Community

Former Cardi Bach railway line potentially to become walking and cycling path

Published

2 years ago

December 19, 2023

PEMBROKESHIRE and Carmarthenshire County Councils have organised an engagement event about transforming the disused Cardi Bach railway line into a new walking and cycling route.
Both local authorities have been collaborating with Sustrans Cymru, the charity making it easier for everyone to walk, wheel, and cycle, to study the disused route with the aim of building a new, shared-use walking and cycling path.

The long-term aim is for the path to connect Cardigan in the north to Whitland in the south, creating a traffic-free route for locals and tourists to use.

Aoife Blight, Project Manager for Sustrans Cymru said, “We see so much potential for reconnecting communities along this line.
“We know from our visits to the area how much the line has meant to people in the past and would love to see the route bustling with people travelling actively to visit their friends and family.
“We hope the route could one day connect into the wider sustainable transport network too”.

Sustrans Cymru, on behalf of the councils, is now seeking feedback from the people that live, work, and travel in the area who could benefit from the new route.

Sustrans Cymru are currently focusing on sections of the route between Crymych and Llanfyrnach in Pembrokeshire, and Glandwr to Llanglydwen in Carmarthenshire, for their initial feasibility studies.

The scheme aims to make it easier for people to choose walking, wheeling, or cycling to get to local services, and to directly connect communities along the route that have been disconnected since the railway’s closure.

This project is made possible by the Active Travel Fund, which is a Welsh Government fund that supports Welsh local authorities to develop, promote, and support active travel – walking, wheeling, and cycling – schemes in their area.

More information on the fund is available here: https://www.gov.wales/active-travel-fund-guidance-applicants-2023-2024-html .

A public drop-in session will be held on 16th January at the main hall in Ysgol Bro Preseli from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

The session will include a short presentation by Sustrans Cymru’s project staff on the project to date.
Councillor Rhys Sinnet said “This is an opportunity for the community to have updates from our consultants Sustrans with regard to this important project.
“The Cardi Bach walking and cycling route, which we hope will be a real asset to the area, will provide a route which will connect local communities and encourage tourists to visit, helping to boost the economy of the region.”

Members of the public will also have the opportunity to meet with the project team, ask questions, and provide feedback on the proposed route.

Councillor Shon Rees said “We look forward to welcoming people to this event.
“We hope the community will give us their ideas and memories of the Cardi Bach which, through this initiative, can become a well-loved route for the community again.
“As a cycling and walking route it will allow for journeys to be made in a sustainable manner which is good for the environment and the health of users.
“It has the potential to be a high-quality route and an attraction to visitors to the north of both Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.
“The Cardi Bach was and still is such a large part of the village of Crymych and we are fully committed to open this up for everyone to enjoy.”

Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire Councils are committed to promoting more active travel and sustainable travel options in the region, and this consultation is an important step towards achieving this goal.

Paper copies, easy read, or large print versions of consultation materials can be obtained by contacting Sustrans Cymru via email [email protected]

Community

Loose horse sparks police response in Pembroke

Published

6 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Animal seen galloping through residential streets and towards main road

POLICE are reportedly tracking a loose horse which strayed into a residential area of Pembroke.

The animal was first spotted in Gatehouse View before making its way onto a nearby main road.

A post on the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Citizens’ Forum said the horse had left Gatehouse View and was seen heading towards the road by Pembroke Leisure Centre.

The resident wrote: “Anyone recognise it? Police following it.”

The horse was later reported to be galloping down Buttermilk Lane in the direction of Martha’s.

Stray horses are not uncommon in the area. In January, several animals were reported loose around Pembroke and along the A477, particularly near Buttermilk Close and the Cleddau Bridge.

Those incidents created a hazard for motorists, prompting Pembrokeshire County Council to step in and return the animals. Drivers were advised to take extra care and avoid startling them.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

14 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

24 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.”