PEMBROKESHIRE-BASED Ascona Group has completed the acquisition of Truckhaven (Carnforth) Ltd, a major trunk road services area in Lancashire.

The deal expands Ascona’s national portfolio to 70 sites and strengthens the group’s position in the UK roadside retail and services sector.

Truckhaven is located at Junction 35 of the M6 and has long been regarded as an important stopping point for the commercial transport industry and travelling public.

The 17-acre site includes an Esso-branded filling station, a detached 24-hour forecourt retail shop, overnight parking for 245 lorries, and an amenity building with a restaurant, showers, retail shop, licensed bar and launderette.

The site also includes a 26-bedroom en-suite hotel, providing accommodation and respite for drivers and other customers.

Darren Briggs, founder and CEO of Ascona Group, said: “We are delighted to complete the acquisition of Truckhaven.

“This is an exciting addition to our growing portfolio and reflects our confidence in the long-term opportunities within the UK roadside services market.

“Our ambition is to build on Truckhaven’s strong reputation by investing in the site, enhancing the customer retail experience, and creating a first-class destination for drivers and visitors alike.

“We have ambitious plans for the site. We intend to improve the forecourt facilities with a brand-new retail shop offering, and for HGV drivers, a brand-new state-of-the-art truck wash in the coming months.”

Ascona Group has become one of the UK’s most acquisitive independent forecourt operators, with continued investment across fuel retail, convenience, food-to-go and roadside services.

The acquisition of Truckhaven further broadens the group’s presence in a strategically important part of the market.

Michael Jelley, of Stonplan, who originally developed the Truckhaven site at Carnforth in the early 1990s, said: “We are confident that Ascona are the right people to take the site forward as the industry develops.

“They inherit a robust business that has prioritised the provision of high-quality facilities for the haulage industry, along with an outstanding operational team.”

Ascona Group said it continues to evaluate further acquisition opportunities across the UK as it pursues its long-term vision of building one of the country’s leading independent roadside retail and services businesses.

Legal work was undertaken by Simmons & Simmons for Ascona Group and Keystone Law for Truckhaven (Carnforth) Ltd.

Popular Saundersfoot pub closed its doors on Sunday after four years under current leaseholder

THE LEASEHOLD of a well-known Saundersfoot pub has attracted strong interest after the business closed suddenly at the weekend.

The Hean Castle Inn shut its doors on Sunday, June 28, after current leaseholder Suzannah Palmer announced she was stepping away from the business following four years at the helm.

Ms Palmer said the decision had been “heart-breaking”, but said months of financial pressure and personal circumstances meant she and her family could no longer continue.

The lease is now being offered for sale, with Ms Palmer confirming that she has already received 43 enquiries from people interested in taking over the pub.

She said: “We have been genuinely overwhelmed by the number of enquiries from people interested in taking over the lease at The Hean Castle Inn.

“This is an opportunity to acquire an established hospitality business in the heart of Saundersfoot, with a strong reputation built over the past four years.

“The sale includes the lease together with an agreed inventory of fixtures and fittings.

“We are looking for serious enquiries only, and sensible offers will be considered.”

Ms Palmer has clarified that the sale relates to the lease only, not the building itself.

Due to the level of interest already received, she said proof of funds will be required before any viewings or negotiations take place.

She added: “Once proof of funds has been received, I will happily discuss the opportunity and arrange a viewing.

“Until then, there will be no negotiations, no viewings and absolutely no further communication.”

The closure has prompted sadness among regulars and visitors, with many paying tribute to the pub and the work carried out by Ms Palmer and her family over the past four years.

In a message shared after the final shift, Ms Palmer said the decision to close had come after a difficult period.

She said: “I write this with tears in my eyes.

“Our last shift is done. It’s a bittersweet moment. The relief is real, but so is the sadness.

“The reality now is that we’ll be selling our lease, before emptying the building that we’ve loved, worked for and sacrificed so much to create.

“With our lovely George being unwell, alongside months of relentless financial pressure, I’m not going to pretend, I’m ready for a rest.”

She also urged people to continue supporting local independent hospitality businesses, warning that many pubs and restaurants are facing pressures that customers may not always see.

Ms Palmer said: “If there’s one thing I’d ask of everyone, it’s this: please continue to support your local pubs, restaurants and independent businesses.

“From the outside they may look busy, but very few people see the reality of the costs involved or how much it takes just to serve that one drink or one meal.

“Independent hospitality can only survive if people continue to support it.

“Your kindness over the past few days is something we’ll never forget. The Hean has been a huge part of our lives, and so have all of you.”

Anyone interested in the lease is asked to contact Ms Palmer by emailing [email protected] or calling 07395 292881.

A NEW report says confidence, cost, transport and rural isolation are among the biggest barriers stopping young people in Wales from pursuing music.

The Atsain Consultation Report, published by Anthem, found that young people are benefiting from face-to-face music projects across Wales, but many still struggle to access opportunities because of where they live, what they can afford, and whether they have the confidence to take part.

Anthem, Wales’ youth music charity, said the findings show the importance of safe, supportive spaces where young people can create, perform, build confidence and make social connections.

The report, undertaken by Ella Beavington, identified a lack of spaces, finance, equipment and transport networks as major challenges, with confidence described as the biggest barrier preventing young people from taking up musical opportunities.

The charity said the issue is particularly acute in rural communities, where young people often have fewer chances to meet others with similar interests, access rehearsal space, borrow equipment, or take part in free music sessions.

Small World Theatre, based in Cardigan, said young people in the area face significant challenges linked to low income, limited employment and rural isolation.

The organisation said young people with an interest in music often have few opportunities to connect with others or make music for free, adding that these barriers can contribute to poor mental health and limit access to the music industry.

It said its workshops aim to provide a supportive, non-judgemental environment where young people can build confidence, gain practical skills and develop a sense of belonging.

Anthem was established in 2018 following a Welsh Government report looking at ways to support young people’s music making and learning in Wales. Since then, it has invested in youth music projects and built partnerships across Wales and the wider UK music sector.

Through its Atsain fund, which ran from 2022 to 2025, Anthem supported 56 local youth music projects. Feedback from the projects found they helped young people build connections, improve mental health and wellbeing, and create new opportunities.

However, the charity said support and investment must be sustainable if the youth music sector is to continue developing.

Rhian Hutchings, Chief Executive of Anthem, said: “We know that lots of young people want to make, learn, or play music but it’s not always easy. Things like cost, travel, confidence, or even what’s available in their area can make it harder for them to get started.

“Despite these challenges, the consultation has highlighted the transformative value of accessible music projects for young people in Wales.

“The participants that Ella consulted with described meaningful increases in confidence, wellbeing, social connection and physical musical development as a direct result of their participation in the Atsain-funded projects.”

She said Anthem’s new vision is “a Wales in which young people lead a vibrant and connected youth music ecosystem.”

She added: “As Wales’ leading youth music charity, we create work that builds skills, confidence and community with young people who are passionate about music.

“We can only do this in collaboration with the wider youth music community across Wales, and the Anthem ethos is all about partnership, connecting organisations, and putting young people’s voices at the centre.”

The report also found that community, encouragement and early exposure play a major role in whether young people become involved in music.

Participants described friends, family, teachers, mentors and youth organisations as key influences. Schools, youth clubs, community settings and early opportunities to perform or experiment were also identified as important entry points.

But young people also pointed to gaps in school provision, limited genre representation and the need for broader music education that reflects contemporary music and different ways of creating it.

According to the research, 44% of young people said their family had helped them access their music project, while 24% said social media played a key role in helping them find and connect with music opportunities.

Anthem said that while there are growing concerns about young people’s use of social media, online platforms are still one of the main ways youth organisations reach 14 to 16-year-olds who are not already connected to formal music education, youth services or arts networks.

Emyr Afan OBE, Chair of Anthem and founder of the original Pop Factory Music Complex in Porth, said young people need more real-world opportunities if society wants them to spend less time online.

He said: “As Chair of Anthem, I know how much concern there is among parents, schools, youth organisations and young people themselves about the impact of addictive platforms, harmful content and always-on digital pressure. Keeping young people safe has to come first.

“But this change also brings a practical challenge. Right now, social media is one of the key ways that organisations like Anthem reach 14-16 year olds, especially those who are not already connected to formal music education, youth services or arts networks.

“So alongside regulation, we need a clear plan for connection, participation and opportunity.

“If young people are being asked to spend less time on social media, they need more real-world spaces where they can create, perform, belong and be heard.

“Music, sport, culture and youth-led activity cannot be treated as a nice-to-have. They are part of the infrastructure of wellbeing, confidence and community.”

Other groups involved in the research also highlighted social isolation, anxiety, lack of equipment and limited access to affordable lessons as key barriers.

Porthi Dre in Caernarfon said many children in its community do not have musical instruments at home and are aware their families cannot prioritise music lessons.

Wales One World Choir, based in Cardiff, said music can be a lifeline for young asylum seekers and refugees restarting their lives in a new country, often in a new language.

Anthem said the report shows that young people across Wales are eager to make music, but need the right spaces, support and investment to make that possible.

The full Atsain Consultation Report is available on Anthem’s website.