Community

Haverfordwest shoppers warned of new parking restrictions at Withybush Retail Park

Published

2 years ago

August 28, 2024

RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are being urged to take note of new parking restrictions at Withybush Retail Park, which could see unsuspecting shoppers hit with fines for overstaying their welcome. The Town Council has issued a warning in recent days, following reports from concerned residents who have fallen foul of the rules.

The privately owned retail park, in partnership with Parking Eye, has introduced strict time limits on parking, with fines being enforced if the limits are exceeded. Shoppers can park for a maximum of three hours across the park, but within the Costa Coffee area, this limit is reduced to just 90 minutes. The penalty for overstaying is £100, though this is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

A resident from Crymych, who recently visited the retail park, contacted the Town Council after receiving a parking notice. Uncertain if the notice was legitimate, the resident was dismayed to learn that the signage warning of these restrictions was clearly visible at the entrance and throughout the car park. The Town Council has since confirmed that cameras are in place, with one located at the first parking bay on the right after M&S, which captures the arrival of vehicles.

The resident, who had travelled 25 miles to visit the park, received the notice just days before the payment deadline. Although they were able to pay the reduced fine, the situation has highlighted the need for other visitors to be vigilant. The Town Council could not confirm whether the signage was in place during the resident’s initial visit, raising concerns about the adequacy of the warnings at that time.

Several other residents have shared similar experiences. Kellie Lowther, a regular customer at Costa Coffee, received a £100 fine after spending two hours at the café, unaware of the new parking charges. She has since paid the fine but vowed not to return to the establishment. Another resident, Becky Bevans, recounted how she too was fined after exceeding the free parking time by just ten minutes while feeding her baby in Costa. Her appeal against the fine was rejected.

Some residents have suggested that those who receive fines should check the spelling of the location on their notice. The private company managing the car park has reportedly referred to the town as “Haverford West” instead of the correct “Haverfordwest,” leading to speculation that this could form the basis for an appeal.

The Town Council is now taking action by raising concerns with the managing agents of the retail park, who are based in Bristol. The Clerk has recognised a growing pattern of shoppers being caught out by the new restrictions and will be feeding this back to the managing agents. The Council noted that many of the park’s visitors travel from a distance and often require more than three hours to complete their shopping, particularly older residents who may need extra time to browse and enjoy a leisurely lunch.

In one recent example, a couple spent over three hours shopping at M&S, Next, and TK Maxx before stopping for lunch, only to receive a fine for exceeding the parking limit by 17 minutes. The Town Council is advocating for a review of the parking restrictions to better accommodate the needs of all visitors to the retail park.

However, recent changes to private parking regulations in the UK, introduced under the government’s new Private Parking Code of Practice, could offer some relief to those affected by the fines at Withybush Retail Park.

One of the most significant updates is the reduction of the maximum private parking fine from £100 to £50, except in cases of serious breaches, such as parking in Blue Badge bays without authorisation. This means that the fines previously issued at the retail park may now exceed the legal cap for most infractions, potentially providing grounds for appeal or even reimbursement for those who have already paid.

The new regulations also introduce a mandatory 10-minute grace period, allowing drivers a little extra time before a fine is issued. For residents like Becky Bevans, who was fined after overstaying by just 10 minutes, this rule could have prevented the fine altogether. This grace period is intended to protect drivers from being penalised for minor delays.

Additionally, the updated Code of Practice mandates clearer and more visible signage, ensuring that terms and conditions are easily understood by all visitors. If the signage at Withybush Retail Park did not meet these standards at the time of issuing fines, this could further strengthen the case for those looking to appeal.

The introduction of a fairer appeals process is another significant change, offering a more transparent and accessible route for challenging unfair fines. Residents who have already paid fines might find that these new rules provide them with the opportunity to contest the penalties more effectively.

The Town Council has expressed its intention to raise these new developments with the managing agents of Withybush Retail Park. By advocating for the application of these updated rules, the Council hopes to secure a more equitable parking system that better serves the needs of the community.

For now, residents and visitors to Withybush Retail Park are encouraged to stay informed about the new parking regulations to avoid unnecessary fines and to take advantage of the improved protections now in place.

Community

Local lettings policy helps sustain rural communities and Welsh language

Published

32 minutes ago

May 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NEW affordable housing developments in North Pembrokeshire are helping local people remain in their communities while supporting rural schools and the Welsh language.

Since 2022, West Wales Housing Association has completed new social housing schemes at Parc Brynach in Dinas Cross and Golwg y Llan in Eglwyswrw.

A further development, Parc Nantwen in Dinas Cross, is nearing completion, with new tenants expected to move in within weeks.

The homes have been welcomed locally in an area where affordability remains a significant challenge for many residents.

West Wales Housing Association introduced a local lettings policy giving priority to applicants with strong links to Eglwyswrw and Dinas Cross.

For the Parc Nantwen development, applicants from the Dinas, Newport and Bro Gwaun communities were prioritised.

The approach has meant a number of local people have been able to secure homes who may otherwise have lost out to applicants with weaker links to the area.

The policy is also seen as important in communities where the Welsh language remains strong. Eglwyswrw and Dinas are served by Welsh-medium primary education at Ysgol Eglwyswrw and Ysgol Bro Ingli in Newport.

The impact is already being felt. Following the completion of Parc Brynach, pupil numbers at Ysgol Bro Ingli rose from 86 to more than 100.

Newport and Dinas county councillor Huw Murphy praised West Wales Housing Association for working closely with Dinas Community Council on the lettings policy.

Cllr Murphy said: “The recent lettings policy developed by WWHA, following close liaison with Dinas Community Council, has worked well in enabling houses to be allocated to local people with strong links to their community, where in the past they may have lost out to applicants with more tenuous connections.

“The benefit of a robust local lettings policy has resulted in increased pupil numbers at Ysgol Bro Ingli, while also placing a strong emphasis on protecting the Welsh language, which is very much welcomed.

“I hope that any future affordable housing developments will mirror the recent lettings policy implemented in Dinas Cross and serve as a template elsewhere in Pembrokeshire.”

Supporters say the developments are helping young people and families stay in rural Pembrokeshire, supporting village schools and safeguarding the social and linguistic fabric of North Pembrokeshire’s communities at a time when many rural areas face an ageing population.

Community

Dog rescued after multi-agency response in Pembroke Dock

Published

1 hour ago

May 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

AN ALSATIAN dog was rescued in Pembroke Dock after falling down an embankment and becoming trapped near the water’s edge.

Fire crews from Pembroke Dock and Haverfordwest were called to the incident near Cleddau Bridge Business Park at 12:41am on Thursday (May 21), following reports that the dog, named Lunar, was unable to climb back to safety.

The rescue involved a multi-agency response, with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service working alongside HM Coastguard, the RNLI and Drone Search and Rescue teams.

Lunar was located and safely recovered by the RNLI boat team before being brought back to dry land and reunited with her grateful owners.

A photo released after the rescue shows Lunar, her owners, and members of the teams involved.

Community

New pilot boat Llanion dedicated at emotional Milford Haven ceremony

Published

2 hours ago

May 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Vessel dedicated at Mackerel Quay as Port marks major investment in safety and resilience

MILFORD HAVEN’S new state-of-the-art pilot vessel Llanion has been formally named and dedicated during a ceremony at Mackerel Quay.

The event marked a major milestone for the Port of Milford Haven, which says the vessel reinforces its commitment to safe, efficient and resilient marine operations on the Waterway.

The ceremony brought together civic dignitaries, port representatives, local pupils and members of the maritime community.

Guests included Chaplain Revd Jonathan Brewer, Chaplain Revd Rufus Noy, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed Miss Sara Edwards, Andrew Phillips, High Sheriff of Dyfed, and representatives from the Port’s marine team.

Darcey Trueman, Head Prefect at Milford Haven School, formally named the vessel during the ceremony.

She declared: “I name this pilot launch Llanion. May God bless her and all who sail in her.”

Miss Sara Edwards carried out the bottle ceremony, while the dedication and blessing were led by Revd Jonathan Brewer and Revd Rufus Noy.

The service included performances by Milford Haven School Choir, readings from the Book of Psalms, Psalm 23: The Pilots Version, the Lord’s Prayer, and the British and Welsh national anthems.

Step-change in capability

Mike Ryan, Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven, said Llanion represented a major investment in pilotage resilience and operational safety.

He said: “This vessel represents a significant investment in both our absolute commitments to pilotage service resilience and operational safety.

“She sits at the heart of modern pilot boat evolution — combining speed, manoeuvrability and the latest-generation Camarc hull design.

“For our terminal customers, this means confidence that we can continue to respond quickly to their requirements and deliver a safe, efficient and dependable year-round pilotage service.

“Llanion is not just a new vessel, she’s a step-change in capability for the Port.

“She represents the standards we set for ourselves, our commitment to safety, to professionalism, and to doing the job properly, every single time.

“I look forward to seeing Llanion in action and to the role she will play in supporting the safe movement of vessels on the Milford Haven Waterway for many years to come.”

Energy port role

Rebecca Ahern, Head of Commercial and Legal at Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy, one of the Port’s key terminal customers, said the investment strengthened confidence in Milford Haven’s marine operations.

She said: “The Milford Haven Waterway plays a critical role in the UK’s energy system, and safe, dependable marine operations are fundamental to that role.

“This latest investment by the Port further strengthens operational reliability for all terminal users, reinforcing confidence in safe and efficient year-round vessel movements delivered on time and with consistency.

“It supports the long-term capability of the energy cluster here and reflects the consistently high standards of pilotage and marine service on the Waterway.”

Recognising crews

The ceremony also recognised the dedication and expertise of the Port’s launch crews and pilots, whose work underpins the safe movement of vessels in and out of Milford Haven.

The Port said the new vessel would strengthen operational resilience and support its long-term strategic objectives.

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20 per cent of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It supports more than 4,000 jobs and operates as a trust port, with profits retained within the business to maintain and improve navigation, harbour services and port facilities.

Photo caption:

Naming party: Jamie Furlong, Pilot; Mike Ryan, Harbourmaster; Port Chaplain Revd Jonathan Brewer; His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed Miss Sara Edwards; Darcey Trueman, Milford Haven School Prefect; Andrew Phillips, High Sheriff of Dyfed; Chris Tambling-Baker, Coxswain; Revd Rufus Noy; and Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, aboard Llanion (Pic: Port of Milford Haven).