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Pembroke Dock: New traffic lights causing congestion

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Long queues: Traffic has been congested for up to a mile (pic. Herald)

MOTORISTS and politicians in Pembroke Dock have slammed new traffic lights on the A477 London Road, saying they make congestion much worse.

Work started at the junction with Ferry Lane in early February to install new traffic lights, street lighting and pedestrian crossings. It was expected to take 17 weeks.

25 weeks later and the junction is still littered with cones and non-operational street lights.

Last week, The Herald reported that work at the site had stopped for several weeks. The Welsh Government agency responsible, South Wales Trunk Road Agent (SWTRA), blamed computer problems and bad weather for the delay.

London Road’s new traffic lights were finally activated on Monday morning (July 30) and almost immediately long queues began to form in all directions.

On Wednesday afternoon (Aug 1), the Pembrokeshire Herald observed traffic queueing back to Bangeston and the Cleddau Bridge toll booths.

At Waterloo roundabout, traffic was at a standstill for several minutes at a time with ferry traffic appearing to compound the problem. One driver wound down his window and shouted to the Herald reporter: “These lights are an almighty cock-up!”

Frustrated drivers: Queues build up in every direction (pic. Herald)

Laura-Jayne from Pembroke Dock said: “The last two nights picking my partner up from work at London Road Industrial Estate has been horrendous. I had to turn left out of that junction and then the back roads through Pembroke back into the Dock.”

Another driver, Heidi from Saundersfoot, said she was stuck in a queue on the A477 stretching back more than a mile to Cosheston.

County Councillor Joshua Beynon and Labour’s parliamentary candidate Marc Tierney have written a joint letter to SWTRA to expressing local concerns: “[We’ve] had multiple complaints from road users who have spent more than 20 minutes just attempting to get through the junction with delays reaching a mile back in some instances. This has turned the area into a gridlocked, congested zone as traffic reaches levels that should not occur in a small town of only 10,000 residents.

“While we appreciate the lights are a new feature to the area, we do not envisage this problem improving over time.”

Cllr Beynon and Mr Tierney invited SWTRA to visit the site and see for themselves the congestion the new traffic lights are causing.

We asked SWTRA for a response.

 

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Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

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A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

 

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Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

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Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

 

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Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

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Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.

 

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