FURTHER concerns have been raised to Pembrokeshire’s council about road safety in Neyland after a parked car was hit by a vehicle, just months after a car hit a house wall, described as “sheer good luck” that “a terrible tragedy” was avoided.

Local social media community group Neyland News recently posted: “There is real public concern about road safety in Neyland especially on Honeyborough Road. On Thursday a driver hit a parked vehicle.

“These incidents have happened a number of times with cars losing wing mirrors and scrapes to bodywork. This has been reported to the police and the county council. This comes after incidents where cars have lost control and hit houses in Kensington Road.

“The county council are carrying out a topographical survey from Honeyborough Roundabout to Kensington Road and they will come forward with proposals to physically slow down traffic which they will consult on.”

The post author added: “This cannot come soon enough. I will keep everyone updated on this. I have asked the police to carry out much more regular speed checks. I am in direct contact with the Inspector.”

Local county councillor Cllr Simon Hancock said: “Speeding on Honeyborough Road and Kensington Road are matters of great concern. A number of serious incidents have been reported recently but this situation is getting worse.

“I am pushing hard for much greater speed enforcement checks from the police and physical traffic calming measures from the highways department of Pembrokeshire County Council.”

Back in February, Cllr Hancock had called for traffic calming measures in the town where “a terrible tragedy” was avoided by “sheer good luck” after a car hit a house wall, the fifth such incident in less than a decade.

Residents had expressed their concerns at vehicle speeds at a meeting of the town council at the start of the year.

After that meeting, Simon Hancock said: “They came to express their concern at speeding cars losing control on the corner where Honeyborough Road leads into Kensington Road.  On Sunday afternoon a speeding car mounted the pavement and smashed into the wall of No 43 coming to rest in the middle of the road. Emergency services were on the scene.”

He said images of the incident and its aftermath were shared on social media and to the council.

Following that, Cllr Simon Hancock, who is also the county council’s presiding member, said: “I am extremely concerned by some drivers travelling at excessive speeds at this bend.  This is the fifth serious incident in nine years where cars have collided with houses in the terrace.

“Any pedestrians on the pavement at the time could have been killed or seriously injured. I have written to the chief executive, leader and cabinet member [of Pembrokeshire County Council] insisting on road traffic calming measures at this location.

“It is by sheer good luck that a terrible tragedy has been avoided.”

After that incident, a Pembrokeshire County Council spokesperson said: “We are liaising with the police over the incident to determine the cause of the accident before considering what measures the Highway Authority may take.”

The council has been contacted for a response following the latest incident.

PEMBROKESHIRE COAST NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY has confirmed the re-election of its chair, deputy chair and key committee leaders following its Annual General Meeting.

Dr Madeleine Havard has been re-elected as Chair of the Authority, with Cllr Claire George continuing as Deputy Chair.

Cllr Dr Simon Hancock has also been re-elected as Chair of the Authority’s Development Management Committee, with John Hogg re-elected as Deputy Chair of the committee.

The appointments were agreed by members at a meeting of the National Park Authority held on Wednesday, June 24.

The Authority is made up of 18 members, including 12 county councillors appointed by Pembrokeshire County Council and six members appointed by Welsh Government.

Together, they oversee the work of the Authority and make decisions on matters affecting the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Dr Havard said: “It is an honour and a privilege to continue serving as Chair of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

“Our National Park is one of Wales’ most treasured landscapes, and the Authority has an important role in protecting it for future generations whilst supporting the communities who live and work here.

“I look forward to continuing to work with all members, staff, partners and local communities as we respond to the opportunities and challenges facing the National Park.”

Cllr Dr Hancock said he was pleased to continue as Chair of the Development Management Committee, which considers planning matters within the National Park.

He said: “The Committee’s work requires careful judgement, balancing the need to conserve and enhance this special landscape with the needs of local people.

“I look forward to continuing to work with fellow members and officers in carrying out this responsibility.”

Members spend an average of two days a month on formal committee business, as well as representing the Park Authority at a range of formal and informal events.

These include Welsh Government-related meetings, workshops and seminars, as well as formal launches and presentations by the Authority and partner organisations.

The current members of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority are Cllr Maureen Bowen, Cllr Di Clements, Ms Fiona Day, Cllr Claire George, Dr Madeleine Havard, Ms Helen Gwenllian, Mr John Hogg MBE, Sarah Hoss, Cllr Dr Simon Hancock MBE, Cllr Mike James, Mr Gwynn Angell Jones, Cllr Huw Murphy, Cllr Bethan Price, Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Cllr Anji Tinley, Cllr Vanessa Thomas, Cllr Chris Williams BEM and Cllr Michael Williams.

Report due in September on replacing appointments with ANPR and CCTV monitoring

A PLAN to remove the booking system at Pembrokeshire’s waste and recycling centres is set to be brought before Cabinet later this year.

Council Leader Cllr Tessa Hodgson has confirmed that it is the intention of her administration to scrap the current system, which requires residents to book before using the county’s waste and recycling centres.

She has asked Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, to work with officers on a report setting out the options for a new approach.

Cllr Hodgson said Pembrokeshire had a strong record on recycling, but added that the booking system remained a regular concern for local residents.

She said: “Pembrokeshire is consistently one of Wales’ best performing local authorities when it comes to waste and recycling, and I thank our staff and the people of Pembrokeshire for helping us continue to improve.

“However, the booking system is an issue that is raised with me time and time again by residents, and so removing the booking system is a priority for me and my administration.

“With modern technology such as number plate recognition and CCTV monitoring, I see no reason why we cannot ensure the sites are used appropriately and safely by council taxpayers, while minimising any unauthorised use, without the need for a booking system.”

Cllr Hodgson said the current arrangements could be “time-consuming and bureaucratic” and that the council should be able to protect the service while making it easier for residents to use.

She added: “I believe we can create a system that maintains high standards of waste disposal, provides value for money for taxpayers, and continues to maximise recycling, all without unnecessary bureaucracy.

“It is our administration’s intention that a report is brought to the September Cabinet meeting with a clear plan to remove the booking system from our waste and recycling centres.”

Cllr Rhys Sinnett said the council would look at a practical replacement which keeps sites safe and prevents misuse.

He said: “We know how important it is for residents to have straightforward, convenient access to their local waste and recycling centres, and I welcome this work to explore how we can make that happen.

“Our focus will be on developing a practical, modern approach that improves the experience for residents while maintaining safety, protecting the service from misuse, and continuing to deliver strong recycling performance for Pembrokeshire.

“I look forward to bringing forward proposals that strike the right balance for our communities.”

Any change would be subject to Cabinet considering the report and agreeing the next steps. The report is expected to go before members in September.