News
NHS advises patients ahead of planned A40 road closure
PATIENTS, staff, and all individuals traveling to Glangwili, Withybush, and Werndale hospitals this weekend are advised to seek alternative routes, avoiding the main A40 through Penblewin.
The trunk road at Ffynnon Woods, west of Llanddewi Velfrey, will be closed from 8 pm on Friday, June 16, and is set to reopen at 5 am on Monday, June 19. This temporary closure allows for the connection between the existing A40 and the new A40 at the tie-in point, a crucial phase of the A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Redstone Cross Improvements Scheme.

Hywel Dda Health Board urges people to follow the diversion signs that will be in place and allocate additional travel time for their journeys. Traffic management personnel will be stationed at the Whitland and Penblewin roundabout throughout the closure to assist road users.
The health board assures the public that all emergency services, including the NHS, 111 Cymru, and local GP Out-of-Hours services, are well-informed about the diversions and the dedicated emergency vehicle route that will remain operational throughout the closure. Emergency response times within the county are not expected to be adversely affected.
The 26-mile diversion is necessary for engineers to establish the connection between the new section of the A40 and the existing road at the tie-in point, as part of the A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Redstone Cross Improvements Scheme in Pembrokeshire. The project, led by Griffiths contractors, commenced in the summer of 2021 and is scheduled for completion by autumn 2023.
A spokesperson for the scheme highlighted that the closure has been carefully timed to minimise disruption. He emphasised that due to significant level differences between the old and new A40 sections, a weekend closure is required. To mitigate the impact on local communities, commuters, and the local economy, the closure has been planned outside of the summer holiday season, specifically from June 16 to 19, 2023.
Extensive discussions within the traffic management liaison group, involving key statutory authorities utilising the A40, have taken place. As a result, it was determined that emergency services must maintain a viable route. Therefore, Henllan Lane, situated immediately south of the A40, will also be closed, except for listed residents residing on the lane and emergency service vehicles.
During the closure, all heavy goods vehicles are required to follow the alternative South Wales Trunk Road Agency route via the A4076 and A477.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this temporary road closure and appreciate your cooperation during the improvement works.
Crime
Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay
A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.
The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.
A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.
Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.
Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.
Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.
Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.
Community
Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities
Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel
THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.
The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.
Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.
The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.












The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.
Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.
The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.
For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.
Pictures: Malcolm Richards
Community
Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration
PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.
The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.
Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.



Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.
The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.
The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.
Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.
Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.
Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle
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