News

Davies and Kurtz call for free parking extension to support town centres

Published

1 minute ago

May 2, 2026

WELSH Conservative Senedd candidates Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz have called for free parking periods to be extended in town centres across west Wales, saying the move would help support local businesses and increase footfall.

The call follows concerns from retailers and hospitality businesses, particularly in Cardigan, where new parking charges introduced by Plaid Cymru-run Ceredigion County Council now stand at £4 for a two-hour visit.

Businesses say the charges are discouraging people from visiting high streets at a time when many firms are already facing serious financial pressures.

Mr Davies and Mr Kurtz said extending free parking periods, especially during peak trading times, weekends and holidays, would give town centres a much-needed boost and help them compete with out-of-town retail parks and online shopping.

Mr Davies said: “Our town centres are the heart of our communities, but they are under real pressure. One of the most common issues raised with me by local businesses is parking.

“If it is difficult or expensive to park, people simply choose to go elsewhere.

“Free parking is a straightforward way to increase footfall and support local traders. We have seen in many areas that when parking is made easier and more accessible, more people come into town, spend money, and support local jobs.”

The call comes amid growing concern about the impact of the latest business rates revaluation, which is now beginning to affect businesses.

Mr Davies and Mr Kurtz recently hosted an online business rates roundtable with the Valuation Office Agency and industry representatives, attended by more than 150 businesses from across the region.

They said concerns were raised about rising bills and uncertainty facing small firms.

The pair also said they had successfully lobbied the Welsh Government to introduce greater relief for the hospitality industry, following research across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion which showed the sector had been heavily affected by the revaluation process.

Mr Kurtz said: “What we heard loud and clear from over 150 businesses is just how concerned they are about business rates.

“The revaluation is hitting at a time when firms are already dealing with rising costs and economic uncertainty. For many high street businesses, this is another significant burden.

“Businesses are facing a perfect storm with higher energy costs, staffing pressures, and now business rates increases. That is why practical measures like extending free parking are so important. They can help drive footfall and give businesses a fighting chance.”

Mr Davies and Mr Kurtz said the Welsh Conservatives would reform the business rates system to make it fairer and more responsive.

They said proposals would include more frequent revaluations, targeted relief for high street sectors such as retail and hospitality, and transitional support for firms facing sharp increases.

They also said the party would oppose additional costs on businesses, including a tourism tax, while supporting measures to boost town centre trade.

Mr Davies added: “This is about making our town centres more welcoming and accessible at a time when businesses need support the most.

“Extending free parking, even for a few hours a day or during key periods like weekends and holidays, can make a real difference.

“We want to see thriving, vibrant town centres across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. But that will not happen if businesses are being squeezed from all sides. We need to listen to what they are telling us and act.”

The candidates are urging local authorities to work with businesses to explore flexible parking options, including extended free periods, seasonal initiatives, and targeted support during key trading times.

Mr Kurtz added: “Our message is clear: back our town centres, back our local businesses, and take practical steps to ease the pressure.

“If we want to keep our high streets alive, we need to act now. Extending free parking and addressing business rates concerns are both part of the solution.”

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

Published

16 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

Published

16 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

Published

18 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.