News

Calls for A40 improvements following smash

Published

10 years ago

July 3, 2015

A40d A BIKER was airlifted to Morriston Hospital last Friday (Jun 12) after a serious road traffic accident on the A40.

Four vehicles and a motorbike were involved in the collision on Arnolds Hill, and the A40 was closed in and out of Haverfordwest for around four hours. This caused significant congestion on the back lanes in the area, which was made worse by the number of weekend visitors entering the county, as well as people heading to Cardiff to watch Wales’ European qualifying game.

A local resident contacted the Herald while the diversion was in place saying that they feared that there would be another accident due to high traffic levels and the unfamiliarity of some drivers with the back roads used in the diversion.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said that they had received reports of the accident at 12.10pm, and promptly closed the road. The Swansea-based Wales Air Ambulance crew were airborne by 12.24 and assisted a road ambulance that was already on the scene.

The motorcyclist, 46-year-old Paul Hodson, known as ‘Chizzle’ from Milford Haven was airlifted to Morriston Hospital shortly before 2pm. He was returning from a funeral when the accident took place. At the time of going to press he was still in hospital with ‘serious’ injuries.

A40 to be dualled?

A STUDY commissioned last year could lead to further improvement work being carried out on the A40, according to a statement issued by the Welsh Government’s Transport Minister.

Last Friday (Jun 12) Edwina Hart AM provided an update on the study, which was undertaken in two parts. The first of these considered the existing and future traffic conditions, and discussed options for improvements along with probable costs.

The second part involved consideration of the wider economic impacts to the region of dualling the A40 and included consultation with businesses in the area.

The study considered the impact on areas currently served by the A40 such as Haverfordwest, Milford Haven and Fishguard, and the A477 such as Pembroke Dock and the south-coast tourism destinations.

The study reached a number of conclusions including that dualling of the A40 could provide positive returns in the longer term.

The study also found that there was a strong case for bringing forward a package of measures on the A40, in addition to the A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Penblewin scheme, to improve traffic conditions between St Clears and Haverfordwest.

The measures would involve using the 2+1 layout currently working well on the recently completed A40 Robeston Wathen Bypass and the A477 at Llanddowror. These measures could be delivered in the short to medium term and would be developed to allow upgrading to dualling in the future.

Ms Hart said: “It is my intention to progress delivery of the A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Penblewin scheme as soon as possible and to appoint an Employer’s Agent to develop an additional package of improvements for the A40. European structural funds are being set aside to support delivery of the Llanddewi Velfrey to Penblewin scheme. Officials will explore with the EU the feasibility of additional contributions from other sources of funding to support delivery of the additional package of measures. The study also concluded that addressing the perceived problems on the A40 would only form part of the solution to improving access to the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone and Murco site. Congestion at Haverfordwest and along the A4076 is also an issue. I therefore also intend to work with Pembrokeshire County Council to consider options for improvements in this area. I will ensure that the benefits of the proposals implemented are fully evaluated once in place and that the findings are used in the development of further options to improve transport links along the A40 and A477.”

The news was welcomed by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transportation, Councillor Rob Lewis.

“This scheme has been a long time coming and we are pleased with this positive news”, Cllr Lewis told the Herald.

“We also welcome the Minister’s observation that by using the 2+1 road lay-out, the highway can to be dualled at a future date thus improving transport links both in and out of the county. We look forward to working with Welsh Government officials to implement the improvement plans as soon as possible.”

A spokesman for Pembrokeshire County Council added that as of yet, proposals for reducing congestion on the A4076 in the Merlins Bridge roundabout area have yet to be explored.

*See The Blue View for Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies’ opinions on the matter.

Marc Tierney, Labour Assembly Candidate said: “The benefits of improving traffic flows between Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire are too important to ignore. When UK Government cuts pose great risks to developing infrastructure, using EU funding to upgrade the A40 is a reminder of how much we benefit from EU membership.

“But I’m certain the A477 shouldn’t be overlooked as an important gateway to the waterway. I will be lobbying for the trunking of the Cleddau Bridge, it’s critical to the success of the Haven Enterprise Zone. Reducing or removing the toll charge would have an immediate positive impact on our many small businesses as well as the financial burden for local residents crossing the bridge for work or family reasons.”

Crime

Man spared jail after baseball bat incident in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Court Reporter

Judge says offence was so serious only a prison sentence was justified

A 44-YEAR-OLD has been given a suspended prison sentence after admitting carrying a baseball bat in a public place during an incident in Milford Haven.

Ian Parker, of Cwrt Garreg, Cefn Glas, Bridgend, appeared for sentence at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Dec 9).

The court heard that on Tuesday (Oct 29), Parker travelled to Prioryville, Milford Haven, where he was found in possession of an offensive weapon — a baseball bat — without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.

Earlier hearings were told that Parker believed his son was at risk and had travelled from Bridgend to Milford Haven. During the incident, another man was struck with the bat before Parker left the scene. Parker later admitted the offence and entered a guilty plea on November 18, with sentencing adjourned for a pre-sentence report.

Passing sentence, District Judge M Layton said the offence was so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified.

Parker was sentenced to 36 weeks’ imprisonment, but the sentence was suspended for 24 months after the court accepted there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

He will be subject to 24 months of supervision and must complete 200 hours of unpaid work within 12 months. The court also imposed a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 25 days, requiring Parker to attend appointments and take part in activities as directed by probation services.

The baseball bat was ordered to be forfeited and destroyed under the Prevention of Crime Act 1953.

Parker was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £187 surcharge, to be paid in full within 28 days.

The judge warned that any breach of the suspended sentence order could result in the prison term being activated.

Business

Independent brewers join call for business rates relief as pub closures feared

Published

7 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

INDEPENDENT brewers have joined growing calls for urgent, pub-specific relief on Business Rates amid fears that community pubs across west Wales and beyond could be forced to close.

The Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) has warned that changes announced in the Autumn Budget will see pub costs rise sharply over the next three years, with the average pub facing a 76% increase in Business Rates. By comparison, large warehouse-style premises operated by online and technology giants are expected to see increases of around 16%.

The issue will be discussed at a meeting taking place on Monday in Saundersfoot, where local publicans, small brewers and business representatives are due to come together to examine the impact of rising Business Rates and escalating operating costs. The meeting is expected to focus on the future sustainability of community pubs, particularly in coastal and rural areas where they often act as vital social hubs as well as key local employers.

Independent breweries are particularly exposed, SIBA says, as the vast majority of their beer is sold through local community pubs. Many small breweries also operate their own pubs or taprooms, meaning they are hit twice by rising rates. Some independent brewers have reported rateable value increases of up to 300%, creating new costs they say will be extremely difficult to absorb.

New industry research published on Thursday (Dec 12) suggests that introducing a pub-specific Business Rates relief of 30% from April 1, 2026 could protect around 15,000 jobs currently under threat in the pubs sector and help prevent widespread closures.

The call for action follows an open letter sent last week by SIBA’s board, expressing deep concern at the impact of the Budget’s Business Rates decisions on the hospitality sector.

Andy Slee, Chief Executive of SIBA, said: “The last orders bell is ringing very loudly in our community pubs after the shock changes to Business Rates in the Budget.

“Publicans and brewers feel badly let down by a system that still isn’t fairly addressing the imbalance between big global tech companies and small business owners.

“We were promised proper reform of Business Rates in the Labour manifesto last year and a rebalancing of the tax regime, but this has not been delivered. Pubs therefore need urgent help to address the planned increase in costs through a pub-specific relief, followed by full and meaningful reform.”

Those attending Monday’s meeting in Saundersfoot are expected to consider how local voices can feed into the national debate and press for urgent action to protect community pubs across Pembrokeshire.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

8 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.