News

Major road closure on A40 disrupts traffic in and out Pembrokeshire

Published

2 years ago

April 1, 2024

AN incident early this morning (Apr 1) has led to the closure of the A40 in both directions, creating substantial disruptions for motorists travelling into Pembrokeshire. The closure, prompted by a road traffic collision, affects the stretch between the Llanllwch Turn Off and the Valero Tenby Service Station, situated between Carmarthen and St Clears.

According to Inrix, a traffic monitoring service, the accident occurred around 4:45 AM, forcing the closure of the road since 5:30 AM. The aftermath of the collision has resulted in slow-moving traffic around the area as investigations and recovery efforts are underway.

Dyfed-Powys Police have been managing the scene and have issued a statement urging the public to seek alternative routes. A spokeswoman for the force highlighted the anticipation of “high volumes of traffic” due to the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, advising motorists to avoid the A40 route as it is expected to remain shut until later in the afternoon. The police have facilitated access to the showground from Carmarthen and are providing direction at the B & Q roundabout.

In response to the incident, accident investigation work has commenced, with both eastbound and westbound lanes from Johnstown Turn Off to Meidrim Turn Off and from St Clears Roundabout respectively, being closed.

The presence of emergency services, including fire crews and ambulance services, was reported, with the fire service leaving the scene shortly before 8 AM. However, the road continues to be closed to traffic.

Concerns about the safety of the A40 between Carmarthen and St Clears have been previously voiced, with calls for urgent action by the Welsh Government to address the dangerous stretch of road. The road has been under scrutiny following a significant number of collisions, prompting a Welsh Government study into safety improvements and traffic management.

Motorists are currently experiencing minimal congestion along the A40 itself, with localized traffic build-ups near Bancyfelin, Johnstown, and Sarnau. Alternative routes are experiencing increased traffic volume as drivers navigate around the closure.

Authorities continue to work on the scene and will provide updates on the reopening of the road. Motorists are advised to stay informed through local news outlets and traffic monitoring services for the latest developments on this significant traffic disruption.

Charity

Donation gives Stackpole Quay book trailer fresh new look

Published

8 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A COMMUNITY donation will help spruce up a popular summer book trailer at Stackpole Quay after members of the Pembrokeshire National Trust Association handed over more than one thousand pounds to support the project.

The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association presented a cheque for £1,095 to the National Trust at Stackpole Quay this weekend.

The cheque was formally given to Rhian Sula, General Manager for the charity’s Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Bay portfolio, by association chairman Jane Mason during a National Trust information coffee morning at the Stackpole Centre.

The money will be used to refurbish the well-known second-hand book trailer which operates at the quay during the summer months. The trailer allows visitors to pick up a holiday read while making a donation, with proceeds supporting local conservation and access projects.

Last year alone, the trailer raised more than £1,500.

Jane Mason said the association had originally funded the purchase of the trailer several years ago and wanted to build on its success.

“Our new donation from members’ support will improve the trailer with updated imagery and design,” she said. “This will help the National Trust present a more professional, welcoming and brand-aligned offer, and potentially grow donation income.”

The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association runs a programme of talks, visits and guided walks in support of local Trust properties. Membership of the National Trust is not required to join the association. Annual membership costs £5 for individuals and £8 for couples.

At its AGM in November, the group announced £3,000 in additional donations for local projects, including replacement willow hurdles at Tudor Merchants House, footpath improvements at Little Milford, and a new bench, tree planting and path works at Southwood.

With the latest contribution towards the book trailer, the association’s donations for the current financial year now exceed £4,000.

Photo caption:

Jane Mason presents a cheque for £1,095 to Rhian Sula at Stackpole Centre (Pic: supplied).

Crime

OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters

Published

8 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.

Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.

The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.

His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.

Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.

Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.

Crime

Pensioner back in court over persistent nuisance calls

Published

8 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A TEMPLETON pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.

Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.

The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person.

She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.

As part of her bail conditions, Gateley must not contact 999 unless there is a genuine emergency.

Gateley is well known to the courts and has appeared on numerous occasions over recent years for similar communications-related matters.

She will return to the magistrates’ court at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 for sentencing.