Community
Haverfordwest shoppers warned of new parking restrictions at Withybush Retail Park

RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are being urged to take note of new parking restrictions at Withybush Retail Park, which could see unsuspecting shoppers hit with fines for overstaying their welcome. The Town Council has issued a warning in recent days, following reports from concerned residents who have fallen foul of the rules.
The privately owned retail park, in partnership with Parking Eye, has introduced strict time limits on parking, with fines being enforced if the limits are exceeded. Shoppers can park for a maximum of three hours across the park, but within the Costa Coffee area, this limit is reduced to just 90 minutes. The penalty for overstaying is £100, though this is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
A resident from Crymych, who recently visited the retail park, contacted the Town Council after receiving a parking notice. Uncertain if the notice was legitimate, the resident was dismayed to learn that the signage warning of these restrictions was clearly visible at the entrance and throughout the car park. The Town Council has since confirmed that cameras are in place, with one located at the first parking bay on the right after M&S, which captures the arrival of vehicles.
The resident, who had travelled 25 miles to visit the park, received the notice just days before the payment deadline. Although they were able to pay the reduced fine, the situation has highlighted the need for other visitors to be vigilant. The Town Council could not confirm whether the signage was in place during the resident’s initial visit, raising concerns about the adequacy of the warnings at that time.
Several other residents have shared similar experiences. Kellie Lowther, a regular customer at Costa Coffee, received a £100 fine after spending two hours at the café, unaware of the new parking charges. She has since paid the fine but vowed not to return to the establishment. Another resident, Becky Bevans, recounted how she too was fined after exceeding the free parking time by just ten minutes while feeding her baby in Costa. Her appeal against the fine was rejected.
Some residents have suggested that those who receive fines should check the spelling of the location on their notice. The private company managing the car park has reportedly referred to the town as “Haverford West” instead of the correct “Haverfordwest,” leading to speculation that this could form the basis for an appeal.
The Town Council is now taking action by raising concerns with the managing agents of the retail park, who are based in Bristol. The Clerk has recognised a growing pattern of shoppers being caught out by the new restrictions and will be feeding this back to the managing agents. The Council noted that many of the park’s visitors travel from a distance and often require more than three hours to complete their shopping, particularly older residents who may need extra time to browse and enjoy a leisurely lunch.
In one recent example, a couple spent over three hours shopping at M&S, Next, and TK Maxx before stopping for lunch, only to receive a fine for exceeding the parking limit by 17 minutes. The Town Council is advocating for a review of the parking restrictions to better accommodate the needs of all visitors to the retail park.
However, recent changes to private parking regulations in the UK, introduced under the government’s new Private Parking Code of Practice, could offer some relief to those affected by the fines at Withybush Retail Park.
One of the most significant updates is the reduction of the maximum private parking fine from £100 to £50, except in cases of serious breaches, such as parking in Blue Badge bays without authorisation. This means that the fines previously issued at the retail park may now exceed the legal cap for most infractions, potentially providing grounds for appeal or even reimbursement for those who have already paid.
The new regulations also introduce a mandatory 10-minute grace period, allowing drivers a little extra time before a fine is issued. For residents like Becky Bevans, who was fined after overstaying by just 10 minutes, this rule could have prevented the fine altogether. This grace period is intended to protect drivers from being penalised for minor delays.
Additionally, the updated Code of Practice mandates clearer and more visible signage, ensuring that terms and conditions are easily understood by all visitors. If the signage at Withybush Retail Park did not meet these standards at the time of issuing fines, this could further strengthen the case for those looking to appeal.
The introduction of a fairer appeals process is another significant change, offering a more transparent and accessible route for challenging unfair fines. Residents who have already paid fines might find that these new rules provide them with the opportunity to contest the penalties more effectively.
The Town Council has expressed its intention to raise these new developments with the managing agents of Withybush Retail Park. By advocating for the application of these updated rules, the Council hopes to secure a more equitable parking system that better serves the needs of the community.
For now, residents and visitors to Withybush Retail Park are encouraged to stay informed about the new parking regulations to avoid unnecessary fines and to take advantage of the improved protections now in place.

Community
Appeal launched as Welsh teenagers missing for nearly a week

POLICE have launched an appeal after two teenagers from Wales went missing almost a week ago.
Isobel and Daniel, both aged 16, were last seen together in the Machynlleth area of Powys on Monday. They are from the Cardigan area of Ceredigion and are believed to have links to both Gloucestershire and Merseyside.
Isobel is described as 5ft 3ins tall with blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a black parka-style coat with a fur-trimmed hood, grey jogging bottoms, and carrying a large black backpack.
Daniel is described as 6ft 1ins tall, with short dark brown hair shaved at the sides. He was last seen wearing dark blue jeans, a black T-shirt, and a black collared coat. He was carrying a large camping backpack in black, red, and grey.
Dyfed-Powys Police is urging anyone with information about their whereabouts to get in touch via the online portal, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.
Community
Proposed Saundersfoot traveller site decision delayed

PLANNERS are to visit a proposed new ‘traveller site’ on the outskirts of a Pembrokeshire village, which has seen a petition of nearly 300 objections, before making any formal decision.
Nearly 300 people have signed a petition against the creation of one traveller site incorporating one static caravan, one touring caravan, day/utility room and ecological enhancements (partly retrospective) on land at Froghall Yard, Moreton Lane, Saundersfoot.
The objection to the site is also being shared by the village’s community council.
Around 50 people attended a recent meeting of the community council when members voted unanimously to object to the application.
The application is made by Dai Evans of Pontypool, through agents Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd.
Saundersfoot Community Council is recommending that the plans are turned down.
Members have pointed out that the site is agricultural land, with no caravan or other use in over 30 years.
There was also concern that the site – where two previous planning applications had been rejected – is overlooked from Incline Way above and cannot be screened,
Members have said granting permission “would be gross overdevelopment setting a precedent for development literally anywhere throughout the national park”.
The community council’s objection finished: “The applicant lives in Pontypool and claims no connection to the area. There is no rationale as to why the applicant chose a site approximately 100 miles away from their home.”
A supporting statement accompanying the application states: “The applicant belongs to a long-standing Romany Gypsy family and generations have lived a traditional and cultural lifestyle living in caravans all their lives.
“Mr Evans and his partner currently reside on an overcrowded Traveller site in Pontypool where living conditions are poor. They currently only live in rented accommodation and its brick and mortar and not in keeping with their cultural preference, as they prefer to live in a caravan.”
It says Mr Evans and family have stayed in a touring caravan at the site during the summer months since the late 1980s when it was owned by another gypsy family, later purchased by Mr Evans in 2023, clearing and refurbishing the site.
“The application’s aspirations are to continue his Gypsy culture and traditions residing in a caravan on site.”
At the April 9 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, members backed a recommendation to agree to a site visit ahead of any formal decision on the scheme, on the grounds of public interest.
The application will now be heard at a future national park meeting.
Community
Sanna Duthie to take on Pembs Coast Path in record-breaking fundraising challenge

A NEW record could soon be set on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path as ultra-runner Sanna Duthie prepares to take on the full 186-mile trail in under 50 hours to raise vital funds for the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust.

Starting at Poppit Sands at 8.30am on Thursday 24 April, Sanna will attempt to beat her own record of 51 hours and 30 minutes, which she set in 2021. The challenge will push her physical and mental endurance to the limit as she navigates the rugged and spectacular coastline of the UK’s only coastal National Park.
Sanna’s motivation for this challenge goes beyond breaking records. She is driven by her deep connection to the Coast Path and her desire to help safeguard it for future generations. The funds raised will support essential maintenance, from rebuilding storm-damaged bridges to protecting ancient monuments and combating coastal erosion.
Speaking about her challenge, Sanna said: “The Coast Path has given me so much over the years – it’s my training ground, my escape, and my inspiration. Now, it’s time for me to give something back. I hope to raise £2,000 to help protect and preserve this incredible trail, ensuring that others can continue to experience its beauty and challenges for years to come.”
Sanna’s record-breaking attempt is being supported by the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, which funds crucial conservation projects within the National Park.
Trust Director Katie Macro added: “Sanna’s determination and passion for the Coast Path are truly inspiring. Her challenge highlights the urgent need for funding to protect this iconic trail from the increasing threats of climate change, erosion, and declining public funding. Every donation, no matter how small, will help us continue this essential work.”

For those inspired by Sanna’s feat but not quite ready to run 186 miles, the Trust’s Wild Coast Challenge offers an alternative way to experience the Coast Path while supporting its future. This fundraising adventure invites walkers to complete the trail at their own pace—whether over weeks, months, or even a year.
By raising just £200, participants will directly contribute to conservation efforts while earning a Wild Coast Challenge t-shirt as a badge of honour for their achievement.
Further information about this can be found at https://pembrokeshirecoasttrust.wales.
To support Sanna’s record-breaking attempt and help her reach her £2,000 fundraising target, visit her JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/sanna-duthie-1729103753472.
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