EMERGENCY SERVICES remain at the scene of a serious property fire in Kidwelly as investigations continue and efforts are made to make the building safe.

The fire broke out on Lady Street in the early hours of Tuesday (March 24), prompting a multi-agency response involving Dyfed-Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Carmarthenshire County Council.

As a precaution, neighbouring properties were evacuated due to safety concerns, with residents temporarily displaced while the structural integrity of the affected building is assessed.

Safety work underway

Contractors were due to begin work at 9:00am on Thursday (March 27) to stabilise the structure and allow investigators to safely access the site. Authorities say the priority is to ensure the building is secure so residents can return to their homes as soon as possible.

However, officials have stressed that this will not happen until the site is deemed safe.

Lady Street remains closed while the work is carried out, with disruption expected to continue in the area.

Appeal for information

Police have thanked the local community for their patience and support during the ongoing incident.

Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage recorded between 11:00pm on Monday (March 23) and 4:00am on Tuesday (March 24).

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

CWM ARIAN Renewable Energy has confirmed it will host a stand at this year’s Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, set to take place from Friday, August 1 to Friday, August 8, 2026, at Llantwd in north Pembrokeshire.

The 2026 event is expected to be one of the most significant in recent history, marking 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod in 1176 at Castell Aberteifi. With the Maes located close to the original site, organisers anticipate a landmark celebration for both the region and Wales as a whole.

The National Eisteddfod is regarded as Europe’s largest cultural festival, drawing around 175,000 visitors each year. It celebrates Welsh language, literature, music and the arts through a packed programme of competitions, performances, exhibitions and community events.

Communities across Pembrokeshire, alongside neighbouring parts of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, have been working together to fund the festival. Organisers set a target of £400,000, which is now close to being reached, reflecting strong local support.

Anna Mounteney, Communications Coordinator at Cwm Arian, said: “We are delighted to be part of Eisteddfod y Garreg Las in such a significant year. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to share our work, connect with visitors, and celebrate the rich culture and community spirit of west Wales.”

Cwm Arian will be present on the Maes throughout the week, welcoming visitors from all backgrounds.

Cwm Arian is a community benefit society based in west Wales. Its work began with a community wind turbine in Llanfyrnach, which continues to generate renewable energy. The organisation now supports homes, community centres and local groups to install renewable systems, improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

A CALL to extend a former Pembrokeshire school used as a community hub has been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Brendan Patchall, through agent Kinver Kreations Ltd, sought permission for an extension of Yr Hen Ysgol, Dinas Cross.

The application said of Yr Hen Ysgol: “The Old School (Yr Hen Ysgol) at Dinas Cross Pembrokeshire is the community hub. The venue hosts many events including arts, sports, education, music and hobbies and serves as a warm, safe haven. They are a registered charity, acting as a non-profit-making organisation, run by unpaid volunteers.”

An officer report recommending approval said: “The Old School has significant historical and community value. The site was originally gifted to the people of Dinas Cross by the Barony of Kemaes (Cemaes) during the 19th Century for the construction of a village school.

“The building is representative of a typical Victorian school structure, constructed of locally sourced rubble stone, much of which has been rendered, beneath pitched slate roofs. Its simple, functional form and modest detailing reflect the vernacular architectural traditions of rural Pembrokeshire during that period.

“The building has been subject to a series of extensions and alterations over time, resulting in an irregular plan form. Notwithstanding these changes, the property retains its historic character and continues to serve the community, now functioning as a community hall.”

It went on to say: “The scale of the extension is considered subservient to the existing building, representing a logical and proportionate addition that does not dominate the host structure. The siting to the rear ensures that the more sensitive public-facing elevations of the building remain largely unaffected.”

It concluded: “The proposed development seeks to extend and enhance an existing community facility at Yr Hen Ysgol, Dinas Cross. The scheme represents a proportionate and well considered addition to the building, which will improve its functionality, accessibility and long-term viability as an important local community asset.”

The application was conditionally approved by park planners.