Community

Controversial property development sparks outcry in Pembrokeshire’s historic village

Published

3 years ago

November 1, 2023

Tensions are rising in Roch, as residents voice their concerns over a proposed 52-unit property development that threatens to reshape the character of one of the region’s historic villages. Wakefield Developments Ltd., the proponents of the project, have set forth plans to construct 52 units, comprising one and two bedroom flats, as well as three and four bedroom houses on land east of Pilgrim’s Way.

Local residents, led by concerned voices like Cliff White and Brenda Hooper, fear that the development could place lives at risk due to increased traffic congestion and reduced pedestrian visibility. The main point of contention lies in the already strained junction leading from the main A487 into Pilgrim’s Way. Roch locals argue that the junction, servicing the existing residential estates at Grassholm Close and Pilgrim’s Way, is unable to cope with the current traffic demands, let alone a significant increase resulting from the proposed development.

Mr White expressed the community’s worries, stating, “Approximately 30 houses currently feed off the junction, and already it’s dangerous. The road is a bottleneck as it approaches the junction and isn’t wide enough for two vehicles. Two pedestrians were recently knocked down near the junction, and it stands to reason that if the development goes ahead, the volume of traffic is going to triple.”

Residents are not only concerned about road safety but also the safety of around 170 primary school children who use the same route to get to and from Roch school. Brenda Hooper highlighted these worries, “The vast majority of them walk along Pilgrim’s Way or come down on their bikes or their scooters. Parents are extremely concerned about the road safety impact the development will have.”

Furthermore, sewage disposal infrastructure has become a point of contention. Roch’s sewage treatment plant in Newgale is reportedly operating at maximum capacity, straining to cope with the existing waste water and raw sewage discharged from Roch. Locals have reported issues like lifting manhole covers, raising concerns about the village’s ability to manage additional waste from the proposed development.

The planning notice for the project has sparked controversy, with residents claiming that it was intentionally concealed. The notice, initially hanging upside down from a piece of string at the site entrance, left many residents unaware of the impending changes. Community members question the lack of consultation and transparency, especially given the potential impact on their daily lives.

Cliff White expressed frustration, “We’ve learned that the developers recently requested a meeting with the parish council, so why weren’t the locals invited to listen to the proposals? Why haven’t we been consulted?”

There is also scepticism about the nature of the proposed housing units. Despite initial claims that the development would cater to social housing needs, residents fear that such promises might change once planning consent is granted, leading to unaffordable housing options for the local community.

Community

Fire service sets out new flood response plan for Mid and West Wales

Published

16 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

AROUND 31,000 properties across Mid and West Wales are at risk of flooding, according to figures released as part of a new fire service response strategy.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has completed a major engagement process to shape how it deals with future flooding incidents.

The work brought together operational crews, partner agencies and community representatives through a series of “Flooding Balanced Room” workshops.

The service said the aim was to make sure all voices were heard equally while developing practical options for prevention, response and recovery.

Nearly 24,000 properties in the service area are at risk from river flooding, while more than 7,000 are at risk from tidal flooding.

The service attends around 300 water rescue and weather-related flooding incidents each year.

Officials say flooding is becoming more frequent and more serious because of climate change, including heavier rainfall and prolonged weather events.

Recent data also shows a clear seasonal pattern, with the highest number of flooding incidents taking place between October and February.

The third quarter of 2025/26 was the busiest for flooding incidents since 2017/18, while February 2020 and November 2025 recorded the highest monthly levels of flooding activity.

The workshops produced four key priorities: prevention first, collaboration and partnership, enhanced specialist capability, and learning and continuous improvement.

Eleven initial options were narrowed down to five main areas.

These include better public education, community flood groups, improved flood messaging with partner agencies, more staff training, improved welfare and PPE for firefighters, better vehicles and technology, and stronger post-incident support for communities.

Proposals include using flood awareness in home fire safety checks, improving training scenarios, increasing the number of qualified water incident managers, expanding drone use, and using climate data to plan future fleet and equipment needs.

The options have now been assessed, with recommendations presented to the service’s Executive Leadership Team.

The plans will feed into the service’s future flooding strategy and its Community Risk Management Plan 2040.

Iwan Cray, Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The Flooding Balanced Room process has highlighted the importance of collaboration.

“By listening to our staff, partners, and communities, we’ve created practical, forward-thinking solutions that will strengthen our ability to prevent and manage flooding in Mid and West Wales.

“Together, we can build a safer, more resilient Wales.”

Community

Vintage tractor tour sets off from Pembroke Dock for Ireland

Published

18 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIFTY-three vintage tractors left Pembroke Dock Ferry Port on Saturday (May 2) as part of a long-running tractor tour to Ireland.

The group boarded the ferry for the latest stage of an exchange which has been running since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

Organiser Alun Mason said: “The Tour of Ireland has been ongoing since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

“A large contingent travelled from Ireland and continue to do so every other year, with our visit this weekend and the Irish tractors due to visit in 2027.”

Some of the tractors taking part travelled from as far as Burry Port, Bridgend, Llandrindod Wells, Llandovery and Ceredigion before gathering at the ferry port.

The event brought together vintage tractor enthusiasts from across Wales ahead of the crossing to Ireland.

Pictured are organisers Jo Richards and Alun Mason, and the group waiting to embark at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port.

Vintage tour: Jo Richards and Alun Mason with tractors at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port (Pic: Martin Cavaney).

Community

Volunteers praised as Rath paddling pool gets summer makeover

Published

19 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Questions raised over new netting as community pitches in to prepare popular spot

VOLUNTEERS have been praised for their efforts to get Milford Haven’s Rath paddling pool ready for summer – but a new addition has sparked debate among locals.

A group of residents, including Caroline Jones, Derek Abbott, Jordy, Tina Hawkins and Isla, were pictured this week installing colourful netting along the fence surrounding the pool.

The work forms part of ongoing efforts by the community to clean, maintain and improve the popular splash area ahead of the warmer months.

Caroline explained the netting had a practical purpose as well as an aesthetic one.

She said: “It’s partly to try and prevent some of the grass cuttings getting into the pool but also to brighten the area up.”

Others suggested it could also help reduce the amount of litter blowing into the water – an issue that has been raised in previous summers.

The efforts were widely welcomed online, with many residents thanking those involved for giving up their time.

One commenter wrote: “A bit of praise for these volunteers who give our little ones a bit of enjoyment at the paddling pool. Well done all.”

Another added: “Well done and thank you everyone.”

Some questioned the need for the netting, with one resident saying: “I don’t understand the netting around the pool. It looked lovely as it was.”

The Rath paddling pool is a well-used facility during the summer months, particularly by families with young children, and relies heavily on volunteer support to keep it clean and operational.

Local groups, including TipTop Wheelies, are understood to be involved in helping prepare the site for the season.

Despite mixed views on the netting, the overwhelming response has been one of appreciation for those working behind the scenes to keep the facility open.