News

Parking in Main Street is ‘awful’

Published

10 years ago

March 1, 2016

PEMBROKE Town Councillors have raised a number of concerns over parking in Main Street.

Councillors agreed that the current situation was awful and expressed concerns about the lack of traffic wardens in the area.

It was also mentioned how parked cars have caused blockages for other vehicles on some occasions.

The matter was discussed at a meeting of the Town Council on Thursday, February 11.

Cllr Clive Collins said: “The parking just above our building has become terrible. When I put this on the agenda I saw someone pull up outside a certain shop at least a foot off the pavement and a couple of minutes later the Silcox bus could not get past.

“I think it is disgusting that people do it. The yellow lines on the curbs say no stopping have become almost invisible so I would like to get those repainted and I would like us to write a letter asking for more warden support.

“I think we should try to get something done so can we have a letter to the county council complaining about the lack of traffic wardens and to re-paint the now, in certain places, almost invisible markings.”

Cllr Rose Blackburn suggested that notices should be put up to tell people that they couldn’t park in the street.

Cllr Jonathan Nutting said: “I got in touch with them last week to say it is very lax, we are not seeing anybody. It is getting awful on Main Street and it has obviously got a lot worse over the last 3-4 months.

“I’ve asked several times for them to re-mark the east end roundabout, it also needs directional arrows so that people follow it. If they could just generally look round town and remark several places.”

Cllr Wyn Jenkins said: “The curb has only been there for five years but that is one of the major problems we’ve got is that the curb keeps the bus off the curb as the bus keeps hitting it.”

Cllr Aden Brinn explained that he had received a complaint from someone in his ward who had been given a ticket despite only being in the chemist for a short time.

Cllr Dennis Evans said: “The changes have come about as a result of air quality meetings that we went to and are part and parcel of trying to improve the air quality and produce car streams going through town without having to stop. The blockage does occur near the town hall by the bus stop so it was a way of trying to move traffic through the town without the build-up of exhausts emissions.”

Cllr Jenkins also suggested that some traffic wardens were only giving people five minutes to park but other members were shocked to hear that and ask for that to be clarified.

Pembroke Mayor, Cllr Pauline Waters added that the traffic lights could be taken away which would create more parking on the other side of the road.

Cllr Jon Harvey said: “We have got an issue on Main Street but people have to cross the road. People will stop but there needs to be a formalised crossing in Main Street. If you are disabled or have children it is appropriate to have a specific point to cross.”

Cllr Nutting said that the Town Council should write to the Highways department in Pembrokeshire County Council to ask if they could look at the amount of time it takes between the buttons being pressed to the lights changing.

Farming

Plaid urged to move faster on farming reforms amid subsidy concerns

Published

18 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Conservatives accuse Plaid Cymru of failing farmers as ministers call for patience over changes to agricultural support

CONCERNS over the pace of farming reforms in Wales have intensified after the Welsh Conservatives accused the Welsh Government of failing to act quickly enough on promised changes to agricultural subsidy schemes.

The criticism comes after Welsh Government Rural Resilience and Sustainability Minister, Llyr Gruffydd, urged farmers to be patient as major changes to support payments continue to be developed.

Speaking to ITV Wales, Mr Gruffydd acknowledged that “change is difficult” as the government seeks to reshape agricultural support across rural Wales. The comments come at a time of growing unease among parts of the farming community over the future of post-Brexit subsidy arrangements and concerns about financial pressures facing farms.

The reforms centre on replacing previous support systems with a new approach intended to balance food production, environmental sustainability and rural resilience. However, some farmers and unions have warned that uncertainty over payments and policy changes risks damaging confidence in the sector.

Reacting to the minister’s remarks, Welsh Conservative Shadow Farming Minister, Andrew RT Davies, said Plaid Cymru was not moving quickly enough to deliver on commitments made to Welsh farmers.

Mr Davies said: “Change is not difficult – contrary to Plaid Cymru separatists’ claims.

“If the will is there, there’s no reason reforms can’t be implemented immediately.

“Plaid Cymru separatists must fulfil their promises to Welsh farmers now.”

The comments reflect wider political tensions over the direction of farming policy in Wales, with opposition parties arguing that delays and uncertainty are creating anxiety for agricultural businesses already facing rising costs and economic pressures.

Farming remains a major part of the Welsh economy, particularly in rural counties such as Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, where many communities rely heavily on agriculture and associated industries.

The Welsh Government has previously said changes to support schemes are aimed at creating a more sustainable long-term future for farming, though ministers have acknowledged the transition period will take time and may prove challenging for some in the industry.

The debate over subsidy reform is likely to remain a key political battleground as the government finalises details of its future support model and seeks to reassure farmers concerned about their livelihoods.

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

18 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Business

WestJet’s first Toronto flight lands at Cardiff Airport

Published

18 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New seasonal service restores direct link between Wales and Canada after nearly 20 years

CARDIFF AIRPORT has welcomed the first WestJet flight from Toronto, marking the return of a direct air link between Wales and Canada for the first time in almost 20 years.

The inaugural service from Toronto Pearson International Airport landed at Cardiff on Saturday (May 23), officially launching a new transatlantic route between South Wales and North America.

Passengers on the first arrival were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, while Penarth choir Criw Canu welcomed the crew and customers with Welsh songs at the aircraft steps.

The new route will operate four times a week using WestJet’s Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Cardiff Airport said the service would open up new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural links between Wales and Canada.

Toronto Pearson is also a major hub, offering onward connections to more than 100 destinations across Canada and the United States, including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver and Florida.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS, attended the launch alongside guests including Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Cllr Lis Burnett, Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Ontario’s Agent-General in London Sophia Arvanitis, Visit Wales and aviation industry partners.

Mr Price said: “WestJet’s inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.

“Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK.

“Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, described the launch as a landmark moment for the airport and for Wales.

He said: “The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America. It firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales.

“We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”

Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, said the route was an important addition to the airline’s transatlantic network.

He said: “WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities.

“Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada.”

The Cardiff to Toronto service departs Cardiff at 11:35am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Toronto to Cardiff flights depart at 10:10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.