Community
Burned down hotel to be used for social housing

A SCHEME to build 38 affordable and social housing units on the site of the fire-ravaged former Cleddau Bridge Hotel, Pembroke Dock is expected to be backed by senior Pembrokeshire councillors next week.
Members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, meeting on April 22, are recommended to support a contract with developer Castell Group Ltd for the mix of affordable homes and social housing units at the site, with the actual contract details expected to be discussed in a private and confidential session.
A report for members ahead of the meeting says: “The potential development site on the former Cleddau Bridge Hotel site, Pembroke Dock has been up for sale for some time, and its purchase by Castell Group Ltd (‘Castell’) is now imminent.
“Following completion of their purchase, Castell will submit an application for planning consent to develop the land for affordable and social housing. It would see the development of a high-profile site with visual impact on surrounding areas that has sat dormant for many years.”
Castell has approached the housing service to determine whether there is an interest in working with them to bring forward the development as a housing site, the report says.
Castell Construction Ltd, the delivery arm of Castell, specialises in the construction of affordable / social housing, typically for registered social landlords across south Wales.
An initial proposal says the development, if backed, would see 12 one-bedroom flats, 15 two-bed houses, five three-bed, two four-bed, and four two-bed bungalows, the report adding: “This site would help towards both the council’s 300 new home target and also Welsh Government’s 20,000 new homes target.”
It adds: “The proposal by Castell Construction Ltd is for a development programme of 18 months following planning permission being secured. Castell Construction Ltd estimate commencing the development in March 2025, which would mean completion in autumn 2026.”
Delegation of the decision to enter into the works contract to the Director for Social Services and Housing is sought, and Cabinet is also being asked to delegate the decision to proceed with the land acquisition to the Assistant Chief Executive.
The development package would be part-funded from the housing revenue account, the remainder from the Social Housing Grant and/or second homes premium for affordable housing if it becomes available for the Housing Service to use in this manner.
The proposals would be subjected to an as-yet unsubmitted planning application; if granted Castell Construction Ltd hopes to start the development in March 2025, finishing in autumn 2026.
In 2023, an unrelated application by a different applicant, to demolish the remnants of the hotel and replace it with a care home was approved.
In a prime location at one of the entrances to Pembroke Dock the former Cleddau Bridge Hotel has been derelict since a fire in March 2019, which brought emergency services from as far afield as Ammanford, Aberystwyth and Swansea.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service previously said the fire was started by a deliberate act.
Following a fire investigation, Dyfed-Powys Police said they found there to be insufficient evidence to identify a suspect.
Community
Wales tops global table for Green Flag awards

More community green spaces than any other country in the world
WALES is once again leading the world in celebrating high-quality green spaces, with 315 sites across the country awarded Green Flag and Green Flag Community status for 2025/26.
Keep Wales Tidy has confirmed that Wales has broken its own record for the number of Green Flags flying—more than any other nation taking part in the international Green Flag scheme.
The awards recognise outstanding green spaces that meet the highest environmental and management standards. In Wales, they include parks, university campuses, community woodlands, cemeteries, allotments and housing estates.
New sites and growing community impact
Newly awarded sites this year include Llandegfedd Lake in Monmouthshire, Bronllys Hospital in Powys, Tredegar Park Sports and Recreation Ground in Newport, and Llandaff Fields in Cardiff.
A record-breaking 223 community sites in Wales have achieved Green Flag Community Awards—more than any other country in the world for the second year running.
Among the 35 first-time community winners are some unique new additions, including Wales’ first Women’s Institute garden in Llanafan, Ceredigion, and the first radio station garden at BGfm in Blaenau Gwent.
A shared effort to green the nation
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:
“I am very proud that Wales continues to lead the world in community-awarded Green Flag sites.
“Our local green spaces play a vital role in connecting us to nature, supporting biodiversity, and providing opportunities for healthy recreation. It is particularly pleasing to see people not only using these spaces but also actively helping to maintain and improve them.
“The standards required to achieve Green Flag status are exceptionally high, so I want to congratulate everyone involved for providing outstanding facilities that benefit both local communities and visitors alike.”
Recognition for community dedication
Owen Derbyshire, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy, added: “We’re delighted to see 315 green spaces across Wales awarded Green Flag and Green Flag Community status this year—a real testament to the hard work and dedication of those who care for these special places.
“We’re especially proud that Wales has broken the record for community award winners for the second year running. This achievement highlights the vital role these spaces play in supporting the health and wellbeing of communities across Wales.”
Community
Ogi backs Pembrokeshire community groups to switch off and connect

Grants fund projects helping people ditch screens and enjoy real-world connection
COMMUNITY groups across Pembrokeshire are among those receiving a boost from telecoms company Ogi, which is helping people across Wales “get offline” this summer.
The initiative, supported by £5,000 in local grants from Ogi’s community fund Cefnogi, will support wellbeing-focused events and inclusive activities – encouraging people to step away from screens and come together in person.
Among the recipients is the Pembrokeshire Vikings, a mixed-ability rugby team led by former Scarlets and Ospreys prop Simon Gardiner. The team will use the funding to host an inclusive sports day in west Wales, giving children of all abilities the opportunity to try adapted sports for the first time.
Other funded activities across south Wales include Scout camping trips, social breakfasts, BBQs for veterans, puzzle libraries and nature-based wellbeing sessions – all aimed at reducing loneliness, boosting confidence, and creating real-world connections.
Ogi’s Brand Marketing Director Sarah Vining said: “We set up Cefnogi to support the brilliant things already happening in our communities – and this round of projects shows off the creativity and spirit we have in abundance right across Wales.
“Whether it’s sport, getting together for breakfast, puzzle swaps or outdoor therapy, all of these projects are about people – and making space for the kind of moments that really matter.”
The “getting offline” theme launched earlier this year as part of Ogi’s long-term commitment to community wellbeing and aligns with the goals of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, supporting a healthier, more equal and more connected Wales.
Ogi has already brought full fibre broadband to thousands of homes and businesses in Pembrokeshire, including in Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Johnston, Neyland, and Tenby – helping to modernise digital infrastructure while supporting offline connection through community investment.
Community
Voyages to Positive Destinations: Young people take to the water aboard Faramir

YOUNG people from Pembrokeshire experienced the adventure of a lifetime in May, thanks to a unique nautical programme designed for those in care, care leavers, and their families.
The Voyages to Positive Destinations initiative took place on the 27th and 28th of May aboard Faramir, a 22.35m Bermudan Ketch owned by the Cirdan Sailing Trust. The tall ship was moored at Hobbs Point in the Cleddau Estuary, ready to welcome participants for an inspiring exploration of life at sea.
The event was organised through a partnership between Tall Ships Wales Trust, the Cirdan Sailing Trust, and the Dragon Darwin Experience, with generous support from the National Lottery Community Fund, the Port of Milford Haven, and West Wales Freemasons.

First-time sailors
On the first day, 19 young people and adults from local families—alongside representatives from Pembrokeshire County Council—stepped aboard for a Nautical Medley. The experienced crew led a hands-on tour of the ship, both above and below deck, which included a scavenger hunt, knot-tying workshops, and open discussions about sailing and life at sea.
Meanwhile, the Darwin Centre transformed the ship’s galley into a temporary marine biology lab, offering families the chance to explore ocean life up close—from drifting plankton and seaweed snacks to shells and mermaid’s purses.
That afternoon, Faramir set sail with 17 passengers for an overnight voyage. The group fully immersed themselves in ship life—taking turns at the helm, helping to set sails, keeping the galley tidy, and standing night watch while moored off Dale Bay.

Science on the sea
The following day, a new group including six young people joined for a short taster sail along the Cleddau. They explored the vessel, met the crew, and shared homemade cake before joining the Darwin team for more hands-on marine science.
Using a fine-mesh plankton net, participants collected zooplankton samples and recorded environmental data including weather, sea conditions, salinity, GPS location, and vessel speed. The ship’s galley once again became a floating lab, where microscopes were used to identify the tiny marine species gathered.
That evening, Faramir moored at Neyland Marina for an open ship event, attended by around 30 project partners and local dignitaries.

Looking to the future
The Voyages to Positive Destinations programme will culminate this autumn with a longer coastal voyage around southern England, aimed at young adults preparing to leave care.
The Tall Ships Wales Trust hopes to offer more of these transformative experiences in Pembrokeshire, connecting young people with the region’s maritime heritage and building skills, confidence, and curiosity through adventure.
Paula Holt from the Tall Ships Wales Trust said: “For many of these young people, this was their first time experiencing life at sea. Watching them build confidence, work together as a crew, and discover the hidden world of marine life was truly inspiring. Opportunities like this can create lasting positive memories and open new horizons.”

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