QUESTIONS are being asked about the condition of the newly-opened A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Redstone Cross carriageway after sections of the road were dug up and replaced less than a year after completion.

The £60 million upgrade between Llanddewi Velfrey and Redstone Cross opened around nine months ago, aimed at improving safety and traffic flow on one of the main routes into Pembrokeshire.

However, motorists travelling the route on Monday (Jan 26) reported temporary traffic lights and lane closures while contractors removed part of the carriageway surface and loaded material into HGVs.

The works appeared more extensive than minor patching or snagging, prompting concerns about potential costs to taxpayers.

Pembrokeshire county councillor Huw Murphy said he had witnessed what looked like a significant section of road being lifted and replaced.

He said: “It was evident that an element of the carriageway was being removed and replaced, with lorries taking away the scalpings. The work appeared fairly significant rather than minor remedial works.”

Cllr Murphy questioned why a road opened less than a year ago would already require resurfacing.

“Even with limited engineering knowledge, you would reasonably expect a new road not to need this level of work for many years,” he said. “It certainly raises questions when you see substantial works within 12 months of opening.”

The A40 is regarded as a key gateway into the county, carrying commuters, freight traffic and tourism vehicles. Any disruption or repeat works can add delays and increase costs.

Cllr Murphy has written to the Trunk Roads Agency requesting an explanation and has asked for the total cost of the resurfacing works to be disclosed. He said he is happy for the request to be treated as a Freedom of Information enquiry.

He added that residents would expect reassurance that public money is being spent efficiently, particularly at a time when councils are facing budget pressures and council tax levels are under scrutiny.

The Herald has approached the trunk road authorities for comment on the reason for the works, whether the repairs fall under warranty or defects liability, and what costs – if any – will fall to the public purse.

A response is awaited.

FROM the dragon’s fire to the boar’s roar, legends are on the move again this February half-term as Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre invites families to step into a world of myth, creativity and celebration in the lead-up to St David’s Day.

Running throughout half-term and into St David’s Day weekend, the programme brings together hands-on creative activities, immersive storytelling and one of Pembrokeshire’s most colourful annual celebration, the St David’s Day Parade. This year’s parade features Taith y Chwedlau /The Journey of the Legends, funded by the Welsh Government.

From Saturday 14 February to Sunday 1 March, young adventurers can take part in the Journey of the Legends Trail, following the troublesome Twrch and the determined Ddraig Goch as their story unfolds across the city of St Davids. Families can search for story stops along the trail, complete the challenge and earn a reward. Trail sheets are available from Oriel y Parc (£4 per child).

Creativity takes centre stage inside Oriel y Parc throughout half-term. The Discovery Room will be open from 14 to 27 February (excluding 17,18 and 19 February), offering free, drop-in sessions where families can create dragon headdresses and boar masks using a wide range of art materials. Suitable for all ages, these sessions give young makers the chance to become part of the St David’s Day celebrations by wearing their creations in the parade.

A special Make & Take Workshop: Dragon Wings & Giant Daffodils takes place on Wednesday 18 February, 11am–3pm, where children can create bold, wearable pieces ready for parade day (£4 per child, drop-in).

The celebrations reach their peak on Saturday 28 February, when the St David’s Day Parade fills the city with music, colour and creativity. Storytelling plays a key role in the day, with Taith y Chwedlau / The Journey of the Legends storytelling sessions taking place in the Oriel y Parc courtyard before and after the parade from 1.30pm, bringing the characters of the trail to life for audiences of all ages.

The parade begins at 2pm and is free to attend. Everyone is invited to line the streets and cheer on schoolchildren, community groups and local residents as they transform St Davids’ High Street in honour of Wales’ patron saint. The parade is funded by the Welsh Government.

Visitors are encouraged to bring pots and banging sticks to add to the atmosphere, and participants can enter the best parade outfit competition, with prizes for both the best dressed child and adult.

Following the parade, families can continue the celebrations with Celebrate St David’s Day with Clay! A relaxed, hands-on workshop inspired by Welsh themes and traditions from 3pm–4.30pm (£2.50 per child).

The day also features a Handmade Craft Market by Makers Bizarre, running from 10.30am–4.30pm, showcasing hand-picked local stallholders selling handmade crafts and produce (free entry).

Further details about events, opening times and a rich programme of changing exhibitions, both in partnership with Amgueddfa Cymru, Museum Wales and local artists and makers can be found at www.orielyparc.co.uk and www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.

Grants of up to £10,000 available for local events across Wales and the UK

COMMUNITIES across Wales are being encouraged to organise their own Armed Forces Day celebrations after the Ministry of Defence announced a £500,000 funding package to support events nationwide this summer.

Grants of up to £10,000 are available to help towns, schools, charities and community groups stage local events, with funding designed to match money raised from other sources.

The support forms part of preparations for Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27, 2026, and the wider Armed Forces Week programme aimed at strengthening ties between the military and the public.

Wales is home to nearly two thousand serving personnel, while the defence sector supports close to four thousand jobs. The MOD says it spent £1.1 billion with Welsh businesses during the 2024–25 financial year, underlining the industry’s importance to the nation’s economy.

Previous events have drawn huge crowds. In 2018, Llandudno hosted the national celebrations, attracting an estimated 100,000 visitors and a parade of around 1,000 service members.

‘Extraordinary sacrifices’

Defence Secretary John Healey said the funding would help communities properly recognise the contribution of service personnel and their families.

He said: “Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe. But they can’t do what they do without the support of their families, friends and communities across the country.

“In June we look forward to coming together as a proud nation to celebrate Armed Forces Day, and I want this funding to help make this year the best yet.

“If you back our Forces and want to thank them with a celebration in your local area, do apply for a grant and register your event with us so we can help you spread the word.”

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens added that the grants would allow communities across Wales to show their appreciation.

She said: “Armed Forces Day is a chance for people across Wales to come together to show their support for the service men and women who we all rely on to keep us safe.

“These grants mean that communities can put on special events to celebrate the contribution of our Armed Forces and their families and thank them for their sacrifice.”

Cover Image:

Armed Forces day celebrated in Haverfordwest in 2019 (File pic)