Community
Social housing plans for Cleddau Bridge Hotel site backed
A SCHEME to build 38 affordable and social housing units on the site of a fire-ravaged former Pembrokeshire hotel has been backed by senior Pembrokeshire councillors.
Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, meeting on April 22, supported a contract with developer Castell Group Ltd for the mix of affordable homes and social housing units at the Cleddau Bridge Hotel site, Pembroke Dock.
Members, in a report presented by Cabinet Member for Planning & Housing Delivery Cllr Jon Harvey, heard Castell had approached the council’s housing service to determine whether there is an interest in working with them to bring forward the development as a social/affordable housing site.
Castell Construction Ltd specialises in the construction of affordable / social housing, typically for registered social landlords across south Wales, and hopes to build 12 one-bedroom flats, 15 two-bed houses, five three-bed, two four-bed, and four two-bed bungalows.
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.
Cllr Harvey – who moved approval – said the scheme was expected to provide £230,000 a year in rentals income, describing it as “an excellent opportunity to work with a proven developer for extra social housing in an area of proven need.”
Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller said he was supportive of the scheme, as was local member Cllr Joshua Beynon, saying: “It’s a bit of an eyesore at the moment, if we can bring this site back into meaningful use, and in an area where there is a need, I’m all in support of this.”
Members backed senior officers be delegated powers to enter into the works contract, and to have powers to proceed with the land acquisition.
If a subsequent planning permission is secured for the site, the homes could be built by autumn 2026.
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.
Community
Major accessibility upgrades coming to Tenby Station
There will be the provision of step-free access to both platforms for the first time
PASSENGERS using the popular West Wales station are set to enjoy easier, more accessible journeys thanks to Network Rail’s upcoming upgrades.
Supported by the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme, and the Welsh Government, the project will see the construction of a brand-new fully accessible footbridge complete with lifts.
Once complete, the upgrades will make a real difference for disabled people, parents with pushchairs, and those carrying luggage in the busy town – helping to make rail travel more inclusive and convenient. The investment also supports wider goals to encourage public transport use and reduce carbon emissions across the region.
Network Rail’s contractor, AmcoGiffen, will begin setting up the site compound in December 2025. This will include fencing off an area of the station car park near the air cadet huts, resulting in a temporary reduction in parking spaces.
“We’re delighted to be improving accessibility at Tenby Station, ensuring that all passengers can travel with confidence and independence,” said Helen Hodgson, Senior Sponsor, Network Rail Wales and Borders route.
“These upgrades will make a real difference for everyone using the station and reflects our commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable railway for the communities we serve.”
Most work will take place during the day, though some overnight activity will be required while the railway is closed, for safety reasons. The station will remain open to passengers while work takes place. Planned working hours are as follows:
- Daytime: 7:30am to 6:00pm
- Overnight: 10:00pm to 6:00am
Work will continue throughout 2026, with the new facilities expected to open by Christmas 2026.
Community engagement event
Network Rail will host a public drop-in event for anyone wishing to learn more about the plans on Wednesday 19 November, between 3:00pm and 7:00pm, at St Mary’s Church, High Street, Tenby (SA70 8AP). Members of the project and contractor teams will be available to answer questions and discuss the planned improvements.
Community
Local Legends project celebrates modern Wales — including story rooted in Milford
Digital series voiced by Jonny Owen aims to reconnect communities with the Wales they recognise
A NEW digital storytelling project launched by Welsh broadband company Ogi is shining a spotlight on the real stories of modern Wales — including one rooted in Milford Haven — after new research revealed nearly half of people in Wales feel misrepresented on screen.
Broadcaster and filmmaker Jonny Owen has voiced the first chapter of “Local Legends”, a collection of short films capturing community spirit, humour and resilience across the nation. The series was developed in response to Ogi’s survey which found that forty-five per cent of people in Wales feel disconnected from how Welsh identity is portrayed in TV and film, with two-thirds saying the version of Wales they recognise is “invisible”.
Three stories chosen
Earlier this year, people across Wales were invited to submit their own real-life stories. From these, three tales have been selected and brought to life on film:
A Mountain Comeback – Cwmaman
The story of Mike from Cwmaman, who believed his hiking days were behind him after being diagnosed with MS. A community effort helped him achieve something he never expected — a remarkable ascent of Pen y Fan.
Teamwork on Tour – Rhymney
A chaotic rugby tour in the former Czechoslovakia turned into a triumph of pure teamwork after a mechanical problem with a bus forced the squad to improvise and pull together.
Lifting a Nation – Milford Haven
An inspiring incident from Milford Haven that sparked an unexpected journey of strength, determination and community pride — and went on to demonstrate Welsh grit on the world stage.
Owen said the aim of the project was simple: to show Wales as it is lived every day, not as it is often portrayed.
“These stories are funny, moving and completely real,” he said. “They show Wales today — communities coming together, people finding their place, and that brilliant mix of pride and humour we do so well.”
Reconnecting Wales with itself
Ogi says the project is part of its mission to reflect the communities it serves through its broadband rollout across Wales.
Sarah Vining, Brand Marketing Director at Ogi, said: “Local Legends shines a light on the everyday moments that make Wales extraordinary. It’s about connection — both online and off — and celebrating the voices that make this country what it is.”
The first films are now available to watch at ogi.wales/local-legends, and the public is being invited to submit further stories as the collection grows during 2025.
Community
Flood alerts issued across West Wales with more severe weather on the way
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has issued 20 flood alerts across the country as forecasters warn that conditions are set to deteriorate heading into the weekend.
A 24-hour yellow weather warning for heavy and persistent rain has been issued by the Met Office, taking effect from 6am on Friday, 14 November, until 6am on Saturday, 15 November. The warning covers much of Wales, with South Wales expected to bear the brunt of the downpours, although disruption and flooding are also likely elsewhere.
NRW has warned that the wet weather could have a “significant impact” on parts of the country and is urging residents to remain alert and take action to protect themselves and their property.

Alun Attwood, Duty Tactical Manager for Natural Resources Wales, said: “The yellow rain warning in place from the early hours of Friday and into Saturday could lead to significant impacts across Wales. With rivers already swollen and the ground saturated, we expect to see flood alerts and warnings issued.
“We’re urging people to be vigilant and to make preparations for potential flooding now. You can check if you live in an area at risk of flooding on our website and sign up for our free flood warning service.
“We do not provide flood warnings for flooding from surface water, so it’s important for everyone to know their flood risk.
“If there is flooding we want to make sure people are doing all they can to keep themselves safe. We want to remind people to keep away from swollen riverbanks and do not to drive or walk through flood waters as you don’t know what lies beneath.
“Keep an eye on weather forecasts and visit our website for the latest information on flood warnings, and find practical advice on what to do before, during and after a flood.”
At present, 20 flood alerts are in force across Wales, meaning flooding is possible in the following areas:
- North Gwynedd catchment
- River Rhyd Hir at Riverside Terrace, Pwllheli
- Conwy catchment
- North and west Pembrokeshire
- Glaslyn and Dwyryd catchment
- Western Cleddau
- Lower Severn catchment in Powys
- Rivers Bran and Gwydderig
- Rivers Nant-Y-Fendrod and Nant Bran
- River Ewenny and Vale of Glamorgan west
- Vyrnwy catchment
- River Ely
- Lower Teifi
- Lower Towy
- Upper Towy
- Rivers in Llanelli
- Rivers Gwendraeths
- South Pembrokeshire
- Rivers Loughor and Amman
- Rivers Taf and Cynin
Residents are being urged to monitor updates closely and to take extra care when travelling, particularly in areas prone to flooding.
-
Crime3 days agoTwo arrested after woman rescued from Main Street building in Pembroke
-
Crime6 days agoOne man detained and one on the run after high-speed police chase ends in crash
-
Crime6 days agoThree charged with murder of child killer Kyle Bevan
-
Crime3 days agoTwo arrested after late-night assault in Milford Haven
-
Crime4 days agoPolice close Charles Street following serious late night incident
-
Crime3 days agoNeyland man in custody after late-night assault in Milford Haven
-
Crime3 days agoTwo women rescued from water at Milford Marina
-
Crime1 day agoPembrokeshire boxer faces Crown Court trial over serious assault







