Garth Ward clear-up sees multiple removals

POLICE have organised the removal several untaxed and abandoned vehicles from the Garth ward in Haverfordwest following a joint operation earlier today.

Neighbourhood officers from Haverfordwest NPPT, working alongside the Roads Policing Unit, carried out enforcement action after a number of vehicles were found to have no valid road tax and had been left parked or abandoned for extended periods.

A police spokesperson said the operation was aimed at improving safety, accessibility, and the general appearance of residential streets where long-term abandoned vehicles had become an issue.

Millforge Garage were brought in to assist with the removals, with officers praising staff for their work in recovering vehicles that were “in awkward and difficult positions”.

Under UK law, it is illegal to keep or park an untaxed vehicle on any public road. Vehicles must be taxed or declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), but a SORN declaration is only valid if the vehicle is kept entirely on private land. Leaving a SORN vehicle on a street, layby or pavement breaches DVLA regulations and can result in immediate enforcement action.

DVLA enforcement teams and police have the power to clamp or remove any untaxed vehicle found on a public road without warning. In many cases, removal fees, daily storage charges and unpaid tax must be settled before the vehicle can be released — and if not collected, the vehicle may ultimately be scrapped.

The Herald understands that further inspections will continue over the coming weeks as part of ongoing efforts to tackle nuisance and abandoned vehicles across the town.

Temporary suspension of charges as new operating arrangements are reviewed

ATEB has confirmed that parking charges at the Old Haverfordwest Library car park on Dew Street have been suspended from this week (November 17) until the New Year while the organisation reviews how the site is operated.

The update was shared with residents by Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor following a statement from ATEB chief executive Nick Hampshire.

Mr Hampshire said the organisation is “currently reviewing the Dew Street car parking operations” and will therefore not charge users during the review period. However, he stressed that motorists use the site “at their own risk,” as clearly set out on the on-site notices.

New arrangements expected in 2026

ATEB says its intention is to introduce new parking arrangements early in the New Year. These are expected to mirror the terms, rates and conditions used in Pembrokeshire County Council-run car parks, providing consistency for shoppers, visitors and local residents.

“Until we agree the new arrangements, we will not be in a position to share more detail,” Mr Hampshire added.

Cllr Tudor encouraged residents with any queries to contact him directly.

A VOLUNTEER who has dedicated 60 years to volunteering with St John Ambulance Cymru was among those recognised at the charity’s Mid and West Wales Regional Awards for 2025.

The ceremony, which was recently held in Swansea, saw a range of volunteers and staff receive awards and commendations for their work in a range of fields from responding to emergencies to securing funds from trusts and foundations to support the charity’s work.

St John Ambulance Cymru’s Assistant Chief Commissioner (Mid and West Wales), Beth Francis OStJ said: “This ceremony gave us a valuable opportunity to come together to celebrate the great work of St John People from across our Mid and West Wales counties of Dyfed, West Glamorgan and Powys and all they have contributed to their communities.

“The number and quality of the nominations we received was a reminder of the positive impact the charity has on a daily basis, and I know the panel had a difficult task in choosing the winners from the strong list of contenders.”

Eunice O’Hara received an Ultra Long Service Medal and 2 Gilt Bars for her 60 years of dedicated service as part of St John Ambulance Cymru’s Fishguard and Haverfordwest Divisions.

Her long and distinguished career as a volunteer and fundraiser saw her become an Officer of the Order of St John, as well as a member of the Gorsedd of the Bards with the title Eunice Urdd Sant Ioan (Eunice of St John) to signify her synonymity with the charity she has dedicated so much effort to supporting.

Another significant award presented during the ceremony was the Gerallt Davies MBE CStJ Memorial Award, presented in memory of the former paramedic and National Paramedic Officer for St John Ambulance Cymru, who sadly died in 2020.

The cup is awarded to a St John Person who is active, dedicated, professional and aims to maintain and develop the highest standards whilst engaging and leading their colleagues. It is judged by an independent panel made up of external partners and members of Gerallt’s family.

The runner up, who received commendation for their impact was Gwion Morgan of Dyfed County, while the winner was Sam Davies, Operations Manager for Dyfed County, who also scooped the Volunteer of the Year Award.

There was also a Lifetime Achievement Award for Will Wall of the Abertawe Division in West Glamorgan, who has been a devoted member since 1988. In this time he supported events at Swansea’s Vetch Field for other three decades and has subsequently been on duty to support 200 games at the Swansea.com Stadium, as well as other events across the county.

Julie Carrod was the other recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, having dedicated almost 30 years of service to St John Ambulance Cymru in a range of roles including first responder, County Training Manager and Deputy Commissioner in Powys.

To find out more about St John Ambulance Cymru and to sign-up to volunteer with the charity, visit www.sjacymru.org.uk.