News

Davies and Kurtz call for free parking extension to support town centres

Published

2 months ago

May 2, 2026

WELSH Conservative Senedd candidates Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz have called for free parking periods to be extended in town centres across west Wales, saying the move would help support local businesses and increase footfall.

The call follows concerns from retailers and hospitality businesses, particularly in Cardigan, where new parking charges introduced by Plaid Cymru-run Ceredigion County Council now stand at £4 for a two-hour visit.

Businesses say the charges are discouraging people from visiting high streets at a time when many firms are already facing serious financial pressures.

Mr Davies and Mr Kurtz said extending free parking periods, especially during peak trading times, weekends and holidays, would give town centres a much-needed boost and help them compete with out-of-town retail parks and online shopping.

Mr Davies said: “Our town centres are the heart of our communities, but they are under real pressure. One of the most common issues raised with me by local businesses is parking.

“If it is difficult or expensive to park, people simply choose to go elsewhere.

“Free parking is a straightforward way to increase footfall and support local traders. We have seen in many areas that when parking is made easier and more accessible, more people come into town, spend money, and support local jobs.”

The call comes amid growing concern about the impact of the latest business rates revaluation, which is now beginning to affect businesses.

Mr Davies and Mr Kurtz recently hosted an online business rates roundtable with the Valuation Office Agency and industry representatives, attended by more than 150 businesses from across the region.

They said concerns were raised about rising bills and uncertainty facing small firms.

The pair also said they had successfully lobbied the Welsh Government to introduce greater relief for the hospitality industry, following research across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion which showed the sector had been heavily affected by the revaluation process.

Mr Kurtz said: “What we heard loud and clear from over 150 businesses is just how concerned they are about business rates.

“The revaluation is hitting at a time when firms are already dealing with rising costs and economic uncertainty. For many high street businesses, this is another significant burden.

“Businesses are facing a perfect storm with higher energy costs, staffing pressures, and now business rates increases. That is why practical measures like extending free parking are so important. They can help drive footfall and give businesses a fighting chance.”

Mr Davies and Mr Kurtz said the Welsh Conservatives would reform the business rates system to make it fairer and more responsive.

They said proposals would include more frequent revaluations, targeted relief for high street sectors such as retail and hospitality, and transitional support for firms facing sharp increases.

They also said the party would oppose additional costs on businesses, including a tourism tax, while supporting measures to boost town centre trade.

Mr Davies added: “This is about making our town centres more welcoming and accessible at a time when businesses need support the most.

“Extending free parking, even for a few hours a day or during key periods like weekends and holidays, can make a real difference.

“We want to see thriving, vibrant town centres across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. But that will not happen if businesses are being squeezed from all sides. We need to listen to what they are telling us and act.”

The candidates are urging local authorities to work with businesses to explore flexible parking options, including extended free periods, seasonal initiatives, and targeted support during key trading times.

Mr Kurtz added: “Our message is clear: back our town centres, back our local businesses, and take practical steps to ease the pressure.

“If we want to keep our high streets alive, we need to act now. Extending free parking and addressing business rates concerns are both part of the solution.”

Education

Two more rural schools face closure as statutory notices issued

Published

13 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO MORE rural schools in west Wales could close by the end of the year after Carmarthenshire County Council published statutory notices proposing the closure of Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol y Fro.

The move follows growing concern over the future of small rural schools across the region, after The Herald reported yesterday on separate school closure proposals in Pembrokeshire.

Carmarthenshire County Council confirmed on Tuesday (Jun 16) that statutory notices had been issued under the School Standards and Organisation Act 2013.

Members of the public now have 28 days to object, with the deadline set for July 14, 2026.

Objections can be submitted through the council’s online surveys for Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol y Fro, by emailing [email protected], or in writing to Owain Lloyd, Director of Education and Leisure, County Hall, Carmarthen, SA31 1JP.

Cabinet decision

The decision to issue the statutory notices was agreed by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet on Monday, June 1.

If the proposals are approved, both closures would take effect from December 31, 2026.

From January 1, 2027, pupils currently attending Ysgol Meidrim would be expected to attend either Ysgol Griffith Jones or Ysgol Hafodwenog, depending on parental preference and the council’s admissions arrangements.

The catchment area of Ysgol Gynradd Meidrim would also be re-designated and absorbed into the existing catchment areas of Ysgol Griffith Jones and Ysgol Bancyfelin.

Under the proposals for Ysgol y Fro, pupils would attend Ysgol y Dderwen from January 1, 2027, again subject to parental preference and admissions arrangements.

Its catchment area would be re-designated and included within the existing catchments of Llangunnor Primary School, Llanddarog VC Primary School, Ferryside VC Primary School, Gwynfryn Primary School, Ysgol Gymraeg Gwenllian, Ysgol Gynradd Mynyddygarreg and Ysgol y Castell.

Rural school concern

The council says both schools have been identified under viability criteria set out in its Modernising Education Programme, which was approved by Cabinet on November 18, 2024.

The publication of statutory notices marks a formal stage in the closure process and gives parents, residents, governors and other interested parties the opportunity to object before a final decision is made.

The proposals come amid wider concern about the future of small rural schools, with communities across west Wales warning that closures can have a lasting impact on village life, Welsh-language education, transport arrangements and young families.

The council has said objections received during the statutory notice period will be considered before any final decision is taken.

Crime

Man wanted by court after failing to attend hearing over alleged shop thefts

Published

20 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A MAN is wanted by the courts after failing to attend a hearing relating to a series of alleged shop thefts in Pembrokeshire.

Jack Morgan, of Pembroke, was due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16) but failed to attend.

The court heard that Morgan faces several allegations of shop theft from businesses in Pembrokeshire.

The charges include the alleged theft of vodka from the Co-op in Pembroke Dock, along with food and drink items including sausages, crisps and Dragon Soop from The Green Garage.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place on various dates earlier this year.

After Morgan failed to attend court, magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest without bail.

He will now be brought before the court once located by police.

Court officials heard that the matters remain before the court and no pleas have yet been entered.

Crime

Shop theft admitted after alcohol stolen from Haverfordwest store

Published

29 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A WOMAN has admitted shoplifting alcohol from a Haverfordwest store.

Esme Hoyle appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16) charged with theft from a shop.

The court heard that Hoyle stole alcohol worth £17 from B&M in Haverfordwest on Sunday, April 6.

Hoyle pleaded guilty to the offence.

Magistrates sentenced Hoyle following her guilty plea and imposed financial penalties, including prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.

The court was told the offence related to a low-value retail theft from the town centre store.

Retail theft continues to place pressure on local businesses across Pembrokeshire, with stores increasingly reporting repeated incidents of shoplifting.