Community

Controversial property development sparks outcry in Pembrokeshire’s historic village

Published

2 years ago

November 1, 2023

Tensions are rising in Roch, as residents voice their concerns over a proposed 52-unit property development that threatens to reshape the character of one of the region’s historic villages. Wakefield Developments Ltd., the proponents of the project, have set forth plans to construct 52 units, comprising one and two bedroom flats, as well as three and four bedroom houses on land east of Pilgrim’s Way.

Local residents, led by concerned voices like Cliff White and Brenda Hooper, fear that the development could place lives at risk due to increased traffic congestion and reduced pedestrian visibility. The main point of contention lies in the already strained junction leading from the main A487 into Pilgrim’s Way. Roch locals argue that the junction, servicing the existing residential estates at Grassholm Close and Pilgrim’s Way, is unable to cope with the current traffic demands, let alone a significant increase resulting from the proposed development.

Mr White expressed the community’s worries, stating, “Approximately 30 houses currently feed off the junction, and already it’s dangerous. The road is a bottleneck as it approaches the junction and isn’t wide enough for two vehicles. Two pedestrians were recently knocked down near the junction, and it stands to reason that if the development goes ahead, the volume of traffic is going to triple.”

Residents are not only concerned about road safety but also the safety of around 170 primary school children who use the same route to get to and from Roch school. Brenda Hooper highlighted these worries, “The vast majority of them walk along Pilgrim’s Way or come down on their bikes or their scooters. Parents are extremely concerned about the road safety impact the development will have.”

Furthermore, sewage disposal infrastructure has become a point of contention. Roch’s sewage treatment plant in Newgale is reportedly operating at maximum capacity, straining to cope with the existing waste water and raw sewage discharged from Roch. Locals have reported issues like lifting manhole covers, raising concerns about the village’s ability to manage additional waste from the proposed development.

The planning notice for the project has sparked controversy, with residents claiming that it was intentionally concealed. The notice, initially hanging upside down from a piece of string at the site entrance, left many residents unaware of the impending changes. Community members question the lack of consultation and transparency, especially given the potential impact on their daily lives.

Cliff White expressed frustration, “We’ve learned that the developers recently requested a meeting with the parish council, so why weren’t the locals invited to listen to the proposals? Why haven’t we been consulted?”

There is also scepticism about the nature of the proposed housing units. Despite initial claims that the development would cater to social housing needs, residents fear that such promises might change once planning consent is granted, leading to unaffordable housing options for the local community.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

8 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

17 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”

Community

Kurtz welcomes £4.3m National Lottery boost for local communities

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL Kurtz MS has welcomed more than £4.3 million in National Lottery funding awarded to community projects across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since 2021.

Figures released by The National Lottery Community Fund show that £4,318,484 has been distributed through 122 grants in the constituency since the 2021/22 financial year, the same year Mr Kurtz was elected.

The funding has supported a wide range of grassroots charities, voluntary organisations and community groups through programmes including National Lottery Awards for All, offering grants of up to £20,000, and People and Places, which provides larger awards of up to £500,000.

Projects backed locally include mental health support for young people, environmental and sustainability initiatives, community workshops, outdoor wellbeing activities, support for vulnerable adults, and programmes aimed at building skills and confidence.

Among the organisations to benefit is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which received £343,584 for its Routes to Discovery project, helping improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible outdoor activities.

St Davids Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility was awarded £398,078 to deliver its Plant Dewi: Strengthening our Communities initiative, supporting families and local groups.

Other recipients include The VC Gallery, Redberth Croft CIC, The Tenby Project CIC and Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners, with funding supporting projects ranging from food initiatives and nature-based wellbeing to volunteering and environmental action.

Mr Kurtz said: “Community groups and charities across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire do incredible work supporting people and strengthening local communities.

“It is fantastic to see more than £4.3 million of National Lottery funding invested in projects that are improving wellbeing, tackling isolation and creating opportunities for people of all ages during my time in office.

“The voluntary sector plays a vital role in our area, and this funding is helping organisations deliver projects that bring people together and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in Wales, supporting initiatives that bring communities together, promote environmental sustainability, help children and young people thrive, and improve health and wellbeing.

Organisations across Wales can apply for funding through the Awards for All and People and Places programmes to support projects that matter most to their communities.