News

Pembrokeshire County Council spent £880k on pothole repairs in just three years

Published

1 year ago

March 17, 2025

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has spent more than £880,000 on pothole repairs over the past three years, according to newly released figures. This comes as the number of compensation claims for pothole-related damage has surged by 286 per cent since the 2021/22 financial year.

An investigation by Accident Claims Advice revealed that the council has received 107 legal claims regarding pothole damage in the past three years. In 2022, the council dealt with 14 claims, but this figure has risen significantly, reaching 54 claims in 2024. Over this period, the council has paid out a total of £2,500 in compensation to claimants whose vehicles or property were damaged by potholes.

Despite the sharp increase in claims, the council’s spending on pothole repairs has decreased, from £325,000 in 2021/22 to £286,000 in 2023/24. This reduction in expenditure raises concerns about the ability of local authorities to maintain road surfaces adequately in the face of financial pressures.

A public liability specialist at Accident Claims Advice, Beverly Faulkner, commented on the findings, stating: “Councils and local authorities have a duty of care to ensure the safety of people using public spaces, such as parks, highways, and footpaths. A crucial part of this responsibility is making sure the land under their control is properly maintained. Failing to do this can put people at risk. The damage caused by potholes can be catastrophic, leading to serious injury and costly vehicle repairs. It is vital that roads are properly maintained and councils are held accountable for the roads they oversee.”

At the start of 2024, Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed that there were 447 potholes in need of repair across the county. The authority has emphasised its commitment to road maintenance, citing proactive measures such as surface dressing and other preservative treatments to prevent road surfaces from deteriorating further.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council provided further clarification on the issue, saying: “The annual costs of road repairs have remained relatively stable over the time period, despite inflationary price increases. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the volume of repairs carried out has decreased over this timescale. Similarly, claim numbers, which remain exceptionally low, have not notably increased over the past 10 years, with an average of 13 claims settled each year at an average annual cost of £11,750. The rise in claims last year is significantly higher than in previous years, but this may be attributed to external factors such as the cost-of-living crisis rather than a notable deterioration in road conditions.”

The issue of potholes has become a growing concern for residents and road users across Pembrokeshire, with many highlighting the potential risks posed by poor road conditions. Motorists have reported costly vehicle repairs, while cyclists and pedestrians have expressed concerns about safety hazards.

The Welsh Government has previously acknowledged the challenge of maintaining roads across rural areas, pointing to budget constraints and adverse weather conditions as contributing factors to road degradation. In recent years, councils across Wales have faced increasing financial strain, leading to calls for greater investment in road maintenance.

Residents concerned about potholes are encouraged to report them via Pembrokeshire County Council’s contact centre on 01437 764551 or through the PCC My Account portal on the council’s website. The council states that response times for repairs vary depending on the severity of the pothole and road classification, with priority given to more hazardous defects. Repairs may take anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks, but the council asserts that all

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

5 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

5 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.