Community

Community achieves major milestone to safeguard their beloved pub

Published

3 years ago

May 17, 2023

IN a remarkable display of determination, a group of impassioned volunteers from the local community has brought the Cross Inn, the sole pub in Hayscastle Cross, on the cusp of salvation as it teetered on the edge of closure. The community-led initiative, driven by a shared resolve to preserve their cherished establishment, has surpassed their minimum target of £200,000 shares sold, marking an extraordinary triumph for the residents of this tight-knit locality.

The Y Cross Cas-lai Community Benefit Society Ltd. (the Society), the driving force behind this ambitious endeavor, has left no stone unturned in their quest to unite everyone under the common ownership of the pub. Alongside the successful share offering, the Society organized an array of events, from a spirited community auction and a bustling car wash to convivial coffee mornings, an epic tractor run, lively bingo and tippit evenings, engaging raffles, and even roping in the assistance of a local Dalek.

As the current owners, Wayne and Angela Phillips, prepare to bid farewell to the pub and explore new horizons, the establishment is slated to cease trading at the end of July this year. However, the Society has set its sights on acquiring the pub, giving it a much-needed facelift, and promptly reopening its doors with a fresh and revitalized ambiance.

Society Chairman Geraint Evans expressed his profound gratitude, stating, “We are immensely thrilled to have received the unwavering support of our friends, families, local residents, and numerous businesses, including the current owners, who have all displayed remarkable goodwill and backing throughout this endeavor.”

Evans further elaborated, “Our ambition has captured the imagination of the entire community, and despite the considerable challenges, we are relishing the journey because of its significance, and above all, because we are collectively making it happen. Our vision entails creating a welcoming and vibrant village pub that doubles as a community hub. With the profits generated from the pub, we intend to restore some of the essential services that the community desperately needs, having already lost two garages, a shop, a Post Office, and the local school.”

Even the Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire has joined the cause, lending his support. In a letter addressed to the Rt Hon. Michael Gove, Crabb highlighted the shared values between Y Cross Cas-lai Benefit Society Ltd. and the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund, which aims to “safeguard the small, but much-loved local assets on which we cannot put a price.” He continued, stating, “I endorse the bid from Y Cross Cas-lai Community Benefit Society Ltd., which will not only retain an important village asset but also foster community cohesion, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sense of place and societal well-being.”

For those interested in investing in Y Cross Cas-lai and contributing to their ambitious goals, there is a limited window of opportunity, as the deadline for share applications is the 21st of May 2023. The share offer has been extended for a brief period to allow existing investors to augment their contributions and welcome new investors who are eager to partake in this remarkable project.

To obtain further information and play a role in propelling the Y Cross Cas-lai team across the finish line in style, please visit http://ycrossinn.cymru/how-to-invest/ to learn more about purchasing shares. Together, let us ensure the triumph of this community-led initiative, securing the future of the cherished Cross Inn for generations to come.

Community

Fire service sets out new flood response plan for Mid and West Wales

Published

3 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

AROUND 31,000 properties across Mid and West Wales are at risk of flooding, according to figures released as part of a new fire service response strategy.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has completed a major engagement process to shape how it deals with future flooding incidents.

The work brought together operational crews, partner agencies and community representatives through a series of “Flooding Balanced Room” workshops.

The service said the aim was to make sure all voices were heard equally while developing practical options for prevention, response and recovery.

Nearly 24,000 properties in the service area are at risk from river flooding, while more than 7,000 are at risk from tidal flooding.

The service attends around 300 water rescue and weather-related flooding incidents each year.

Officials say flooding is becoming more frequent and more serious because of climate change, including heavier rainfall and prolonged weather events.

Recent data also shows a clear seasonal pattern, with the highest number of flooding incidents taking place between October and February.

The third quarter of 2025/26 was the busiest for flooding incidents since 2017/18, while February 2020 and November 2025 recorded the highest monthly levels of flooding activity.

The workshops produced four key priorities: prevention first, collaboration and partnership, enhanced specialist capability, and learning and continuous improvement.

Eleven initial options were narrowed down to five main areas.

These include better public education, community flood groups, improved flood messaging with partner agencies, more staff training, improved welfare and PPE for firefighters, better vehicles and technology, and stronger post-incident support for communities.

Proposals include using flood awareness in home fire safety checks, improving training scenarios, increasing the number of qualified water incident managers, expanding drone use, and using climate data to plan future fleet and equipment needs.

The options have now been assessed, with recommendations presented to the service’s Executive Leadership Team.

The plans will feed into the service’s future flooding strategy and its Community Risk Management Plan 2040.

Iwan Cray, Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The Flooding Balanced Room process has highlighted the importance of collaboration.

“By listening to our staff, partners, and communities, we’ve created practical, forward-thinking solutions that will strengthen our ability to prevent and manage flooding in Mid and West Wales.

“Together, we can build a safer, more resilient Wales.”

Community

Vintage tractor tour sets off from Pembroke Dock for Ireland

Published

5 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIFTY-three vintage tractors left Pembroke Dock Ferry Port on Saturday (May 2) as part of a long-running tractor tour to Ireland.

The group boarded the ferry for the latest stage of an exchange which has been running since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

Organiser Alun Mason said: “The Tour of Ireland has been ongoing since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

“A large contingent travelled from Ireland and continue to do so every other year, with our visit this weekend and the Irish tractors due to visit in 2027.”

Some of the tractors taking part travelled from as far as Burry Port, Bridgend, Llandrindod Wells, Llandovery and Ceredigion before gathering at the ferry port.

The event brought together vintage tractor enthusiasts from across Wales ahead of the crossing to Ireland.

Pictured are organisers Jo Richards and Alun Mason, and the group waiting to embark at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port.

Vintage tour: Jo Richards and Alun Mason with tractors at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port (Pic: Martin Cavaney).

Community

Volunteers praised as Rath paddling pool gets summer makeover

Published

6 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Questions raised over new netting as community pitches in to prepare popular spot

VOLUNTEERS have been praised for their efforts to get Milford Haven’s Rath paddling pool ready for summer – but a new addition has sparked debate among locals.

A group of residents, including Caroline Jones, Derek Abbott, Jordy, Tina Hawkins and Isla, were pictured this week installing colourful netting along the fence surrounding the pool.

The work forms part of ongoing efforts by the community to clean, maintain and improve the popular splash area ahead of the warmer months.

Caroline explained the netting had a practical purpose as well as an aesthetic one.

She said: “It’s partly to try and prevent some of the grass cuttings getting into the pool but also to brighten the area up.”

Others suggested it could also help reduce the amount of litter blowing into the water – an issue that has been raised in previous summers.

The efforts were widely welcomed online, with many residents thanking those involved for giving up their time.

One commenter wrote: “A bit of praise for these volunteers who give our little ones a bit of enjoyment at the paddling pool. Well done all.”

Another added: “Well done and thank you everyone.”

Some questioned the need for the netting, with one resident saying: “I don’t understand the netting around the pool. It looked lovely as it was.”

The Rath paddling pool is a well-used facility during the summer months, particularly by families with young children, and relies heavily on volunteer support to keep it clean and operational.

Local groups, including TipTop Wheelies, are understood to be involved in helping prepare the site for the season.

Despite mixed views on the netting, the overwhelming response has been one of appreciation for those working behind the scenes to keep the facility open.