MENTRUS DEVELOPMENTS has started work on phase two of ‘Maes y Teirw’, a residential development of 21 eco-friendly homes on the site of a former cattle breeding centre near Carmarthen that has been part-funded by a seven-figure loan from the Development Bank of Wales.

The 2.2-acre brownfield site includes a mix of 17 five- and four-bedroom homes along with 4 three-bedroom affordable properties. All have solar panels and air source heat pumps to ensure maximum energy efficiency.

With good transport links and a range of local amenities, Maes y Teirw is proving popular with families and commuters alike. The first phase of properties is now almost complete with two having sold subject to contract. Work on phase two of the development is underway and internal fixings are expected to be completed during the winter of 2024/25.

Maes y Teirw is the first residential development for Mentrus Developments, a company set-up by Directors Matthew Watkins, Philip Mann and Richard Phillips. Matthew Watkins said: “The literal translation of Maes y Teirw is ‘The Bulls Field’ and our choice of name is important as it reflects the legacy and history of the land.

“As our first residential development, we were looking for a funding partner who knew the local area, took the time to understand our business model and could meet our timescales for development to maximise build time during the summer months. The Development Bank pulled out all the stops to ensure a quick and smooth completion. We’re very grateful for their support.”

Rob Good is a Property Development Executive with the Development Bank. He said: “We work with developers in Wales to provide the funding that they need to progress the development of good quality, sustainable and energy-efficient homes where they are most needed. With high specifications and an excellent finish, Maes y Teirw will offer buyers the opportunity to benefit from modern living surrounded by countryside close to Carmarthen town centre.”

The loan for Mentrus Developments came from the £54.5 million Wales Property Fund II. Financed entirely by Welsh Government, loans from £150,000 to £6 million are available for small and medium-sized developers based in Wales, working on residential, mixed-use and commercial development projects in Wales.

Pictured above: Matthew Watkins, Mentrus; Philip Mann, Mentrus; Rob Good, Development Bank of Wales; Richard Phillips, Mentrus.

EMERGENCY services responded to an incident in Pembroke after a van crashed into a well-known local restaurant on Saturday (Sept 21). The collision occurred on Commons Road (B4322), where the vehicle struck The Pembroke Carvery and Chinese Takeaway.

Both the police and fire brigade attended the scene, managing the situation and ensuring public safety. Despite the crash, the B4322 remained open to traffic while authorities worked to assess the damage and secure the area.

Witnesses said that the cause of the crash may have been that the driver had a medical episode.

The motorist is now said to be recovering.

HUNDREDS of residents and visitors filled the streets of Fishguard and Goodwick on the evening of Friday (Sept 20), to partake in a vibrant autumn lantern parade. The event marked the launch of the twin towns’ new Art Afoot sculpture trails, with participants showcasing beautifully crafted lanterns, including a whimsical family of owls, a striking seahorse, and a shoal of jellyfish, all aglow as they illuminated the night.

The parade commenced from the stunning new fish sculpture, situated outside the Ocean Lab on Goodwick Parrog. This sculpture is one of many planned for the upcoming art trail, which aims to boost footfall and interest in the area.

For those keen on technology, the event also featured augmented reality artworks, accessible via QR codes on mobile devices, merging traditional art with modern innovation.

Organised by Small World Theatre, the lantern parade signalled the beginning of the On Land’s Edge / At Ymyl y Tir festival, a weekend filled with cultural festivities. Following an uplifting performance by Goodwick Brass Band and a warm welcome from Fishguard and Goodwick Mayor, Cllr Billy Shaw, the parade wound its way up the hill towards Fishguard, attracting even more lantern bearers and spectators along the route.

At Fishguard Square, the atmosphere was electric with performances from dancers of Joon Dance and mesmerising fire jugglers, culminating in a lively finale led by drummer Joe Caswell and friends.

The lanterns were the result of creative workshops held over the summer, involving local schools, youth groups, and community members, showcasing the artistic spirit of the area.

Ann Shrosbree, Director of Small World Theatre, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We owe a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed and supported this year’s event, including Pembrokeshire County Council, Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council, our volunteers, and many local organisations. You’re all stars!”

The Art Afoot / Celf ar Droed trails were commissioned by Pembrokeshire County Council with funding from the UK Government in December 2023. This year has been dedicated to public consultation, planning, and creating the artworks, with installations expected to be completed by November.

“We’ll return with more updates on guided walks and the sculpture trails this autumn,” Ann added.