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News

No play area for Dale but group aim to adapt

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Original plans: A play area in Dale

DESPITE being unable to achieve their primary aim of building a play area for Dale, the Dale Play Area Association (DPAA) will now look to transition into the role of a grant-giving charity that aids vulnerable children and adults in the area, as they host their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, April 25, at 74pm in the Jubilee Suite of the Coronation Hall.

The group was set up after the Youth Club had said there should be a play area in Dale. There was initial success as they received a commitment from Martyn Ryder, the land owner, that he would lease an area of the meadow in which
to site a play area.

The DPAA went on to obtain the status of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in January 2015, as well as planning permission in September 2015, holding fundraising events and receiving donations to pay for surveys, plans and legal costs.

The group had also passed the first hurdle of an application to the Welsh Government Rural Communities Development Fund for a grant to construct the play area. The association had carried out a questionnaire and held a consultation event in the Coronation Hall with locals and received overwhelmingly positive responses to their proposals. Plans were put on display in the village and the Annual General Meetings have been advertised in Peninsula Papers. This resulted in 160 people becoming members of the DPAA.

By September 2017 the association had signed the lease and were assured that Mr Ryder was just about to do likewise, when they were told, via his land agent, that he would not agree to the previously arranged agreement; instead offering to lease a smaller area, roughly one fifth of the original area. With the assistance of a play area specialist the group then devised a plan in which elements to benefit all ages could have been included in this smaller site.

An offer to arrange for this specialist to give Mr Ryder a presentation of this plan was declined, and Mr Ryder informed the association on January 21 2018, through his land agent, that he would not lease the DPAA any land whatsoever.

They have not yet been informed of the reasons for him not being willing to lease the small area but he had told them previously that his main concern about the larger area was noise pollution. He had also previously mentioned, through his land agent, that he was concerned about this area becoming an ‘ungoverned’ area where young adults would congregate.

It is the view of the DPPA that the type of area that had been planned would be likely to mitigate against poor behaviour in the village of Dale rather than increase it.

And so the Annual General Meeting of Dale Play Area Association has been called for votes on two issues. The first being as to whether clause 16 of the constitution be deleted, concerning the rule regarding reappointment of a charity trustee after three consecutive terms, and the second being the future of the DPAA, and whether the association should not be wound up but instead become a grant-giving charity.

The proposal is that the charity would give grants to local children or vulnerable adults or organisations serving local children or vulnerable adults to promote their well-being and/or to enable them to take part in adventurous, sporting, fun or cultural activities.

The trustees shall seek advice from the Charity Commission about whether it is necessary to change aspects such as the association’s name in order to carry out this role.

If this is necessary a further Special General Meeting of members will be called to consider an amendment to the constitution.

Business

Caban Pendine celebrates launch of new 12-hole crazy golf course

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A BRAND-NEW 12-hole crazy golf course has officially opened at Caban Pendine, bringing fun and adventure to the heart of Pendine Sands.

The course was unveiled at a special launch event held at 2:00pm on Friday (April 11), with families, residents, and visitors among the first to enjoy the colourful and creative course. The attraction features imaginative obstacles, bold designs, and plenty of twists and turns—offering a light-hearted challenge for players of all ages.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Pendine Sands, the new course adds to the area’s growing reputation as a leisure and tourism hotspot.

Cllr Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture & Tourism, said:
“We are delighted to officially open the Crazy Golf course at Caban in Pendine. It’s been fantastic to see so many people enjoying themselves and getting into the spirit of friendly competition. This new addition enhances our leisure offering and provides a great activity for families, friends, and visitors of all ages.”

Course now open daily

The Caban Crazy Golf Course is now open every day between 11:00am and 5:00pm, offering an affordable and entertaining experience. Whether you’re planning a day out with the kids, a casual game with friends, or just looking for something different, the course promises plenty of fun and laughter.

Visitor information

Location: Caban Pendine, Pendine Sands
Opening hours: 11:00am – 5:00pm daily
Admission: Adults £5, Children £4, Concessions £4

For more information, visit www.cabanpendine.wales or follow @CabanPendine on social media for updates, events, and special offers.

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Community

Western section of Tywi Valley Path opens to the public

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THE FIRST section of the Tywi Valley Path has officially opened to the public today (Friday, April 11), marking a significant milestone in one of Carmarthenshire’s most ambitious infrastructure and tourism projects.

Stretching approximately four miles from Abergwili to Nantgaredig, the newly completed western section is now accessible to walkers, cyclists, and wheelchair users, offering a traffic-free route through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Wales.

A bird’s eye view of the route, between Nantgaredig and Whitemill, has also been released, showcasing the natural beauty and scenic value of the area.

Once fully completed, the Tywi Valley Path will run for 16.7 miles from Abergwili to Ffairfach, following the meandering route of the River Tywi as it flows from Llandeilo to Carmarthen. The route will pass through castles, country parks, historic estates, and tourist attractions such as Aberglasney Gardens.

The full path is expected to be open by autumn or winter 2025 and has been supported by £16.7 million in funding from the UK Government.

It is anticipated that the path will attract visitors from across Wales, the UK and beyond, with projections suggesting it could generate £4.4 million annually for the local economy. The council is working alongside existing and new leisure operators, accommodation providers, and event organisers to maximise the benefits of the new route.

Access to the western section is available from Abergwili Museum and the B4310 near Nantgaredig Rugby Club. Parking is provided at both the museum and the Railway Hotel in Nantgaredig, where refreshments are also available. Confident users can also access the path from Carmarthen town centre.

Bins have been installed at key points along the path, and users are reminded to dispose of litter and dog waste responsibly.

Cllr Edward Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services, said:

“We’re delighted to officially open this western section of the Tywi Valley Path in time for the Easter holidays. This first-class, traffic-free path offers families, day visitors, and tourists an unparalleled opportunity to experience the unique and breathtaking beauty of the Tywi Valley.

“I am looking forward to opening the whole path, from Abergwili to Ffairfach later in the year. Once completed, the Tywi Valley Path will not only enhance the charm and access to our local towns and villages but also significantly boost tourism throughout the county, bringing significant economic benefits.”

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News

Milford Haven to receive £6m boost for new transport hub

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MILFORD HAVEN is set to benefit from a £6 million investment in a major new transport project aimed at transforming the town’s connectivity.

The Welsh Government has announced funding for the Milford Haven Public Transport Interchange as part of a wider £27 million investment in transport infrastructure across South West Wales.

The funding will kickstart construction on the long-anticipated project to redevelop Milford Haven train station, creating a modern transport hub that will include a dedicated bus interchange, taxi rank, improved public realm areas, and new active travel links for pedestrians and cyclists.

The scheme, led by Pembrokeshire County Council, received an additional £1.4 million in capital funding from the local authority earlier this year. It forms part of broader efforts to enhance access to and from the town, supporting both residents and visitors.

Deputy council leader Paul Miller said: “We have been working closely with Welsh Government, Network Rail and the train operating companies for some time now, and I’m delighted we’re in a position to move these proposals forward.

“This project is important in its own right, but it’s also a key enabler for dramatically improving rail connectivity for Milford Haven and Pembrokeshire as a whole.”

The plans include relocating the existing rail platform to improve integration with other forms of transport, a formalised car park, and a new layout connecting the station directly with the nearby retail area.

Mr Miller added: “A new station will do much more than simply improve the station. It will also allow for more frequent services to and from Milford Haven.”

He confirmed that the council is continuing discussions with both the Welsh and UK Governments, as well as Great Western Railways, to restore direct high-speed intercity services to the town.

The new interchange will also link with the Port Authority’s initiatives to improve walking and cycling access to the Milford Haven Dock, supporting tourism and future urban development.

Councillor Rhys Sinnett, cabinet member for residents’ services, said: “If this bid is approved by Welsh Government, it will be fantastic news for Milford Haven and go a long way towards increasing and improving transport connectivity — not just for visitors but, more importantly, for our residents.

“The associated works will enhance safety, improve parking, and provide a much-needed focal point for public transport in the town.”

The project will be delivered by Pembrokeshire County Council.

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