News

Council release bus survey results

Published

9 years ago

March 7, 2017

EIGHT out of ten bus users surveyed say they are ‘very satisfied’ or ‘fairly satisfied’ with the reliability and punctuality of Pembrokeshire’s bus services, according to a recent consultation.

And while 64% of respondents are either ‘very satisfied’ or ‘fairly satisfied’ with the county’s bus services overall, 23% are ‘very dissatisfied’ or ‘fairly dissatisfied’.

The survey was carried out by Pembrokeshire County Council last autumn in order to identify how it was performing in relation to bus services and to obtain suggestions on how those services could be improved.

A total of 436 questionnaires were completed and returned.

The two areas that scored lowest were the frequency of bus services and the provision of information about transport services and timetables, with which 66 per cent of respondents were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘fairly satisfied’ with.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Transportation and Major Events, Councillor Rob Lewis, said that while the feedback from the consultation was relatively positive, it was important to acknowledge that an emerging theme from a recent Well-being Assessment was the need for better public transport accessible to all.

“It should also be remembered that over the past five years local bus services had been operating against a background of funding reductions” he added.

A wide range of feedback and suggestions were received regarding what would help to improve bus services in Pembrokeshire.

The most common requests were: bus services on Sundays and evenings; more frequent buses and more bus shelters.

Councillor Lewis went on: “We understand these concerns but also have to recognise the limitations on available funding. The Council’s transport section is working hard to try and maintain current services and provision, despite on-going budget reductions.

He said the Authority had met with operators in order to identify which suggestions were feasible.

“As a result” he continued, “a total of 14 routes will be changed with the new timetables starting from the 1st April. Details of these changes can be found on the Council’s website.”

Both the County Timetable and the Coastal Bus Timetable booklets will be printed this year and will be available in April once the new timetables are in place.

In addition, the Welsh Government’s Bus Quality Standards are being implemented on all bus services in Wales from April 1.

They require operators to meet certain criteria, including a requirement for all drivers to wear a uniform, and information regarding the operator’s complaints procedure clearly displayed on the vehicle.

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

48 minutes ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

3 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

3 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle