The past month has been very busy, with a number of important issues affecting not only residents in the village but also communities across Pembrokeshire. Below are some of the issues over the last month and obviously there are many other issues that I have to deal with which are totally private which involves council properties and private concerns.

Alongside the disruption caused by ongoing works in the village, there have also been wider concerns about proposed school closures. These are very sensitive issues that affect families and whole communities. Schools are at the heart of village life, and I fully understand the strength of feeling on all sides. At the same time, I recognise the financial pressures facing Pembrokeshire County Council in managing the education budget and ensuring all children have equal opportunities. This has been a very difficult process, especially for those directly affected. I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of residents, parents, and local representatives who have fought to protect their schools and their communities. While I supported keeping these schools open, the majority decision was made to close them at this time. This is a very tough time, and I believe the councillors involved did everything they could for their schools and communities.

Following the poor weather over the winter, road conditions have worsened, with potholes becoming a growing concern. Over the past year, I have reported a number of issues and have recently raised serious concerns about potholes on Fan Road, Sandy Hill Road, and Francis Lane, particularly near the school and towards the old drill hall off Brewery Terrace.

I have been advised that a highways team will be visiting Fan Road to assess and repair the most serious issues, including pothole depth and the condition of the road edges into the village. If you are aware of any problems on your street, please let me know so I can report them and help ensure they are dealt with as quickly as possible.

While working with Highways, I have also reported several blocked drains. These include one at the taxi rank on Milford Street, as well as key locations to help maintenance teams. There are two blocked drains on Moreton Road, opposite Bethesda Manse and the graveyard. This is a fast stretch of road, and water is building up due to poor drainage, which could lead to aquaplaning. There were also two blocked drains just past Incline Way heading towards Valley Road, which caused problems for residents. I am pleased to say that these were quickly cleared by Pembrokeshire County Council.

In addition, I recently met with the Public Realm Manager during a visit to Saundersfoot. We walked through to The Strand, where it was agreed that the road markings on the block paving are now unclear and could be confusing. I have asked for the disabled bays and all markings to be refreshed, as this needs attention ahead of the busy season.

Thank you to residents who reported the broken pipe at the rear of the harbour beach. I raised this with Saundersfoot Harbour and Welsh Water, and I am pleased to confirm that the issue was quickly resolved by the harbour team.

During the cold weather in January, I was contacted about icy conditions across the village. In response, I worked with residents to find suitable locations for new grit bins. I am pleased to confirm that Saundersfoot Community Council funded this, and Pembrokeshire County Council supplied and installed them. I would also like to thank Sam, the Clerk, for all the hard work in making this happen. New grit bins are now in place on Valley Road, Stammers Road, Ragged Staff, Lawnswood, and Sandy Hill Park. If there are other locations that need to be considered, please get in touch.

Recent road works have created a new area that will now be managed by Saundersfoot in Bloom, who will plant and maintain it throughout the year at the bottom of St Brides Hill. I have also received a number of calls about very low tides and people coming to collect razor fish, mussels, and other shellfish. Unfortunately, this continues to cause problems for residents in the Glen. Vehicles are blocking access, partially blocking driveways, and, disappointingly, rubbish is often left behind. I share residents’ frustration, as progress on this issue has been very slow, despite it being raised many times.

I have collected recycling items for residents from Haverfordwest. Please note that recycling kits are available from Crane Cross Recycling Centre (SA69 9EE), and no booking is needed.

I have spoken with the senior traffic and safety engineer regarding pavement parking. Residents have shared images showing pavements completely blocked, forcing people on to the road. I have received a positive response, and the locations I identified will now be monitored, with enforcement action taken where needed, especially to protect those with mobility or visual impairments. I have reported the broken street light on the Strand and reported to PCC the metal posts that were protruding next to the pavement. Unfortunately a fence has recently been removed with the supporting posts left in place. This led to a serious accident when a resident sustained some serious injuries. Since this accident, the offending posts have been removed and the street light fixed in this location. At the start of March, a sign appeared advertising a road closure. Thank you to those who contacted me about this. I raised the issue with Pembrokeshire County Council, and it was confirmed that a utility company had placed the sign for planned works on The Strand. Given the current disruption in the village, I made it clear this was not appropriate at this time. The sign was removed, and the work will now take place later in the year, out of season, as this works wasn’t authorised.

Finally, I have received a number of queries about car parking charges at Saundersfoot Harbour, Saundersfoot Medical Centre, and the car park opposite the village bus stop. These are privately owned and managed, so any concerns should be raised directly with them through their own processes. Please be aware that parking times are strictly monitored. If you need help contacting them or accessing information online, feel free to get in touch.

I was delighted to see that the first Love Saundersfoot event of 2026 was an outstanding success, the much loved Cawl Trail returned with a bang. The volunteer committee built on earlier and more recent trails, to provide a culinary experience both for Villagers and Visitors alike.

It was a perfect day with the sun shinning, the Village centre decorated with dozens of Welsh flags and bunting, all put in place by Saundersfoot Rotary and its volunteer army. The scene was set, 10 competing venues, 300 handmade souvenir bowls and a queue of eager cawl tasters waiting patiently from The Regency Hall almost to the entrance to the carpark. The three hundred bowls were sold in less than an hour and bands of tasters moved from one competing venue to the next, tasting, scoring and sampling the famous Saundersfoot hospitality on the way. The competition was fierce with score cards returned to the hall for a totally of the votes, the “all things Welsh” market providing an opportunity to bowse and shop whilst the counting was completed. The verifying committee produced the score sheet, the two prize winners were announced from the main stage – “The Cawl Champion” and the “Rotary President Award”.

For 2026 it was a clean sweep for The Boat House, the original Chamber for Tourism plate was  presented to the whole chef team and goes on display for the next 12 months. The many Villagers that took part in the trail were joined by visitors from across South Wales, who came for the day or stayed for the weekend, one cawl taster visiting from Washington D.C. The 2027 event is already in the planning with options of how to increase the numbers of “tasters”, more venues have already indicated that they want to take part, the committee see the key to future growth and success as sustainability and affordability.

The Cawl Trail provided a surge of interest on the Love Saundersfoot Social Media platforms and the group are astounded that the marketing team are now regularly hitting over one million views per month, this in less than 12 months. One Member business featured on the Love Saundersfoot posting saw over 55,000 views and featured on Wales on Line.

Membership continues to grow, Love Saundersfoot provides the opportunity for all local groups and charities to showcase their events on the website calendar. All the information required can be found on their website: www.lovesaundersfoot.co.uk  I’m looking forward to the next event on the Villages busy diary, well done to everyone competing, tasting and organising.

Pembrokeshire County Council is pleased to announce the launch of Pembrokeshire Housing Online, which will allow tenants themselves via their My Account to keep their contact details up to date, notify any changes and to also book housing repairs online.

Pembrokeshire Housing Online makes it easier for residents to manage their housing needs by offering online reporting and booking of routine housing repairs at any time. Text messaging compliments the service by providing information about appointments and as a reminder to tenants of a planned visit.

Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Michelle Bateman said: “These changes to Housing Online offers tenants the real opportunity to manage their housing repairs and ensure key contact details remain current that will help the effective sharing of information between the tenant and Council about appointments.”

Emergency repairs must still be reported by contacting 01437 764551 between 9am-5pm and 0345 601 5522 (5pm – 9am, Monday to Friday, 24 hours Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays).

Housing Online can be accessed by visiting https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/housing-repairs-and-maintenance/report-a-repair#reportrepair.

Important Action if you have a current Housing Register Application

To continue receiving weekly property adverts by email, those with a live housing register application must update their email preferences via PCC My Account. Please visit:

https://login.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/en/Account/Login

If you have any questions about the new Housing Online portal or how these changes may affect you, please contact us by telephone on 01437 764551 or by email at housing@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Over the winter period, I have been contacted by a number of residents, visitors to our village, alongside members of Saundersfoot Community Council regarding concerns with the short-term stay car park on Milford Street.

The concerns raised relate primarily to fixed penalty notices being issued to motorists who have briefly used the access route to turn around or parked outside the double yellow lines before rejoining the public highway. A key issue highlighted is confusion over where the public highway ends and where the private car park begins. Residents are totally unaware that the access route by the side of the car park is also private land and owned by the car park operator.

In response, I have engaged directly with the car park operator to raise these concerns and to explore practical ways to improve clarity. The intention is not to challenge enforcement, but to ensure that all motorists, particularly visitors unfamiliar with the area, are given clear guidance to avoid unintentional breaches. I suggested that a clearer visual distinction at the entrance, such as improved signage, or other practical measures, could help reduce confusion and prevent further issues. This is especially important as we approach the busy summer season, when visitor numbers are expected to increase. I am pleased to confirm that the operator responded positively, reassuring me that the site has been fully assessed and is compliant with the relevant Code of Practice, with all signage installed to required standards. Importantly, they have acknowledged the concerns raised and are open to reviewing the site further to enhance clarity for drivers.

This constructive approach is very welcome, and I will continue to work closely with the car park operator to ensure any practical improvements are implemented. Clear signage and public communication will be key to helping residents and visitors understand the boundary between the public highway and private land, reducing confusion and improving the experience for all. I am particularly pleased that the car park operator was very understanding of the concerns raised and was committed to ensuring that everything is clear, transparent, and fair. We will be meeting on site to review the arrangements, and I will keep residents fully updated on any developments.

Our priority is to support both residents of Saundersfoot and visitors who may be unaware of where the highway finishes and private land begins, ensuring a safe and positive experience for everyone.

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Recently, I attended a meeting with the Public Realm Manager, officers from Pembrokeshire County Council, and the organisers of the Ironman Pembrokeshire event to discuss feedback following the Saundersfoot section of the 2025 event.

This section attracts around fifteen thousand visitors through Saundersfoot, St Brides Hill, Rushy Lake,  Broadfield Hill, and up to the New Hedges Roundabout. This is also an incredible boost for local tourism and the village economy.

I am a strong supporter of Ironman Pembrokeshire. Having such a world-renowned event on our doorstep is a real accolade for our area. Hosting the event on a Sunday at the end of September, which extends the summer season and  provides a significant boost to local businesses and creates a day of celebration for residents and visitors alike. The bike course has just been ranked second in the world, showcasing the beautiful scenery on the course and supported from the stunning location of Tenby. Saundersfoot plays an important role in welcoming competitors and spectators alike, with hospitality venues, live music, BBQs, and cheering crowds creating a truly vibrant atmosphere. Sections such as the descent from Amroth, Wisemans Bridge, Coppet Hall, and the climb up “Heartbreak Hill” , Rushy Lake, Broadfield Hill, have become iconic, drawing spectators and creating a real Tour de France-style spectacle. We must also acknowledge thanks to Margery Brown and family who continue to support and open up their field to provide parking for this event. This location off the New Hedges Roundabout, is vital for those who wish to support  and incredibly all monies raised goes to charities like Paul Sartori.

While the event brings enormous benefits for tourism and local businesses, we must also ensure that residents’ concerns are listened to. Key issues raised include rubbish along the route, access to toilet facilities, and maintaining safe conditions for both athletes and spectators, which was raised by IM.  Safety is paramount, particularly for participants who need sufficient space to overtake and complete this challenging course.

The recent meeting was extremely positive, and further discussions are planned. I am already working with local groups in the village to support litter management and ensure the area is left as it was found, minimising inconvenience for residents. Adequate facilities and clear communication with the community will be a priority.  By working together with PCC, event organisers, and the community, we can ensure that Ironman Pembrokeshire continues to thrive while respecting and supporting the needs of local residents.

Following a challenging 12-week period of works within Saundersfoot, I would like to take this opportunity to thank residents and business owners for their patience, understanding, and continued support throughout. The works, particularly during the difficult weather conditions in January and February, have inevitably caused disruption. I fully recognise the frustrations experienced, especially in relation to movement around the village and the temporary loss of parking on Cambrian Terrace, which is vital to both residents and local businesses. Over recent months, I have attended numerous meetings and held many conversations with members of the community. While there have been concerns, the overwhelming majority have supported the need for enhancement, improved safety, better accessibility in the centre of the village, as indicated in the consultation process.   At the heart of these works has been a clear focus on safety and to meet these needs, safer crossing points with improved visibility have been created. This in turn should reduce vehicle speeds whilst ensuring that pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, and those with limited mobility can move through the village with greater confidence. Importantly, parking remains on Cambrian Terrace, as strongly supported during the consultation process. While there has been a reduction in the number of spaces, this has been offset by the introduction of additional parking bays on Milford Street, delivered as part of earlier phases of the scheme. I would also like to state that Saundersfoot Harbour have recently made 8 spaces available as you drive in and these will be a mixture of disabled and 30 minute bays to provide extra parking for residents and its visitors.

The loading bay on Cambrian Terrace will remain, and I have worked to ensure that both this and the loading bay on Brewery Terrace can support general parking after 10am. This will provide additional short-stay parking opportunities, particularly for those wishing to stop briefly and support local businesses. A 30-minute parking bay and a disabled parking space will also be available on Cambrian Terrace. I am also pleased to confirm that longstanding drainage issues on  Brewery Terrace have now been addressed, with outlets levelled and improved. Further work is planned following Easter to replace the pavement area outside the Boathouse on Cambrian Terrace, where persistent surface water has been an issue. This will include improved drainage to prevent future puddling and enhance pedestrian safety. During March, I received a high number of enquiries regarding the new active travel path running parallel to the existing pavement. This was initially constructed with a 50mm height difference, in line with guidance to support those with visual impairments by providing a clear distinction between surfaces. While I fully understood the rationale, I shared the concerns raised by residents that this could present a trip hazard.

Following a site meeting, it was agreed that a revised solution would be implemented, introducing a bevelled edge with a much reduced height difference of between 5mm and 10mm. Having now seen this completed, I am confident this represents a far safer and more practical outcome, balancing accessibility for visually impaired users with the need to minimise risk for all pedestrians. I would like to thank residents and business owners for raising this promptly, allowing a swift and positive resolution. There has also been discussion around café culture along Cambrian Terrace. To be clear, there will be no extension of café culture onto the pavements beyond what has previously been in place. Businesses will continue to operate with the same provision of tables and chairs as in recent years. This reflects the feedback received during earlier consultations, where maintaining parking provision remained a key priority.

Access for all abilities remains central to these improvements, and Cambrian Terrace will continue to be fully accessible.  There will also be opportunities during key events, such as the Saundersfoot Triathlon and Ironman, where temporary road closures could allow businesses to extend outdoor seating and further enhance the atmosphere within the village. I have met with many residents and business owners throughout this process, and I would like to sincerely thank them for their time and feedback. Their involvement has been invaluable in helping shape these outcomes. Now that the main roadworks have finished, the village can begin to return to normality, with the reassurance that safety concerns have been listened to and addressed. Saundersfoot is now a safer, more accessible environment for everyone, whether walking, cycling or driving through. In summary, these works have delivered a significant net gain for the village. Additional short-term and disabled spaces have been created, dual loading bays extended to accommodate more vehicles, and overall safety and accessibility have been improved, despite the temporary loss of a couple of spaces on Cambrian Terrace. Temporary tarmacking has been installed on pavements, with permanent paving scheduled to be laid after Easter. These enhancements have been informed by resident and business feedback and reflect a careful balance between practical needs and long-term improvement of the village environment.

I would like to thank the contractors, Evan Pritchard, for their hard work under extremely challenging conditions, and I am grateful to all residents and business owners who engaged with the consultation process. Your input has been invaluable in shaping a scheme that meets the needs of the community. As the village returns to normality, any scheme of this nature, there will be a bedding-in period. I remain committed to meeting with anyone who has concerns and to taking forward feedback to ensure that the scheme continues to work effectively for all residents and businesses.

In my previous monthly report, I highlighted the potential proposal to amend the current 20mph speed limit to 30mph along the B4316 between New Hedges and Saundersfoot. Since then, I have spoken with fellow County Councillor Rhys Jordan, who also represents this area, and I have received a number of communications from residents querying why this change is being considered on what is a particularly busy stretch of road.

I want to be clear that I am seeking to fully understand the rationale behind this proposal. It is important that any decision is based on clear evidence and not influenced solely by a small number of views, but instead reflects the needs and safety of the residents who live along this route. This section of road serves a large residential area, with hundreds of properties and holiday lodges. There are also points where visibility is limited, and in several locations properties are accessed directly from the road, often without the benefit of continuous footways. This means pedestrians are required to cross the road at various points, which further highlights the importance of maintaining a safe environment.

Historically, traffic surveys over a number of years have shown that the previous 30mph limit was frequently exceeded, which led to enforcement measures such as the deployment of the Road Safety Camera Van. While I have not yet seen comprehensive data relating specifically to the current 20mph limit, there are clear indicators of ongoing concerns. The speed awareness sign installed by Saundersfoot Community Council regularly highlights vehicles travelling above the limit.

Data provided by Saundersfoot Community Council, covering the period from 1st August 2025 to 2nd February 2026, shows that 77% of motorists travelling towards Saundersfoot exceeded the 20mph limit, even with the presence of a speed awareness indicator. Notably, there were instances of vehicles travelling between 61 and 70mph in this section. In the opposite direction, 83% of motorists were recorded travelling above the speed limit, with over 210,000 vehicles exceeding speeds of up to 35mph.

I fully recognise that the introduction of 20mph limits has generated a wide range of views, and it is important that all perspectives are considered. However, I firmly believe that residents and businesses along this stretch of road must have a strong voice in this discussion. Their day-to-day experience of living and working in this area is vital in shaping any future decision. Road safety must remain the priority. Considerations such as pedestrian safety, stopping distances, and the wider environment are all well documented when comparing 20mph and 30mph limits, particularly in residential areas such as this. I will continue to engage with residents, the Community Council, and relevant officers to ensure that all views are heard and that any decision taken is both evidence-based and in the best interests of the community.

Saundersfoot Rotary Club has continued to play an active role in supporting local organisations and community initiatives throughout the past month.

On 20 February, members supported Love Saundersfoot’s St David’s Day celebrations by erecting around 30 Welsh flags at the premises of participants and supporters of the village Cawl Trail, which took place on 28 February.

On 22 February, club members presented rainproof training

jackets to Kilgetty Ladies Football Club, supporting the team and their ongoing activities.

The club also made a £250 donation to the Riding for the Disabled Association (Pembrokeshire) on 23 February, helping to support their important work providing opportunities and therapeutic benefits through horse riding for people with disabilities.

On 26 February, the club held a 50th Anniversary Fellowship Coffee Morning, attended by members and friends of the club, both past and present. It was a well-supported and enjoyable event celebrating the club’s long history of service in the community.

During the Cawl Trail on 28 February, Rotary members provided first aid support throughout the event. Club President Roy Patel also participated as the event’s judge.

On 4 March, members supported the Saundersfoot Wombles and Ecoast Pembrokeshire during a beach clean, helping remove significant waste from local beaches, including:

• 12 plastic bottles (recycled)
• 11kg of rope from Monkstone Beach
• 7.5kg of small plastics from the main beach
• 2 fish boxes (recycled)
• 1 exhaust pipe
• 1 lobster pot

A further beach clean is scheduled for 22 March.

On 7 March, members returned to the village to remove the Welsh flags that had been installed in support of the St David’s Day celebrations.

Upcoming Events

On 26 March, the club will host a 50th Anniversary Community Concert at the Regency Hall, featuring Tenby Male Choir and Côr y Môr.

On 28 March, the club will also proudly support a concert at the Regency Hall by the Slipway Ukes, who will be performing in aid of the Paul Sartori Foundation, a Pembrokeshire charity that provides hospice-at-home services,

Saundersfoot Harbour is holding two events over the Friday 1^st and Saturday 2^nd of May. These will be two fantastic tribute acts that will rock the deck at Saundersfoot Harbour. It all kicks off on the Friday night as Flash – the Queen tribute act takes the stage bringing the legendary sound, swagger and showmanship of Queen to the Harbour. Then on the Saturday, there will be a glamour as The Dolly Show rolls in. One of the UK’s top Dolly Parton tributes, you can expect powerhouse vocals, rhinestones for days and a whole lot of joy. Tickets are now available at Saundersfoot Harbour.

BINGO is back at Saundersfoot Sports Club every Tuesday. Please contact the sports club for further information for this much loved community get together.

SANDS – There will be an over 30’s club at the Sands on 4^th April 5pm to 9pm with 80’s 90’s & 00’s mixtape.  Saturday 11^th of April 4pm to 8pm this will be a family event with DJ CHINZ – Boiler room style set, everyone welcome.  RED SKIES country band supported by DJ Supreme , classic and modern country music on Saturday 16^th of May 7pm to 11pm.

Over the past few weeks, I have been contacted by a number of residents regarding ongoing issues with dog fouling across the village. This has included a concerning incident involving a family with young children, who were directly affected by dog mess that had not been cleared up by the owner. The family actively encourage their children to spend time outdoors enjoying our village. However, it is both frustrating and concerning that something as simple as walking along pavements or using green spaces can be overshadowed by the need to constantly watch where they step. This takes away from what should be a safe, clean, and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Saundersfoot is widely recognised as a welcoming and dog-friendly village, with many businesses accommodating dog owners. However, it is equally important to recognise that many residents and visitors do not own dogs and should not be negatively impacted by those who do. As a dog owner myself, I strongly believe in responsible ownership. Dogs should not, and must not, impact on others. The vast majority of dog owners in our community are responsible and take pride in keeping the village clean. In fact, many are rightly frustrated, embarrassed, and let down by the actions of a very small minority who fail to meet these basic standards.

I strongly believe that dog owners have a responsibility to clean up after their animals at all times. Failing to do so is unacceptable and has a direct impact on the health, safety, and enjoyment of our shared spaces. In recent years, I have personally intervened where necessary, including asking dog owners to remove dogs from Saundersfoot Sports Field. The Sports Club has since installed signage highlighting the risks associated with dog fouling, particularly the potential harm to children and adults. I also understand that the club is exploring further measures, including grant opportunities, to better secure the playing surface and prevent access for dogs altogether.

I will continue to work with Pembrokeshire County Council to review signage and consider what further steps can be taken to address this issue. Education, awareness, and enforcement all have a role to play. Thank you to those residents who have raised their concerns. We all share a responsibility to ensure Saundersfoot remains a clean, safe, and welcoming place for everyone.

Businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors in Pembrokeshire who have not yet applied for rate relief have until March 31^st to do so. Welsh Government previously announced the retail, leisure and hospitality rates relief scheme in Wales for 2025/26. Properties that can benefit include shops, pubs and restaurants, gyms, performance venues and hotels.

Relief will be granted to eligible businesses  as a reduction to the rates bill based on occupation between 1^st April 2025 to 31^st March 2026.  The scheme aims to provide support for eligible occupied properties by offering a discount of 40% on non-domestic rates bills. The closing date to apply is 31^st March 2026.

More information on the relief and the application form can be found on our website at: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/business-rates/retail-leisure-and-hospitality-rates-relief-in-wales

I was recently invited to attend an event at the Grove in Narberth, which proved to be both enjoyable and highly insightful. I greatly valued the opportunity to listen to the views and perspectives shared by those in attendance, and it was encouraging to see such a strong commitment to the future of tourism in Pembrokeshire. Tourism is absolutely vital to our county. It supports thousands of local jobs, sustains small and independent businesses, underpins our hospitality sector, and plays a central role in maintaining vibrant communities. In villages such as Saundersfoot, the visitor economy is not simply seasonal, it is fundamental to the long-term sustainability of local services, employment, and community life.

I fully support the ongoing initiatives to promote a healthier and more sustainable model of tourism for Pembrokeshire, one that carefully balances economic benefit and community wellbeing. Encouraging high-quality visitor experiences, longer stays, and respectful engagement with our communities is clearly the right direction for the county. I would also like to extend my thanks to everyone involved at Visit Pembrokeshire for organising such a thoughtful and well-delivered event. It is reassuring to see such proactive leadership and collaboration in supporting and shaping the future of tourism across Pembrokeshire.

 was invited to attend the village litter pick in March, and both the  Wombles and Ecoast deserve considerable credit for their ongoing dedication to keeping the village clean. Their sustained efforts are clearly making a positive difference. However, it is equally evident that the volume of litter is increasing. Last Sunday, I joined two Saundersfoot Rotarians, Ray and John, for an early start along Fan Road and the surrounding routes forming a loop back into the village. It was a beautiful morning, and it was a pleasure to have company while also discussing broader community matters. The experience was both productive and deeply concerning.

In a relatively small area, covering Ridgeway, Fan Road, Pentlepoir Junction, down to St Issell’s Church, and returning via Church Terrace, we collected eight full sacks of rubbish. The majority comprised food and drink waste, glass bottles, vape units, takeaway containers, and fast-food packaging. While it is rewarding to leave these areas cleaner, it is extremely disappointing to see such high levels of littering, particularly from passing vehicles.

A growing and very noticeable trend is the deliberate discarding of rubbish from cars along this stretch. It is difficult to understand how some drivers and passengers can prioritise the interior of their vehicle over the countryside they are passing through. This behaviour is not only irresponsible, it is unacceptable. In total, we collected an astonishing 27 kilos of waste, and I anticipate a similar amount will require removal next month. This is not accidental litter, it is rubbish being intentionally thrown from vehicles, food packaging, alcoholic tins, vape units, and takeaway waste, repeatedly, on the same roads, week after week.

Within 24 hours of clearing the area, more litter had already been discarded. There is no excuse for this behaviour. Choosing to throw rubbish from a car window is a conscious decision to damage the very place we all live in and depend upon. It demonstrates a complete disregard for the countryside, the community, and the volunteers who generously give their time to clean up after others.

Other volunteer groups also worked diligently across the village, including the Regency Hall car park, The MUGA, the car park opposite the bus stop, Brewery Terrace, and The Strand. Their efforts resulted in a further 25.3 kilos of waste collected. Cigarette litter alone exceeded 100 items before counting was even completed.

At 11:30 am, a beach clean took place from Coppet Hall to the back beach behind  Saundersfoot Harbour. This was supported by 31 individuals, including local residents, first-time volunteers, and holidaymakers keen to contribute. Saundersfoot Rotary once again brought their trademark energy and enthusiasm, proudly dressed in blue, helping make the event a success. The beach clean alone resulted in 19.6 kilos of waste collected.

In total, nearly 50 individuals gave their time to support the community, collecting an impressive 71.9 kilos of litter over the course of the day. Sincere thanks also go to Saundersfoot Sailing Club,  for their continued support and refreshments. It was a fantastic day for the village, but it should not be necessary to repeat this work at such a scale. Those who continue to throw litter from vehicles must understand the impact of their actions. This is our community, and it deserves better.

Community Gardening Club – The Community Gardening Club is proving very popular, with guest speakers, seeds, plants and a cuppa on offer at The Regency Hall from 1.30pm on the last Thursday of the month. Members have been taking seeds home to grow and nurture until it’s time to plant out around the village, others have brought cuttings from their own gardens to propagate, and some have even shared propagated houseplants!

Common Thread Craft Group – The Craft Group have been busy sewing letters from donated and vintage fabrics onto unwanted gloves — more on that exciting project coming soon! They meet every Tuesday from 1.30pm in The Regency Following a Gardening Club talk by Ffion from Hael Natural Colour, members are also planning a dye garden in the village and related crafting activities.

Saundersfoot Youth Club – A big thank you to Saundersfoot Youth Club, who have helped with sowing seeds for village displays by trying out the Seed Snail method. Staff also brought some really creative thinking to the challenge of securing funding for raised beds that can be used to grow food for the community. Fingers crossed businesses like the idea as much as we do!

The Book Boat is Back –  We absolutely love the Book Boat so were delighted to see it return after repairs. A free book exchange for the whole community – take a book, share a book, and keep the stories circulating. Every swap is a small act of sustainability too, giving books a new lease of life instead of ending up in landfill.

Free to use, open to all, and good for the planet! A  huge thank you to Geraint Ginty Foster and Rhianydd Jones-Foster for sponsoring it.

Get Involved –  As the weather improves, we’ll be out and about tidying and getting flower beds and areas ready for their summer displays. If you’d like to join in, call into Ecoast or leave a message for us at the Library. Thanks to a chance meeting on Spring Clean Cymru day, we’re also on course to have our very own website very soon – which will have details of upcoming beach cleans, planting days and other ways to get involved. Watch this space!

This project has been on hold over the past few months, primarily due to the weather and the specialist work required to apply the resin bond to secure the coal within the drams at the Sensory garden.

I’m pleased to say that the initiative has been very well supported, and the SMELT committee has received fantastic encouragement from the community. This project has not only enhanced the space visually, but it has also played an important role in highlighting Saundersfoot’s rich industrial heritage. As many will know, Saundersfoot was once a thriving coal-exporting harbour, with narrow-gauge tramways transporting coal from the surrounding collieries directly to the waterfront. The harbour we see today was shaped by this industry, and it laid the foundations for the village’s development over time. While our identity has evolved into a vibrant and popular tourism destination, it is important that we continue to recognise and celebrate the industry that built our community.

The new display boards installed as part of the project provide clear and engaging information about this history. In addition, the QR code links to further images and resources, helping to tell the story of how Saundersfoot Harbour has transformed from its industrial roots into the thriving visitor destination we know today.

The SMELT committee is currently still trying to source an authentic-style lamp-post to complement and support the coal truck feature, ensuring the display remains as true to its historical context as possible. Planting is scheduled to take place in April, when the warmer weather will provide the right conditions. This will further enhance both sides of the coal trucks and complete the overall look of the Sensory garden.

I have included an up-to-date image and would encourage residents and visitors alike to take a look at how this area has been transformed. It is a great example of how we can celebrate our past while enhancing the village for future generations, linking our industrial heritage to the thriving community and tourism destination Saundersfoot has become today. Saundersfoot Rotarian Ray Wise, will donate an Easter Egg to the successful individual whose name is pulled out of the hat, if they can give the full name of the SMELT acronym.

Kerry from the HWYL outdoor sauna is delighted to share an update on the installation of the new outdoor cold-water shower at Saundersfoot Harbour, a project designed to enhance the wellbeing offer in our coastal community and support sea swimmers, sauna users, and visitors alike. This project has been made possible thanks to funding from the Welsh Government, who generously contributed 75% of the installation costs through the Weather Proofing Fund. Their support has been instrumental in bringing this idea to life within a very tight timeframe.

Saundersfoot Harbour have also been incredibly supportive, not only in providing a prime location for the shower but in committing to a significant portion of its long-term maintenance, ensuring it remains a valuable community asset for years to come. Kerry would also like thank Saundersfoot Community Council for their contribution towards maintenance and water costs for the shower.

Special thanks must go to Simon Fussell, who went above and beyond to help deliver the project at pace, ensuring deadlines were met so that the funding could be secured. We are also extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed to the GoFundMe campaign to help raise the remaining funds, as well as to the many local businesses that continue to support the project through donations and fundraising efforts, including Crep Da and The Swell. All donations gratefully received and you can do so by visiting GoFundMe and looking for Outdoor, cold fresh shower on Saundersfoot Harbour

Huge thank you to Jo, Katrina and Helen for helping bring the beautiful garden to life and finally to Wyevale Holdings for donating the plants for the garden. This has been a true community effort, and we look forward to seeing both residents and visitors enjoy the benefits of this new facility in the heart of the village for everyone to use.

During March, I did receive an email regarding issues on contamination of our seas locally and across Pembrokeshire and which was recently highlighted following the release of channel 4’s TV drama, Dirty Business. This was aired across the country and I’m sure many of you will have watched this programme as it highlights the state of the UK’s water treatment facilities. I fully understood the concerns raised and that’s why I engaged with the public protection officer at Pembrokeshire County Council and asked him about the concerns raised in the letter and what we are doing locally on this. Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) has responded to my recent concerns raised by residents regarding seawater quality, following national media coverage highlighting issues with water treatment across the UK.

PCC’s Public Protection team has confirmed that, locally, there is no evidence to suggest that current Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) activity is having a detrimental impact on bathing waters in Saundersfoot. The area continues to maintain excellent water quality, meeting the high standards required for Blue Flag status.

Welsh Water is recognised for its transparency in reporting all CSO discharges, which can sometimes give the impression of higher activity compared to other regions. However, many of these discharges are related to storm water management and do not necessarily result in pollution reaching bathing waters.

Residents are also advised that some third-party reporting tools, such as mobile applications, may present data in a way that can be misinterpreted, particularly as they often report activity within a wide radius rather than specific beach impact.

Significant investment has been made over recent years to improve infrastructure and water quality monitoring. PCC continues to work closely with Welsh Water and Natural Resources Wales, with regular inspections and stakeholder engagement ongoing. Pre-season beach assessments are due to begin in early May. PCC would like to reassure residents and visitors that Saundersfoot remains a safe and high-quality bathing destination, and that maintaining these standards remain a priority.  I would recommend using the Welsh Water storm overflow map, which provides a clearer picture of activity in specific locations. https://corporate.dwrcymru.com/en/community/environment/storm-overflow-map  is a much better source for information on discharges than the safer seas app which can and is being misunderstood

Plans are well underway for this year’s Saundersfoot community presentation evening, which will take place on 7th May at 6:30pm at Saundersfoot Sailing Club. Invitations will be issued shortly, and organisers are hopeful that this year’s event will surpass the already impressive level of support and funding distributed at the same time last year.

The annual presentation is a key date in the village calendar, celebrating the achievements of local groups and providing vital financial support to organisations, charities, and community initiatives both within Saundersfoot and the surrounding area.

This event would not be possible without the continued generosity and commitment of the community. Organisers have extended their sincere thanks to residents, local sponsors, volunteers, and committee members whose ongoing support ensures the event’s success year after year.

Looking ahead, early preparations have already begun for 2027, with ambitions to continue growing the event and expanding its positive impact. The aim remains to support an even wider range of deserving groups, reinforcing the strong sense of community that makes Saundersfoot such a special place.

A number of bus service changes will be introduced at the end of March in time for the Easter school holidays.

This includes summer service enhancements in the St Davids area and between Tenby and Pendine, a new timetable on the Haverfordwest to Broad Haven service, and several other changes to services in the Haverfordwest area.

The open topped Tenby Coaster between Tenby and Saundersfoot will also be returning for the Easter weekend.

The service changes in full are as follows

From Saturday 28/3/26:

• 403 Celtic Coaster (St Davids Peninsula) restarts for Summer 2026 season
• 351 (Tenby-Amroth-Pendine) summer timetable starts

From Monday 30/3/26:

• 301 (Haverfordwest Town Service) – increased running time and number of journeys reduced from 5 journeys per day to 4.
• 307 (Haverfordwest-Merlins Bridge) – introduction of a daily afternoon service (Monday to Friday)
• 308 (Haverfordwest-Burton circular) – morning journey departs 15 minutes earlier, due to congestion on Pembroke Road.  Afternoon journey departs 10 minutes later and calls at St Issells Avenue by request only.
• 311 (Haverfordwest-Broad Haven) – increased running time.  All outbound services call at Haverfordwest Rail Station, all inbound services call at Haverfordwest Rail Station by request.
• 313 (Haverfordwest-Wiston) – first journey departs 20 minutes earlier.  Afternoon service no longer calls at Morrison due to congestion.

Saturday 4/4/26 to Monday 6/4/26:

• Tenby Coaster (Tenby-Saundersfoot) – Easter Weekend only)

For timetables see: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/bus-routes-and-timetables/planned-bus-service-changes