Community

Giant seahorse sculpture to be built on coast despite backlash

Published

9 months ago

September 29, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A COUNCIL scheme to site a seahorse sculpture and a wind-powered shoal of fish in Fishguard and Goodwick have been given the go-ahead by county planners despite potential safety and loss of privacy concerns.

A Pembrokeshire County Council application to its planners sought full permission for the two sculptures.

They are a five-metre-high wind powered artwork of a shoal of fish mounted and circling around a galvanized steel pole on a paved area outside Ocean Lab, The Parrog, Goodwick, belonging to Sea Trust CIC, and a near-five metre stainless steel sculpture of a seahorse surrounded by seagrass and mounted on a rock adjacent to Marine Walk, Fishguard.

The siting of a community funded sculpture to the on the north of the Ocean Lab was granted by planners back in 2022.

Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council agreed a “non-specified response” to the application. Document for planners listed its response: “Although the sculptures are very striking, there was concern raised over the ongoing maintenance of both of the sculptures being considered.

“Regarding the Seahorse Sculpture, there was also concern raised about safety relating to the design, with the potential of injury to people and wildlife. There does not appear to be anything in place to prevent climbing on the sculpture which has a lot of sharp protrusions, so the town council would like assurance that an appropriate risk assessment has been considered.”

One letter raising concerns about the seahorse sculpture was also received, referring to potential noise, loss of privacy, impact on views, saying it would be overbearing, out of context and character, and does not complement existing artwork and shift in the meaning of space, as well as raising concerns about a devaluation of property.

An officer report said the shoal of fish wind sculpture would feature an anti-climb mechanism, with the lower spikes of the seahorse covered by the seagrass element of the sculpture, which will also act as an anti-climb material.

It also said the sculptures are owned by Pembrokeshire County Council, who would be responsible for their maintenance and will be covered by public liability insurance.

It added: “In regard to the seahorse sculpture, the site is located along an existing formal walkway known as Marine Walk, which is already frequented by walkers and visitors to the area, with the path for the walk at a lower level than the built form to the east and south of the site.

“As such, the scale and location of the development is considered acceptable, whilst being viewed from the north within the context of the existing built form to the south. The proposed design of the sculpture as a sea horse pays due regard to the coastal nature and views from the site towards the harbour from the Marine Walk.

“The backdrop to the site, albeit of a residential nature, the proposed metal sculpture would not have a significantly detrimental impact on its surroundings, which is made up of a variety of materials and form. The proposed sea horse sculpture would be located approximately 16 metres from the boundary to the nearest dwelling, within the context of the Marine Walk path, therefore not having a significantly detrimental impact on the privacy or amenity of the occupiers of nearby dwellings.”

Community

Travel advice issued for Pembrokeshire’s Long Course Weekend

Published

10 hours ago

June 24, 2025

Luke Sinclair

Motorists and bus passengers across south Pembrokeshire are being advised to prepare for a series of road closures and transport changes as the Long Course Weekend returns to the region this weekend.

The popular endurance event, which draws thousands of athletes and spectators each year, will bring temporary disruptions to routes in and around Tenby on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June as competitors take part in the Wales Sportive and Wales Marathon.

Saturday 28th June – Wales Sportive

On Saturday, the Wales Sportive cycle event will see several roads in the wider Tenby area closed or converted to one-way systems to ensure participant safety. While the A40, A477, and the A478 Narberth to Kilgetty routes remain unaffected and fully open, other roads will be subject to closures and diversions throughout the day.

Sunday 29th June – Wales Marathon

Further closures will be in place on Sunday during the Wales Marathon, affecting routes between Tenby and Pembroke. These will operate on a rolling basis between 9.30am and 4pm, with the aim of minimising disruption while maintaining safety for runners and spectators.

Up-to-date information on all road closures can be found on the event’s official website:
https://community.lcwwales.com/road-closures

Special arrangements for carers and emergency access

Care professionals requiring access to clients in affected areas can obtain vehicle passes through their care organisation managers. More details are available at:
https://community.lcwwales.com/road…/carers-information

In case of emergencies during the event, organisers can be contacted directly on 01437 765777.

Public transport disruptions

Local bus services will also be impacted by the weekend’s events, with changes in place on both Saturday and Sunday.

Friday 27th June

All services will operate as normal.

Saturday 28th June

351 (Tenby-Kilgetty-Amroth-Pendine) – No service
381 (Haverfordwest-Narberth-Kilgetty-Saundersfoot-Tenby) – No service
Tenby Coaster (Tenby-Saundersfoot) – No service
349 (Haverfordwest-Neyland-Pembroke Dock-Pembroke-Tenby) – Will not serve Pembroke to Tenby until after 1pm
356 (Milford Haven-Neyland-Pembroke Dock-Pembroke-Monkton) – No service to Pembroke Commons or Monkton until after 1pm
387/388 (Coastal Cruiser) – Service will not operate until after 11am

Sunday 29th June

387/388 (Coastal Cruiser) – No service
Tenby Coaster (Tenby-Saundersfoot) – Will operate via the A4218 (Broadwell Hayes) instead of Marsh Road and Heywood Lane

Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time for travel where necessary.

Community

Landmarc raises the flag at Castlemartin to mark the start of Armed Forces Week

Published

1 day ago

June 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TO CELEBRATE Armed Forces Week 2025, Landmarc Support Services (Landmarc), together with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), is raising the Armed Forces Day flag at Castlemartin Training Area in Pembrokeshire, demonstrating their appreciation and support for service personnel.

The raising of the flag takes place each year at Defence Training Estate (DTE) sites across the UK and is witnessed by both Armed Forces personnel and civilians. This year, Landmarc and DIO are extending a special thank you to full-time serving and reservist troops, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, veterans and their families, by proudly flying the official Armed Forces Day flag at military training establishments across the nation.

Working in partnership with DIO, Landmarc provides the support services that enable the Armed Forces to live, work, and train on the UK Defence Training Estate. As part of this ongoing commitment, Landmarc is extending its guaranteed interview scheme to military spouses, civil partners and long-term cohabiting partners who meet the basic role criteria to ensure fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

The scheme reinforces Landmarc’s pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant, which was re-signed in 2024 following the company’s achievement of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award.

Mark Neill, Managing Director at Landmarc, said: “Having supported the Armed Forces for more than two decades, we’re proud that over 25 per cent of our team comes from a military background. Expanding our guaranteed interview scheme to military spouses and partners is another important step in recognising the loyalty and service these individuals contribute to our country, while also reinforcing our ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

“As a veteran myself, I know first-hand how important Armed Forces Week is for improving morale across our military communities, and we are proud to show our support during this special week.”

Brigadier Hatcher, DIO’s Head of Overseas and Training Region added: “Armed Forces Week is an opportunity to show our appreciation for the men and women of the Armed Forces community, providing a welcome morale boost to serving personnel, veterans, and their families.

“It’s fantastic to see the public, businesses, and fellow service members come together in support. Alongside our colleagues at Landmarc, we are proud to raise the flag at sites across the country to honour their contribution.

Community

Scam email targeting Pembrokeshire residents claims unpaid council tax

Published

1 day ago

June 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE residents are being warned to stay alert after reports of a scam email falsely claiming to be from the local authority.

The email, which carries the subject line “We’re writing to you about what seems to be an unprocessed council tax payment,” has been received by a number of residents in recent days.

It goes on to claim that the recipient has an outstanding balance on their Council Tax account and invites them to click a link to “check” the details. The message is signed off by a so-called “Local Taxation Authority”.

Pembrokeshire County Council has confirmed that the email is fraudulent and was not sent by the council.

“All genuine emails from Pembrokeshire County Council will come from an address ending in @pembrokeshire.gov.uk,” a spokesperson said. “We urge residents not to click on any links, open attachments, or provide any personal or financial information if they are unsure about an email’s authenticity.”

The council is advising anyone who receives the scam email to forward it to the National Cyber Security Centre at [email protected] for investigation.

The local authority reminded residents to always check the sender’s email address and contact the council directly through official channels if they have any concerns about council tax or other communications.