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Merlins Bridge: Diversions to be in place this weekend during bridge replacement

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HAVERFORDWEST residents are reminded of the essential replacement of Milford Road railway bridge this weekend.

Between Friday (Feb 15) and Monday (Feb 18), Network Rail engineers will demolish the existing railway bridge deck – which carries the South Wales Main Line – and install a new, more resilient structure as part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan to improve the reliability of the railway.

For Network Rail teams to safely deliver the work, the A4076 at Milford Road railway bridge on Dredgeman Hill will be closed to all traffic, with the exception of residents within the road closure and emergency services, from 7pm on Friday 15 until 6am on Monday 18. A signposted road diversion route will be in place and a shuttle bus service will be in operation for pedestrians and cyclists needing to to get from one side of the bridge to the other.

Buses will replace trains between Whitland and Milford Haven on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17, and timetables will be amended so rail passengers are urged to check before travelling at nationalrail.co.uk.

Rhys Howells, scheme project manager for Network Rail in Wales and Borders, said: “We thank the local community, road users and rail passengers for bearing with us whilst we complete the essential renewal of Milford Road railway bridge.

“We understand that closing the road and railway for any length of time is inconvenient and we have been working closely with our partners to minimise disruption and to develop the diversionary route.”

The work forms part of the £4.25m upgrade project to improve the reliability of the railway in West Wales, which saw the successful replacement of Pembroke Road railway bridge in January.

For teams to complete the finishing works safely and effectively, there will be single lane traffic management system in place overnight intermittently at both bridges (weekend nights only at Pembroke Road) until the end of March 2019.

For more information visit www.networkrail.co.uk/merlins-bridge.

 

Business

Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery celebrates opening of second shop in Narberth

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A LOCAL pet treat business has celebrated a major milestone after opening its second shop on Narberth High Street.

The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery welcomed customers through the doors of its new Narberth store on Saturday, marking the latest stage in the growth of the independent business founded by Ali and Kelly.

Despite the hot weather, the opening attracted a strong turnout, with customers visiting to explore the bakery’s range of nutritious and colourful treats for dogs, cats and other much-loved pets.

The new premises joins the company’s established Haverfordwest store, allowing the team to serve customers from two Pembrokeshire town centres.

Ali and Kelly said the opening had been the result of years of hard work, determination and belief in their business.

They said: “What started as a big dream is now a reality, and seeing everyone flock through the doors on Saturday, despite the heat, has been one of our proudest moments to date.

“We are still pinching ourselves, to be honest, and it probably won’t sink in for a while yet.”

The pair also thanked residents and neighbouring businesses for the warm welcome they had received since arriving in Narberth.

They added: “The response and support from our friends, followers, customers and visitors has been absolutely incredible.

“Thank you doesn’t seem to cut it, but thank you all so very much. We are a little overwhelmed.”

The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery specialises in fun and nutritious handmade treats, with products available for a range of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, birds and small pets.

The owners said they were now looking forward to building on the success of the opening weekend and continuing to serve customers in both Narberth and Haverfordwest.

The new shop adds another independent name to Narberth’s busy High Street, which is widely known for its mix of locally owned shops, cafés and specialist businesses.

Picture caption: Ali and Kelly outside the new Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery shop on Narberth High Street.

 

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Sea Sunday service at St Davids honours those with lives shaped by the sea

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SEAFARERS, lifeboat crews and all those whose lives and livelihoods depend upon the sea were remembered during a special service at St Davids Cathedral on Sunday (July 12).

The annual Sea Sunday service, known in Welsh as Sul y Môr, brought worshippers and representatives of the wider community together to recognise the contribution made by seafarers and to pray for their safety and wellbeing.

The service was held at 11am and sung by St Davids Cathedral Choir, with the sermon delivered by the Revd Dr Jonathon Wright, Priest-in-Charge within the Greater Dewisland Ministry Area.

Among those attending were the Bishop of St Davids, the Rt Revd Dorrien Davies, the Dean of St Davids, the Very Revd Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, Deputy Lieutenant Roger Smith and the High Sheriff of Dyfed, Andrew Phillips.

Sea Sunday is marked by churches and maritime communities around the world each July. It provides an opportunity to remember the people who work at sea, often spending long periods away from their homes and families while facing isolation, dangerous conditions and unpredictable weather.

It also recognises the vital role played by those working in merchant shipping, fishing, rescue services and ports.

The Mission to Seafarers has chosen “Harbours of Hope: The Church Alongside Seafarers” as its theme for Sea Sunday 2026, highlighting the practical and pastoral support offered to crews in ports around the world.

More than 90 per cent of the goods used in everyday life are transported by sea, making the work of seafarers essential to communities and economies across the globe.

That connection has particular meaning in Pembrokeshire, where the sea remains central to the county’s identity.

The coastline supports commercial shipping, fishing, tourism and watersports, while RNLI volunteers and other emergency services regularly respond when people get into difficulty around the coast.

St Davids RNLI had encouraged members of the community to attend Sunday’s Cathedral service, which offered a moment to give thanks for all those who work on or beside the water.

Bishop joins the dancing

Following the service, the occasion took a more light-hearted turn when Bishop Dorrien and Canon Sheridan joined visiting members of Whitchurch Morris outside the Cathedral.

The Diocese of St Davids jokingly described the moment as “dance-bombing”, as the Bishop and Canon enthusiastically waved handkerchiefs and attempted the traditional steps alongside the dancers.

A video of the performance quickly attracted a warm response online.

Margaret Nock commented: “Not all bishops would do that! Da iawn.”

Helen McDermott added: “Fantastic! Aren’t we a lucky Diocese.”

Others praised the Bishop’s dancing, while several people said they wished they had been at the Cathedral to see the performance.

Whitchurch Morris were visiting Pembrokeshire as part of a planned weekend of traditional dancing with Wessex Morris Men and Treacle Eater Clog.

Their appearance provided a colourful conclusion to a service which combined prayer, music and reflection with a celebration of the communities whose lives remain closely connected to the sea.

WATCH Bishop Dorrien and Canon Sheridan join the Morris dancers in the video below.

 

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Business

Iconic Tenby music shop Dales opens new branch in Carmarthen

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ONE of west Wales’ most recognisable independent music retailers has expanded into Carmarthen with the opening of a brand-new Dales Music Store.

The family-run business, which first opened in Tenby in 1947, has become a favourite destination for generations of music lovers, known for its extensive range of vinyl records, musical instruments, guitars, music accessories and merchandise.

Now, after almost 80 years in business, Dales has opened a second branch on Blue Street in Carmarthen, bringing its distinctive yellow-and-blue branding and passion for music to the county town.

The new store offers a wide selection of new and pre-owned vinyl, guitars, musical instruments, equipment, accessories, gifts and official band merchandise, catering for everyone from experienced musicians to collectors and casual music fans.

The expansion represents a significant milestone for the long-established business, which has evolved from its roots as a piano retailer into one of Wales’ best-known independent music stores while remaining family owned.

Owners say they are excited to welcome customers through the doors of the new Carmarthen branch and hope it will become a hub for the local music community, offering the same friendly service and specialist knowledge that has made the Tenby store a trusted name for decades.

The arrival of Dales also provides a welcome boost to Carmarthen’s independent retail scene, giving shoppers another reason to visit the town centre and supporting the area’s growing reputation as a destination for independent businesses.

Photo caption: The Dales team outside the new Carmarthen store on Blue Street, marking the opening of the iconic Tenby music retailer’s second branch.

 

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