A POPULAR Pembrokeshire pub is reopening its doors this week with a new loyalty scheme aimed at rewarding regular customers.

The Griffin Dale Pembrokeshire will reopen for the season on Thursday (Feb 26), with owners Sian and Simon promising roaring fires, fresh seafood and a warm welcome for returning customers.

To mark the reopening, the team has launched a new Griffin VIP Club, designed to give regular visitors small perks throughout the year.

The scheme includes a loyalty drinks stamp card, occasional meal offers, discounts on drinks, birthday treats and early access to events and promotions.

As part of the launch celebrations, customers visiting on reopening day will receive a complimentary drink along with 20% off food and drinks during a special “Thirsty Thursday” promotion.

The owners said the club was intended as a simple way of giving something back to loyal customers rather than a formal membership programme.

“We’re so excited to be reopening for the season and welcoming everyone back,” they said. “It’s just our way of saying thank you to those who support us and pop in regularly.”

Customers interested in joining the VIP Club can sign up at the bar when visiting the pub.

Campaigners warn patient safety at risk as pressure grows on Welsh Government

A PETITION calling for urgent Welsh Government intervention into services at Withybush Hospital has attracted almost 5,000 signatures, highlighting growing concern across Pembrokeshire about the future of local healthcare.

The petition, titled “Urgent Pembrokeshire Healthcare & Resident Safety – Withybush Hospital & Health Board Intervention,” demands immediate action to oversee Hywel Dda University Health Board and restore essential services to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents.

It has so far gathered 4,875 signatures and remains open until August 23, 2026.

If the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, it will be considered for a debate in the Senedd. Under Welsh Parliament rules, petitions with more than 250 signatures are automatically discussed by the Petitions Committee once the signature-gathering period ends.

The petition was created by Ajay Owen, who argues that current healthcare pressures are placing unacceptable strain on communities across Pembrokeshire.

The petition states: “We demand immediate government intervention to oversee the Health Board at Withybush Hospital and restore essential services to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Pembrokeshire residents. The residents, GP’s, Ambulance Services & Voluntary Sectors do not need the strain or anxiety the health board is causing locally.”

The campaign comes amid ongoing controversy over proposed service changes affecting hospitals in west Wales, including concerns about the future configuration of emergency and specialist care.

Local politicians have already voiced alarm over potential impacts on patient safety, travel times, and ambulance pressures if services are moved further from Pembrokeshire.

The Herald understands that concerns about rural access to emergency treatment have been raised repeatedly in recent months, particularly in relation to time-critical conditions such as stroke and major trauma.

Health boards across Wales continue to face significant workforce shortages, financial pressures, and recruitment challenges, which have contributed to difficult decisions about service configuration.

A spokesperson for Hywel Dda University Health Board has previously said any proposed changes are aimed at improving patient safety and ensuring services are clinically sustainable in the long term.

Campaigners, however, argue that removing services from Withybush risks undermining confidence in local healthcare provision and increasing inequalities for rural communities.

The Welsh Government has been approached for comment.

Residents wishing to sign the petition can do so via the Senedd petitions website.

THE CELTIC FREEPORT has secured £638,000 in UK Government funding to support key infrastructure projects in Pembroke Dock and Port Talbot, helping to unlock future investment and accelerate development linked to floating offshore wind and clean energy industries.

The funding forms part of a wider £3.3 million package announced for sixteen Industrial Strategy Zone projects across the UK. The three successful Celtic Freeport schemes will focus on removing development barriers and preparing sites for future commercial activity.

Successful projects

Criterion Quay, Pembroke Dock — £213,000

Funding will support technical assessments required to enable floating offshore wind operations and maintenance (O&M) infrastructure at the site.

Talbot Wharf, Port Talbot — £265,000

Land remediation works will improve the viability of development plots, making them more attractive to companies within the floating offshore wind supply chain.

Port Talbot Marine Infrastructure — £160,000

Feasibility and design work will be carried out to refurbish two jetties, supporting future import and export activity and strengthening marine capability at the port.

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said:“From offshore wind manufacturing on the Humber to new clean energy facilities in Pembrokeshire, this backing for our freeports will generate real economic growth across the country. By tackling the barriers developers face early on, we’re helping to unlock significant private investment and create thousands of good jobs in clean energy and advanced manufacturing.”

Luciana Ciubotariu, Chief Executive of Celtic Freeport, said: “Today marks a significant milestone for Pembroke Dock and Port Talbot. Securing UK Government funding for these three projects accelerates the Celtic Freeport’s vision, supporting investment in port infrastructure that will enable floating offshore wind and the wider green energy transition.”