CALLS have been made for an urgent review of access to cash in Narberth after two town centre ATMs were closed.

Henry Tufnell MP and Cllr Marc Tierney say the popular market town has been left with just one cash machine, raising concerns for residents, visitors and local businesses.

Although cash can still be withdrawn from the Post Office, access is restricted to working hours and is unavailable for much of the weekend and on Bank Holidays.

Mr Tufnell said the closures came at a particularly difficult time, with Pembrokeshire entering the busy summer tourism period.

He said: “People in Narberth must be able to rely on access to cash. It is vital for the local economy. Residents, visitors and businesses all depend on cash for everyday transactions.

“The closure of two ATMs in the town centre has left Narberth with just a single machine. This is not good enough for my constituents, particularly as we enter the busiest period of the year for tourism.

“That is why I called for LINK, the body responsible for protecting access to cash across the UK, to carry out an access to cash assessment for Narberth as soon as possible.

“I am pleased that these calls have been listened to, and a review of cash access will be carried out in the coming weeks.

“Too often, our rural communities face poor access to vital banking services. I will continue to engage with constituents, local businesses, the council, LINK and colleagues in Parliament to ensure that everyone in Pembrokeshire can access the services they need.”

Cllr Tierney said he had been speaking to residents and businesses in recent weeks who were worried about the issue.

He said: “Narberth is a market town and an important hub for several smaller rural communities, so I am pleased that, following our calls for action, LINK will be reviewing the town’s access to cash.

“This will help to ensure that the needs of local residents and visitors are being met.

“I’m pleased to be working with Henry Tufnell MP on making the case for Narberth and Pembrokeshire communities, and will continue to keep residents updated.”

Residents and businesses are being encouraged to continue sharing their experiences of cash access in the town.

PUBLIC concerns about speeding, drink and drug driving, mobile phone use and anti-social driving are being used to shape targeted roads policing operations across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

Surveys submitted through Dyfed-Powys Connects are being combined with collision data and local intelligence to identify problem areas and plan enforcement activity.

Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams, Roads Policing Units and GoSafe are working together on the initiative, with monthly meetings held to review concerns raised by residents.

The operations will focus on offences including speeding, drink and drug driving, failing to wear a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while driving. Anti-social driving has also been highlighted by members of the public.

Offending motorists stopped during the operations may be offered roadside engagement or face enforcement action.

Police said drivers could be offered a free roadside engagement session or a fixed penalty, depending on the offence and circumstances. A seatbelt offence currently carries a £100 fine, while a speeding offence can result in a £100 fine and three penalty points.

Motorists who refuse to engage with officers, or who are found to be exceeding the speed limit by a greater margin, may be prosecuted.

GoSafe will also assist with targeted enforcement in surrounding areas. Offences recorded by GoSafe may result in an educational course or a fixed penalty, depending on eligibility.

Chief Inspector Dominic Jones, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “The information people give us through Dyfed-Powys Connects is invaluable. It lets our teams get into the heart of communities struggling with these issues.

“Connects is opening a new way for us to talk directly with people and have conversations that shape what our officers are doing.

“The more we get from people on Dyfed-Powys Connects, the more we can target this behaviour and make our roads safer for everyone.”

Dyfed-Powys Connects is free to sign up for and is available online or as an app. It provides local alerts about policing activity, crime, anti-social behaviour, events and prevention messages.

Police said the activity and results of the road safety operations will also be published through Dyfed-Powys Connects.

THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Fishguard this month as part of her annual visit to South West Wales.

Paddle Steamer Waverley will call at Fishguard on Wednesday (Jun 17), offering passengers an evening cruise along the Pembrokeshire coastline.

The historic vessel, which is celebrating 80 years since her launch in 1946, will sail past Strumble Head Lighthouse before continuing towards St David’s Head.

Matthew Tucker MBE, Fishguard Port Manager, said Stena Line Ports was proud to welcome the vessel back to the town.

He said: “Her arrival offers a rare opportunity for visitors and residents alike to experience a unique and much-loved vessel up close.

“This year’s visit is made even more significant as Waverley celebrates the 80th anniversary of her launch, and her call at Fishguard places the port firmly on the map as part of this historic journey, attracting enthusiasts, tourists, and day-trippers eager to be part of the experience.

“We expect the visit to create a vibrant buzz across the area, showcasing Fishguard as a destination rich in heritage and coastal charm.”

Waverley’s General Manager, Paul Semple, said the visit was particularly special as the ship continues to steam around the coastline of Great Britain eight decades after her launch.

He said: “While the cost of operating a historic ship continues to rise, including a 65 per cent increase in fuel costs this season, Waverley remains very much in operation thanks to the tremendous support we receive from passengers, members, volunteers and supporters across the UK.

“The best way people can help secure Waverley’s future is by stepping aboard and enjoying a cruise, helping to ensure she can continue sailing for generations to come.”

Passengers on board can hear the ship’s telegraph ring, visit the engine room, watch the paddles turning through the portholes, and enjoy catering facilities including snacks, meals, refreshments and a souvenir shop.

Waverley is also due to call at Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16) during her Pembrokeshire visit.

The ship was built in Glasgow for the London and North Eastern Railway, launched on October 2, 1946, and entered service on June 16, 1947.

She was gifted to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in 1974 for £1 and has since carried more than six million passengers in preservation.

Tickets are available from waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224.