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.”

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).

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.