Community

Tributes paid to County Councillor Mike Stoddart following his death

Published

6 months ago

January 4, 2026

TRIBUTES have been paid from across Pembrokeshire following the death of County Councillor Mike Stoddart, who passed away peacefully today at Withybush Hospital, surrounded by his family.

The sad news was announced earlier by his wife, Vivien, who said the family were heartbroken at his passing.

Mike Stoddart was a well-known and often formidable figure in Milford Haven public life, recognised both for his long involvement in local journalism and for his outspoken role in local politics.

Alongside Vivien, Mike founded and ran the Milford & West Wales Mercury during the 1990s, establishing the paper at a time when independent local journalism played a central role in town life. The family-run newspaper became a familiar fixture in Milford Haven before being sold in the late 1990s. The title went on to change ownership several times before eventually ceasing print publication in 2020.

After leaving the newspaper, Mike continued to play an active and highly visible role in local debate. He became widely known for his forthright “Old Grumpy” website, where he wrote extensively and often critically about council business, local governance and public accountability. His writing style was unapologetically direct, and he was unafraid to challenge decisions or individuals he believed were failing the community.

That same approach carried into his time as an elected member of Pembrokeshire County Council, where he served as a county councillor and became known as a strong and experienced voice in the chamber. Colleagues frequently remarked on his depth of knowledge and his willingness to speak plainly, even when his views were unpopular.

Milford Haven Town Council was among those to pay tribute, saying it was saddened to hear of the passing of County Councillor Stoddart. In a statement, the council described Mike as a well-known figure around the town and community, noting that he and Vivien had both served Milford Haven for many years as public servants, as well as through their work running the former Milford Mercury.

The council added that its thoughts and sympathies were with Vivien, Mike’s family, friends and his colleagues at Pembrokeshire County Council at this difficult time.

Cllr Tim Evans also paid tribute, saying he was “so sorry” to hear of the passing of his fellow county councillor. He described Mike as a “big presence” at County Hall and said his knowledge and experience would be greatly missed. He added his heartfelt sympathies to Vivien and her family.

Mike Stoddart leaves behind a significant legacy in Milford Haven, shaped by decades of involvement in local journalism, public debate and council service. Whether admired or challenged, he was a figure who made his presence felt and whose voice was rarely ignored.

Our thoughts are with Vivien, their family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.

Community

Steam car set to star at Pembroke Dock classic vehicle show

Published

1 hour ago

July 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Classic and vintage vehicles will gather at Hancock’s Yard this Saturday for a free family event

A RARE steam-powered car will be among the star attractions when classic and vintage vehicles gather in Pembroke Dock this weekend.

The Classic and Vintage Car Show takes place at the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society’s historic boatyard at Hancock’s Yard, Front Street, on Saturday, July 18.

Running from 11:00am until 4:00pm, the event will give visitors the chance to admire a varied collection of carefully preserved vehicles and speak to the owners who keep them on the road.

Organiser Peter Kraus said there was particular excitement surrounding one highly unusual exhibit.

“We even have a steam car coming,” he said.

Steam cars were among the earliest mechanically powered road vehicles, using a boiler and steam engine rather than the petrol or diesel engines found in most classic cars.

The show will offer motoring enthusiasts a chance to take a closer look at vehicles from different periods of road transport history, while providing an enjoyable day out for families and visitors to Pembroke Dock.

The event is being held within the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society’s working boatyard, where volunteers preserve the area’s maritime history.

Visitors will also be able to explore the society’s museum, restoration workshops and collection of historic vessels and maritime artefacts.

Admission and parking are free, although donations to support the work of the volunteer-run society are welcomed.

The Classic and Vintage Car Show takes place at Hancock’s Yard, Front Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6JY, from 11:00am until 4:00pm on Saturday, July 18.

Community

Coastal path section hit by weekend landslide has now reopened

Published

9 hours ago

July 14, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A SECTION of a south Pembrokeshire seaside coastal path, closed once again after a landslide at the weekend, has now reopened.

After a landslide on July 12, Dyfed-Powys Police reported delays on the footpath between Coppet Hall and Wiseman’s Bridge, advising people to use alternative routes where possible or allow extra time for their journey.

The section of the south Pembrokeshire beach-side coastal path has been closed several times since late 2023 after it experienced ‘substantial rock falls’.

The footpath was last closed in January 2025, following a number of landslips in the space of one week.

The path, known as the Tramway, which connects Wiseman’s Bridge to Coppet Hall in Saundersfoot is a popular and accessible stretch of the Wales Coast Path.

Following Sunday’s rock fall, Pembrokeshire County Council has said: “The footpath between Coppet Hall and Wiseman’s Bridge has re-opened following a rock fall at the weekend.

“The rock fall has been assessed as localised and from a low level. The path has therefore re-opened and work to remove the fallen material will be carried out in due course.”

The path was previously closed after it experienced ‘substantial rock falls’ in late 2023 and early 2024, with substantial investment made by the council to reopen the route.

In January 2025 a further fall happened towards the western end of the Wisemans Bridge to Coppet Hall cycleway, between the Coppet Hall and Wisemans Bridge tunnels, affecting access between Wisemans Bridge and Coppet Hall beach.

Costs of the works for the multiple incidents had, back in March 2025, amounted to nearly £700,000.

During 2024’s works, local councillor Chris Williams hit out at “selfish” path users putting others at risk by repeatedly cutting open safety barriers and fencing while the repair works were being undertaken.

Community

Tenby lifeboats launched to two separate kayak incidents

Published

22 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RNLI crews were called to Pendine and Amroth within minutes of each other on a busy Sunday afternoon

BOTH of Tenby’s lifeboats were launched on Sunday afternoon following separate reports involving kayakers along the Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire coastline.

The all-weather lifeboat was requested shortly before 4.30pm on July 12 after RNLI lifeguards at Pendine raised concerns about a kayaker who had left the beach earlier in the afternoon but had not returned.

The kayak could no longer be seen from the shore, prompting Tenby’s volunteer crew to launch and make their way towards the area.

As the lifeboat arrived, the Coastguard received a call from the kayaker confirming they were safe and well at Morfa Bychan beach and did not require assistance.

The crew was stood down from the search but was immediately redirected to assist Tenby’s inshore lifeboat with a second incident off Amroth.

The inshore lifeboat had been launched after a member of the public dialled 999 and reported seeing a kayaker who appeared to be waving between Amroth and Monkstone.

A local fishing vessel, which had heard the Coastguard broadcast asking nearby boats to look out for the kayak, located the man before the lifeboats arrived.

The inshore lifeboat was soon alongside, where the kayaker confirmed he had been fishing and was not in difficulty.

Both the inshore and all-weather lifeboats were then stood down and returned safely to Tenby.