreed to note the submission by Cllr Tudor on behalf of Cllr Thorley.

Local Government

Dog bin misuse causing mess at Haverfordwest Racecourse

Published

3 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Town council says general litter is blocking dog waste bins and leaving walkers with nowhere to dispose of bagged waste properly

HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has urged Racecourse users to dispose of rubbish responsibly after repeated misuse of dog waste bins.

The council said it provides both general waste and dog waste facilities at the Upper and Lower Racecourse, as well as at most other green spaces it owns or maintains.

However, it has received ongoing reports — backed by photographic evidence — of general litter, including coffee cups and other rubbish, being placed in dog waste bins at Haverfordwest Racecourse.

Council officials say this misuse is causing the bins to become blocked and appear full when they are not. As a result, dog walkers are sometimes left with no option but to place bagged dog waste beside the bins, creating what the council described as an avoidable and unpleasant environment for everyone.

The council said this was not acceptable and could easily be avoided.

Dog waste bins are intended for bagged dog waste only and should not be used for general litter.

The council is asking all users to avoid putting general rubbish in dog bins and instead either take litter home or use the appropriate general waste bins available elsewhere on the Racecourse.

The town clerk thanked the majority of responsible users for their cooperation and said their support helps keep the Racecourse clean and welcoming for everyone.

Local Government

Haverfordwest faces weeks of road disruption as resurfacing works roll on

Published

8 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Closures, temporary lights and phased schemes across key routes are set to affect drivers, businesses and town-centre traffic into May

DRIVERS in Haverfordwest are facing weeks of disruption as a programme of resurfacing works hits key roads in and around the town.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s roadworks listings show temporary traffic lights on Haven Road and Portfield from Tuesday, April 22 to Tuesday, April 29 as resurfacing work is carried out. At the same time, motorists are already dealing with delays on Main Street, where temporary lights have been in place since March 25 because of a dangerous structure.

Town council information also shows High Street is due to close for two days from Saturday, April 25, adding to concerns about congestion in the town centre and disruption for shoppers, businesses and local traffic.

And the disruption is not expected to end there. Further resurfacing works are also planned at Merlins Hill, Winch Lane and St Thomas Green during the weeks that follow, meaning drivers could face a rolling programme of delays into May.

The works form part of the council’s annual road maintenance programme and come after Pembrokeshire County Council said its newly approved 2026-27 budget would direct extra funding towards front-line services including road repairs, gully clearing and highway maintenance.

While many motorists will welcome smoother and safer road surfaces in the longer term, the timing is likely to frustrate residents and businesses already coping with traffic issues in Haverfordwest. With several schemes either under way or imminent, the impact could be felt well beyond the roads directly affected as drivers look for alternative routes.

The overlap between resurfacing works and existing restrictions is likely to increase pressure on surrounding roads, particularly at busy times of day and as spring visitor numbers begin to rise. Businesses in the town centre may also be concerned that closures and delays could affect trade.

Motorists are being urged to allow extra time for journeys and to check for updated traffic information before travelling.

Local Government

Milford Haven launches search for Citizens’ Awards 2026 nominees

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Residents invited to honour people who make the town proud

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL is calling on residents to nominate local people for its Citizens’ Awards 2026.

The annual awards recognise individuals who make a positive difference in the community and help make Milford Haven a place people feel proud to call home.

In a public appeal, the council asked: “Who makes you feel proud of Milford Haven? Please let us know. It’s time to celebrate those who really need to be celebrated.”

Residents are being encouraged to put forward the names of people they believe deserve recognition for their contribution to the town.

The council has also made clear that previous award recipients cannot be considered for further awards.

A full list of past winners can be found on Milford Haven Town Council’s website.