MILFORD HAVEN YOUTH COUNCIL, in partnership with Milford Haven Youth Centre, hosted a Christmas dinner to be enjoyed by local pensioners last week.

On December 6, Milford Haven Youth Centre was the venue for the event, which was the idea of the youth council.

The youth council members wanted to support their community and successfully applied for funding from Pembrokeshire Youth Bank and Milford Haven Town Council.

In light of the current financial difficulties and the growing loneliness among many individuals, the young people recognised the urgent need to kick off the Christmas season on a positive note. They delivered an event that the community could genuinely look forward to.

Forty pensioners came along for a delightful two-course meal, which the young people prepared from scratch, followed by lively games of bingo.

PCSO Rachel O’Neil said: “The Youth Council are a credit to Milford Haven. It was lovely to see young and old mixing and laughing, community spirit at its finest.”

Gareth Price a member of the community added: “I have had a great day, it was so lovely to meet new friends.”

Nadine Farmer, Children and Young People’s Rights Officer, asserted her pride in the group, stating: “I couldn’t be more proud of the team that planned this event from start to finish. They identified a critical need in the community and took decisive action. This clearly demonstrates that young people play a crucial role as active citizens and are committed to making a significant difference.”

The youth council would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Lord Nelson Hotel, Dillys Chocolate, Redefined by Anna, Broadway Garage and Spinnaker Café for their generous contributions of bingo prizes. Thanks also to Pembrokeshire Youth ASB Youth Worker and PCSO Rachel O’Neil for their help on the day.

Pictured: Milford Haven Youth Council members started Christmas celebrations with the local community.

A SIGNIFICANT milestone in Pembrokeshire’s A40 improvement scheme is set to be reached this week, with the opening of a major section of the upgraded road.

The ambitious project to enhance the county’s main transport artery is expected to be completed by March 2025, according to the latest updates. Recent traffic management at the Penblewin roundabout has paved the way for the opening of a westward stretch of nearly two kilometres on Wednesday (Dec 18). This new section will take vehicles under the Redstone Bridge and on to Jacobs Park near Narberth, the final point in the improvement scheme.

Temporary speed restrictions
While the new section will open to traffic, a 30mph speed limit will remain in place until the entire project is complete. Once fully operational, the speed limit will increase to 60mph.

The project’s total cost is yet to be confirmed, although the Welsh Government currently estimates it at £60 million, including £45 million of EU funding. The scheme is being delivered on behalf of the Welsh Government by contractors Griffiths.

A spokesperson for Griffiths expressed gratitude to those impacted by the work, saying:
“We would like to thank local residents, businesses, and road users for their ongoing understanding throughout the project.”

Environmental considerations
Finishing touches along the route include planting British native species of trees and wildflowers, with green sleeves protecting the saplings east of Redstone Bridge.

Key dates:

• Wednesday, December 18:
  • Opening of the section from Penblewin Roundabout, under Redstone Bridge, to Jacobs Park.
  • Partial opening of Bethel Roundabout, with eastbound traffic redirected to the new roundabout leading to Pengawse Hill. Westbound traffic will follow the existing route to Llanddewi Velfrey.
• Thursday, December 19:
  • Opening of Henllan Lane and the section from Henllan Lodge through to Penblewin Roundabout.
• Week beginning February 17, 2025:
  • Increased opening of Bethel Roundabout to accommodate east and westbound traffic.
• Week beginning February 25, 2025:
  • Opening of Llanfallteg Bridge.
• End of March 2025:
  • Full project completion, including the long-anticipated bypass around the village of Llanddewi Velfrey.

This major upgrade promises to significantly improve transport links across Pembrokeshire, benefiting residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

(Images: Griffiths Contractors)

IMPROVEMENTS to make buses and trains a more practical alternative to cars have been identified as the top transport priority for South West Wales.

Over 70% of participants in a recent consultation highlighted these improvements as the most important measures to enhance transport across Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, and Swansea.

More than 800 people took part in the consultation, organised by the Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) for South West Wales, to assess the region’s case for change in transport planning.

Rural options and better connections

The consultation revealed additional priorities, including more transport options for rural areas, better connections between transport services, and improved maintenance of roads, footpaths, and cycleways.

The feedback will help shape a regional transport plan, which could lead to enhanced train services for South West Wales. Plans may also include the introduction of regular local services as part of the South West Wales Metro project, aiming to provide reliable, connected, and affordable bus and rail journeys throughout the region.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader and Chair of the CJC for South West Wales, said: “We know transport improvements are needed across South West Wales for the benefit of our residents and businesses and to help attract more jobs and investment to the area.

“People’s views on what should be prioritised in future are crucially important though, so we’d like to thank everyone who took part in the recent consultation.

“All views received will now help inform a draft regional transport plan that will also be made available for feedback in the early New Year.”

Barriers to public transport

Other key findings from the consultation include:

• 92% of respondents found trips involving more than one bus or train difficult.
• 91% agreed that a lack of rail services in some areas is a significant issue.
• 87% noted that walking and cycling are not always practical for some people.

Cllr Darren Price, Carmarthenshire Council Leader and Chair of the CJC’s transport sub-committee, said: “We need a transport system in South West Wales that meets the needs of modern times while better connecting our communities.

“This is important because transport affects each and every one of us – whether you’re a motorist, a bus or train user, or someone who walks or cycles to get from one place to another.

“Once the draft regional transport plan is available for feedback, we’ll ensure as many people as possible again have an opportunity to have their say.”

A regional approach

The Corporate Joint Committee for South West Wales comprises the Leaders of Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, and Swansea councils, along with senior representatives of the Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire National Park Authorities.

Sub-committees addressing specific themes, such as transport, feed into the committee’s work.