October was another busy month with a range of concerns from residents and businesses across Saundersfoot and these are some of the jobs undertaken. I’ve been in regular contact with the highways maintenance teams throughout the month, due to issues around our village. 

One matter is the sunken drains on the lower end of the Ridgeway, as you turn the corner from Milford Terrace. This is a narrow carriageway, meaning that vehicles, including heavy goods vehicles, buses, and cars are too close to the kerb.

The constant weight has caused several drains in this area to drop. Last week, a PCC team attended to a kerb issue, which appears to have resulted from the same drainage movement. I’ve asked for this section to be reviewed as soon as possible, as two of the drains are now blocked and the situation could worsen if left unattended.

I would also like to thank the highways team for filling in two potholes on Frances Lane outside the school and also for their support in using the machine to clear leaves at the bottom end of Westfield Road, St Brides Lane and Bevelin Hall hill. Another improvement worth noting is the resurfacing of the road from Westfield Road to Hopshill Lane. This stretch, which had long suffered from potholes and uneven tarmac, this has now been resurfaced from roughly outside Westfield Court Flats to Griffiston Caravan Park. The contractors have done an excellent job, and neighbouring residents are very pleased to see this long-standing issue resolved. The Strand has also had some issues with broken streetlights. These have been reported to the Streetcare team, who are now arranging for repairs.

During October, there were numerous reports of e-bikes being left around the village. I’d like to remind users that they are designated points for picking up and dropping off bikes. I personally collected one that had been left in the bushes on Valley Road and returned it to the correct location outside the Regency Hall. While the scheme is a great addition for sustainable transport, I’d politely ask users to avoid leaving bikes on pavements, hedges, or other unsuitable spots, as this can cause inconvenience for others. I was also contacted by residents about an unusual circular indentation and discolouration that appeared on the beach at low tide earlier in the month.

I reported this to PCC for investigation, though at present it remains a bit of a mystery. Councillor Cormack and I joined our local PCSO, Ffion, for a village walkabout this month. These visits are always valuable, giving us the opportunity to share local knowledge, discuss recent reports, and maintain good communication between the community and local policing. Thankfully, there have been minimal incidents recently, but regular catch-ups are always worthwhile. I’ve also been working with PCC to resolve a tree concern raised by a resident whose property was being affected by overhanging branches. The tree owner has been very cooperative, and we’re hopeful that the matter will be fully resolved before winter sets in.

On Brewery Terrace, frustration continues around a property that regularly places black bags of rubbish on the street every Monday. This causes inconvenience to neighbouring residents and creates unnecessary clean-up work for PCC, particularly as no recycling is being carried out. I’ve reported this ongoing issue and will continue to press for a resolution.

Earlier in the month, I met with Emma Thornton from Visit Pembrokeshire and James Bennett from Love Saundersfoot. We discussed ways to better promote local events and raise awareness of the new Love Saundersfoot group. I’ve previously expressed concerns that Visit Pembrokeshire lacked a dedicated events page, which is essential for showcasing the many fantastic community and charity events across the county and our village.  This meeting was very productive, and I’m pleased to report that Love Saundersfoot now has its own events page to highlight what’s on locally. It was a great example of working collaboratively to strengthen community engagement and support local initiatives.

I attended a site meeting at the Persimmon development to view the new properties that will be made available under the local lettings policy. I hope to share more information about this in November once further details are confirmed. There will be three properties available at Nant y Dderwen under the locals lettings policy, organised by Ateb. This is a much needed boost for local residents to stay and have support within the village and the first batch of houses will be moved into in January. There will be additional properties under the local letting when the next batch of properties become available in the spring.

The Active Travel link between the Rail Station and Village centre are now fully complete with the wayfinding signage installed. The final surfacing is also being completed to the rail station access road and traffic order for the taxi bay.

Construction has been implemented to improve the footway, drainage and driver awareness of the road narrowing that has been undertaken underneath the rail bridge on Station Road. These were originally considered to include a priority system but was not included due to engineer reconsideration of the location, carriageway design speeds and forward sightlines. These improvements will, along with other highway alterations, be fully monitored.

The works to Stammers Road have commenced and will include improvements to the eastern footway (this becoming a Shared Used Path facility), changes to the pedestrian crossing facilities, on-street parking and loading arrangements. The programmed improvements to the Harbour access section are currently being reviewed, following feedback from the Harbour. Alterations within the junction area not being supported and therefore engineers are reviewing options to remodel the junction and pedestrian connectivity. The primary aim is to ensure safe facilities for pedestrians and non-motorised users.

The designing of the connection along Cambrian Terrace has provided a challenge to the engineering teams. The designs are currently being advanced to include a controlled pedestrian crossing and an Active Travel flow cycle system. We have looked to retain the disabled bay and are currently reviewing the loading and 30 minute bays arrangement, these being relocated to the eastern side of the carriageway.

The update above has been provided by the Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) Highways Engineering Team. Councillor Cormack and I would like to reassure residents that we will continue to press for the ongoing monitoring of the road beneath the railway bridge. While we fully support the proposed improvements, we both recognise that if this section of road were being constructed today, it would be designed very differently, with improved sight lines and sufficient space for vehicles to pass safely.

It is disappointing that On 21 March 2025, following a site meeting attended by Councillor Cormack and myself, we received confirmation from the Assistant Highways Officer that a priority right of way would be implemented at this location.  It is important to note that this  would require an associated change in the speed limit, which in turn will need further discussion, ongoing monitoring, and public consultation should any issues arise. Councillor Cormack and I had not been informed of this and will be asking for a meeting on this section as soon as possible.

Over recent weeks, I have met with a number of residents and local business owners who have raised important and constructive questions regarding the ongoing roadworks throughout the village. These conversations have been extremely valuable, helping to shape discussions with the engineering team. Following one such meeting, I arranged for PCC engineers to meet directly with a property owner who had specific concerns about the proposed new layout.

The consultation process undertaken in 2024 played a significant role in shaping these schemes by allowing residents’ views to be properly heard and considered. That collaborative approach continues with the rollout of the active travel improvements, which are designed to enhance accessibility for everyone, whether walking, using a scooter, or cycling with family.

Retaining parking within the village centre remains a key priority. The preservation of disabled bays and 30-minute parking spaces is essential, and we are hopeful that additional spaces can be introduced where possible. Improved loading and dual-timed bays are also being considered to better serve residents, support short visits, and assist local businesses.

Having recently reviewed new proposals for Cambrian Terrace, I felt that the suggested measures appeared too temporary and did not reflect the character or long-term needs of the area. PCC engineers have therefore agreed to develop revised plans. I am pleased to confirm that these updated proposals will be shared with residents as soon as they are available, and I will also be meeting with local businesses to gather their feedback. It is anticipated that these drawings will be available for review in early December.

In addition, I have raised concerns regarding the original design linking Brewery Terrace to Cambrian Terrace on the eastern carriageway. The previous concept appeared over-engineered and did not provide a natural or efficient flow through the village. I am encouraged that this section is now being reconsidered, as I believe the revised design will integrate more effectively with the village environment and improve pedestrian safety. Pedestrians will mostly use the shorter route and I feel this will work far better in the village. I would like to acknowledge the concerns raised about the raised kerb demarcating the taxi rank on Milford Street. I have been informed that this will be removed as part of the upcoming works in the village. I have also requested that PCC Highways Engineers undertake a detailed review of The Strand. Many residents are aware of the challenges along this stretch, including unnecessary vehicle movements, narrow pavements, and restricted pedestrian access, which often force people to walk on the road.

A meeting has been arranged, and both Councillor Cormack and I are optimistic that improvements can be made. With the ongoing active travel projects being delivered throughout the village, it is important that The Strand also benefits from measures that create safer and more accessible routes for all users.

The active travel link currently being developed in Saundersfoot has already made a positive difference to pedestrian safety and accessibility. Extending that same level of accessibility and safety to The Strand would be a natural and welcome progression, improving conditions for residents and visitors alike while also acting as an effective traffic-calming measure.

A vacancy has arisen for a Commissioner at Saundersfoot Harbour. Under the Harbour Commissioners’ constitution, one member is appointed by Pembrokeshire County Council, one by Saundersfoot Community Council, and six by the Appointments Panel. The County Council appointment falls under the discretion of the Council Leader and has traditionally been held by the sitting County Councillor for Saundersfoot.

After careful consideration and discussions with residents and leader at Pembrokeshire County Council, I have informed the Leader that I will not be putting my name forward for the role. While I recognise the Harbour’s importance to our community, I believe I can best serve Saundersfoot by remaining independent of its governance structure.

As a County Councillor, my duty is to represent all residents and businesses impartially. Taking on a Commissioner role could compromise that independence and limit my ability to speak openly on behalf of the community. I will instead continue to contribute through the Harbour Advisory Board, where I can scrutinise decisions and raise local concerns freely.

With a public consultation on the Harbour Revision Order (HRO) expected in 2026, it is essential that the process remains transparent and free from any perceived conflict of interest. Saundersfoot Harbour operates as a commercial body, and it is important that elected members remain separate to act solely in the public interest.

My focus remains on supporting Saundersfoot as a thriving place to live, work, and visit. I will continue to advocate for transparency, open communication, and collaboration between the Harbour, residents, local businesses and village organisations.

On Sunday 7^th of December 2025, between 12.00hrs – 4pm. Temporary road closure. There will be a children’s charity fun run organised by Saundersfoot Rotary Club. The road will be closed at the junction of the Strand east then north to the end of public highway where it joins the tunnel. The Strand is a no through road, access will be maintained to property where practicable and could be subject to delays. REF – 2025/682

On January 1^st 2026. The closure is proposed to commence at 09:30hrs on Thursday 1^st January 2026 and finish at 15:00hrs. Access for residents will be maintained where necessary together with emergency service vehicle access. The road will be closed off at the entrance to the Strand and the roads will be opened up as quickly and safely as possible after the event. The Strand has been closed for the last 12 years and the New Years Swim committee would like to thank all residents and businesses who continue to support this Charity event each year.

Councillor Cormack and I recently invited residents to share their views on parking issues across the village. The consultation generated a range of valuable feedback from individuals living in different areas of Saundersfoot.

Following the consultation, we held two constructive meetings with the Senior Traffic and Road Safety Engineer from Pembrokeshire County Council. The first of these meetings took place on site at The Glen, following long-standing concerns from residents about persistent parking issues and obstruction.

Residents have reported that vehicles, particularly during low tide, continue to access the beach area to gather shellfish such as cockles, mussels, and razor clams from Monkstone Beach. This behaviour has led to blocked access, restricted driveways, and significant inconvenience to residents. Vehicles frequently park across pinch points and access routes, often arriving late at night or early in the morning with little regard for those living nearby.

While double yellow lines were introduced at The Glen some years ago, it is now clear that enforcement alone is not proving effective in this location. The relatively low penalty for illegal parking does not appear to act as a sufficient deterrent, particularly for those driving high-value vehicles.

The site visit with the Senior Highways Officer was extremely productive. A number of practical ideas were discussed to balance the need for resident access, emergency vehicle clearance, and limited parking for responsible beach users with or without a dog. It was agreed that a review would now be undertaken, including a study of the area, engagement with landowners, and the development of proposals to potentially improve access and parking management. I will be consulting further with residents of The Glen to gather their views on possible solutions. Ensuring emergency access at all times remains the overriding priority. The meeting also served as a timely reminder of the challenges in this area, demonstrated when a builders’ lorry struggled to pass with only three cars parked along the road.

Our second meeting was attended by both the Senior Traffic Engineer and the Traffic Management Officer. Both officers had reviewed the responses from the community consultation and were well aware of the particular pressures faced during periods of high visitor numbers, such as during warm weather, weekends, school holidays, and major village events including Saundersfoot Triathlon, Big Bang Weekend, and the New Year’s Day Swim.

This meeting was again extremely positive. The PCC Highways and Traffic Team have agreed to carry out further data gathering and monitoring across the village to better understand the parking patterns and pressures that exist. Once this information has been collected and analysed, they will provide feedback and potential recommendations to Councillor Cormack and myself.

We also discussed enforcement and acknowledged the challenges faced by officers who cover large areas of the county. While double yellow lines exist in many key locations, coverage can vary, and some incidents of inconsiderate parking may go unseen. The team was fully aware of this difficulty and recognised the ongoing issue of limited parking availability within the village, alongside concerns about parking charges at certain car parks.

Another point raised during the meeting was the need for improved signage. We felt that clearer, more visible signage directing drivers to available parking would help reduce congestion and unnecessary vehicle movement through the village. One example discussed was Frances Lane, where a sign could direct vehicles towards Coppet Hall Car Park, making it clear that it offers a short, flat walk to the village centre. Currently, many drivers mistakenly turn right into the village, believing they are heading closer to the centre, when in fact they could find more suitable parking by turning left. Improved directional signage could significantly ease traffic flow and reduce the number of vehicles circulating in search of short-stay or disabled parking bays.

I would like to extend my thanks to the PCC Highways Safety and Traffic Team for their time, expertise, and ongoing commitment to working collaboratively with local councillors and residents. Their willingness to listen, engage, and explore solutions is greatly appreciated, and I am confident that this partnership approach will lead to practical, long-term improvements to parking and traffic management across Saundersfoot.

In October, I attended a full meeting of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, where a number of agenda items were discussed relating to the management and sustainability of our National Park. One of the key topics considered was the proposal to increase parking charges across the Authority’s 14 paid car parks.

Officers presented their report in a very professional and well-considered manner, outlining the financial pressures faced by the Authority and the need to ensure sufficient income to maintain and improve facilities. I fully recognise and support the importance of reinvesting in the infrastructure that supports both visitors and residents, and I have supported similar investment proposals in the past.

However, I was unable to support the specific recommendation to increase car parking charges by approximately 33% for stays exceeding one hour. Under this proposal, the cost of an all-day ticket would rise from £6 to £8 from April 2026. While this may appear to be a modest increase to some, it is important to recognise the wider context. Many families are currently experiencing financial pressures, and any additional costs can influence decisions about visiting our coastal and rural areas.

Visitor data presented by Visit Pembrokeshire indicates that tourism habits have changed, with visitor numbers showing a decline in 2024 compared to previous years. Communities such as Saundersfoot, along with other coastal villages and towns within the National Park, are heavily reliant on tourism for local employment and business sustainability. It is therefore crucial that we remain mindful of affordability and accessibility for all visitors.

Pembrokeshire’s unique natural beauty, beaches, and vibrant communities should be open and accessible to everyone,  whether for a day trip, a family holiday, or simply a walk along the coast. Increasing parking costs may create unintended consequences, particularly if visitors choose to park outside designated car parks to avoid charges. This, in turn, could lead to increased parking pressures on residential streets, housing estates, and smaller roads, causing frustration and safety concerns for local residents.

I raised this point during the meeting, stressing the importance of balancing financial sustainability with the need to protect local communities from the knock-on effects of displaced parking. Unfortunately, I was the only member to vote against the proposed increase, but I fully respect the outcome of the democratic process.

My hope is that these changes, if implemented, will be monitored closely to assess their impact on visitor behaviour and local communities. Pembrokeshire’s success depends on maintaining a fair balance between supporting the National Park’s financial needs and ensuring that our county remains welcoming, affordable, and accessible to all who wish to enjoy it.

During October, Members of the National Park Authority made two welcome visits to Saundersfoot to review recent developments that have come before them as the Local Planning Authority. The first visit was to the new development at Nant y Dderwen, where Mr. M. Morgan of Morgan Construction provided an introduction and overview of the project.

Members were given a guided tour of the site and shown a presentation highlighting the progress made over the past 15 months. Part of the visit included viewing the affordable housing element of the development, which is of high quality and particularly encouraging. A total of 19 affordable homes will be made available through the Ateb scheme, including three bungalows that are now completed and due to be occupied in January under local tenancy agreements. The remaining properties are expected to be available in spring 2026.

A key feature of this development is its strong focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. All properties are fitted with photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps, providing residents with modern, low-carbon heating solutions that significantly reduce energy consumption and running costs. Morgan Construction emphasised that these homes are performing extremely efficiently, contributing to more environmentally responsible housing.

It was valuable to see the project at various stages of completion, offering a practical insight into the processes behind planning and delivery. Many are unaware of the complexities involved in bringing such developments forward, and visits like this help Members better understand these challenges and support future planning initiatives more effectively.

The second visit of the day was to review the various phased developments at Saundersfoot Harbour. The site has benefitted from significant grant funding from a number of different sources over recent years, and Members were given a tour by officers to gain an understanding of how the area has developed, as well as the challenges involved in delivering projects within a commercial environment.

There were several positive developments noted. The reorganisation of the car park and the introduction of new safety measures were welcomed, particularly as they improve accessibility and safety for visitors unfamiliar with the layout. The new floating accessible jetty, located midway along the far harbour wall, was also highlighted as an excellent addition, providing inclusive access to boats and promoting year-round usability. The plaza area and beach-facing shops were seen as further positives, along with the transformation of the former coal office into a vibrant space that successfully supports tourism and local enterprise while promoting local heritage.

However, Members also noted a number of issues and examples of projects that have not delivered as intended. The pontoons previously moored in the bay have now been removed and repurposed elsewhere in Pembrokeshire, having proved to be little used and not entirely suitable for local conditions. There was also disappointment at the condition of the Marine Centre of Excellence and Harbour Offices building at the end of the harbour, which still has partial vacancy, and the ongoing closure of the Schooner development, which has not achieved the year-round activity originally envisioned.

Questions were raised about the restaurant space, particularly its accessibility and the lack of a dedicated entrance, and the need for specialist knowledge for business planning in such developments was discussed. The racking system installed within the harbour area has also proved commercially unviable and is expected to be removed. Members were reminded that Saundersfoot remains a working harbour rather than a marina. It continues to support local fishermen, commercial boat trips, recreational sailors, and residents who value the ability to fish or enjoy time on the water. This local activity contributes greatly to the character and economy of Saundersfoot and deserves continued support and promotion. Repurposing certain areas, including those affected by the removal of the racking system, could also help recover costs for the Harbour Commission and potentially provide much-needed additional parking spaces—something that some locals felt would benefit both the harbour’s operations and the wider community.

Whilst Planning Officers can only assess the applications put before them, it was agreed that a review of some of the less successful projects would be beneficial to help identify lessons learned and ensure stronger outcomes in the future.

Overall, the PCNPA Members found the visit both informative and constructive. It reinforced the importance of clear communication, early consultation, and genuine collaboration with stakeholders and residents as key factors in ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of future initiatives.

The initial work on Brynhir housing development in Tenby is due to start this week with Morgan Construction Wales. The first six months of development have been announced and will include site enabling works, new entrance works including a new highway junction and access road, and upgrades to Narberth Road. The enabling works phase will involve site clearance in line with an approved Construction Environmental Management Plan and European Species licence constraints. Eight phases are currently planned, allowing for homes to be available sooner. It is expected that the development will be completed in 2029.

In total, 125 homes will be constructed by Pembrokeshire County Council at Brynhir. These homes will range in size and consist of 93 affordable housing (social and intermediate rent), 16 shared ownership, and 16 open market sale.   This development will also include a range of formal and informal play and recreational areas throughout the site, with direct links into the town. Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Michelle Bateman said: “We are delighted to see work start on this key development of affordable housing for Tenby and the surrounding areas.”

If you have any questions about this, or any other development, please contact the Housing Development Team via devclo@pembrokeshire.gov.uk or 01437 764551.

Remembrance Sunday is a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life. On Sunday 11th November, the act of Remembrance will start at 11:00 at St Issell’s Cenotaph Saundersfoot. I would advise for people to arrive early as parking will be limited. Road closures should be in place at 10:30 for approximately 75 minutes. There will be a Traffic Management team dealing with will the Road Closures.

RLNI – Our Annual Fish ‘n Chip Lunch at Hean Castle Inn on 21^st November with all sorts of winnable goodies from the Raffle to keep or regift for Xmas . The 12:30 – 12:45 slot is sold out but tickets are still available for 12:45 and 13.00 from the RNLI shop (or reserve by phone on 01437 531257 between 11:00 and 16:00 every day (except Wednesday)

Supporting locally organised community events such as Big Bang Weekend remains an important way of ensuring continued investment back into the village and its future initiatives. The Big Bang Weekend was another outstanding success during the half-term week. Although Friday evening was affected by poor weather, Saturday’s main event enjoyed dry conditions and attracted record crowds of an estimated ten thousand visitors to the village for the fireworks display.

The organisers deserve great credit for staging such an excellent event and for drawing so many families into the area. Saundersfoot village, once again proved to be an ideal venue, and the lively atmosphere throughout half-term contributed to the sense of a vibrant and welcoming community. Organised events couldn’t be run without volunteers and its always pleasing to see so many local residents coming forward to support community and charity events in the village. Saundersfoot continues to work hard throughout the year to host and support a wide range of community-led events, which in turn supports many independent businesses.

It is important to recognise and appreciate the dedication of those who help attract visitors and strengthen the local economy. Thanks again to Phil Odley, Rhodri Lewis and the Love Saundersfoot team for delivering such a successful and enjoyable event, with plans already underway for next year’s celebration, with the local residents providing overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Festive Community Events in Saundersfoot

The first week of December promises to be action-packed for local residents, with a number of community events organised by local groups to help everyone get into the Christmas spirit.

On Friday, 5 December, The Hean Castle Estate’s Santa’s Sleigh will make its way down The Strand, with the school elves helping Santa load his sleigh with presents before he arrives at the Sensory Garden to a warm village welcome.

Saundersfoot Community Council will lead the countdown before officially switching on the Christmas lights at 5 p.m., linking in with the rest of the festive lights around the village.

Joining Santa’s Sleigh will be a lantern parade, accompanied by festive songs performed by pupils from the local school. The celebrations will continue with Christmas carols around the village tree, performed by Cor y Mor Choir, creating a magical festive atmosphere.

Following the lights switch-on, there will be a Santa’s Grotto at The Schooner, where children can meet Santa and enjoy the start of the Christmas season.

To round off the weekend’s events, Saundersfoot Rotary will host their annual Elf Run on Sunday afternoon along The Strand , a fun, family-friendly event for all ages.

The senior Christmas Party will be on Sunday 14^th of December. This community event is funded by Saundersfoot Community Council and Tenby & District Lions. This is avaible to all Saundersfoot residents free of charge of pensionable age living in the village. To register your place or for more information, please contact The Regency Hall on 01834 811700.

Looking ahead to the New Year, preparations are already underway for the 40th Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim. As this marks the “Ruby” anniversary, participants are encouraged to embrace the theme. The official swim shirt has now arrived, and registration for the event is open. This is a great opportunity for brave swimmers to take the plunge and raise sponsorship for their chosen charity or local cause. Please see the link for registration and information. www.saundersfoot.co.uk/nyds

At long last, the Coal Trucks will soon be installed in the Sensory Garden. Contractors are scheduled to begin work on Monday, 10 November, marking an important milestone in bringing this long-awaited feature to life. The three coal ‘tubs’, as they are known in Yorkshire, will be transported from Gateshead and will make their final journey along the Incline before being positioned on authentic rail tracks within the garden over the coming weeks.

This development represents an important step in celebrating our village’s proud industrial heritage and will be a welcome addition to the Sensory Garden for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

It is with great sadness, however, that I share the news of the passing of Mr. Neil Sefton last week. Neil was instrumental in the formation of the SMELT Committee and made an invaluable contribution to our work. His attention to detail, deep knowledge, and unwavering dedication to historical accuracy were truly remarkable.

Neil served in a number of important community roles, including as Chair of Saundersfoot Community Council and as an active member of the Saundersfoot Bay Heritage Trust. In every capacity, he demonstrated professionalism, commitment, and a genuine passion for preserving our local heritage. His work on the project’s signage was particularly outstanding, and it is only fitting that we recognise and honour his significant contribution to this scheme.

Neil’s drive, precision, and enthusiasm will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to be felt through the projects he helped shape and the history he worked so diligently to preserve.

Cllr Alec Cormack and I met this month with officers from PCC to discuss how we can procure an initial scope for a consultancy report on potential measures that might be taken in the village to mitigate and improve defences to guard against future sea level rises and the inevitable flooding risk to Saundersfoot. We have had initial discussions with Swansea University and PCC will suggest two other firms SCC can contact. The ballpark estimate we gave a couple of months ago of around £10K,  is still probably about right, however we have yet to identify any grant funding avaible for this scheme currently. Before the December meeting, Councillor Cormack will hopefully be able to give SCC a firm proposal for consideration amongst its committee. It is unclear whether grant finding will be available or if we decide to proceed, whether SCC would have to pay for the whole report.

This week, Saundersfoot, along with many other parts of the country, experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall that sadly caused flooding and disruption across parts of the village. The Fire Service was called to Cambrian Terrace on Tuesday to assist with pumping out affected properties, and there were also difficulties in the Regency area, where vehicles were unable to enter or exit safely due to the depth of the water. Unfortunately, both the Sands Nightclub and Saundersfoot Sports Club suffered serious flooding to their premises. Despite the difficult circumstances, it was heartening to see the wonderful community spirit on display.

Many residents came forward to offer help, ensuring the clean-up was carried out quickly and that local businesses could reopen. The flooding coincided with very high tides and continuous rainfall over a 48-hour period, making the situation particularly challenging. The stream behind the Sports Club also overflowed, and checks were carried out at Brooklands Place to ensure residents were safe and that no homes were at immediate risk. Saundersfoot Community Council has since arranged for sandbags to be available should similar issues occur in the future.

Councillor Cormack and I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the dedicated teams at Pembrokeshire County Council who worked tirelessly throughout the incident. Following reports of flooding and debris at the bottom of Westfield Road, PCC teams responded promptly, and the area was fully cleared by 9:30am the following morning. We are extremely grateful to everyone who offered their time and support – the emergency services and council staff and the many residents who helped neighbours and local businesses. Moments like these truly highlight the strength and resilience of the Saundersfoot community.

World Polio Day – 23rd October 2025

Another fantastic day was held at Saundersfoot Sailing Club with our local junior schools for Rotary’s International/Foundation/Youth Day. The event was a great success, with excellent feedback from both children and staff. A big thank you goes to everyone who helped prepare and deliver the day – from catering and IT support to those escorting and guiding the groups. It was a real team effort that truly paid off.

Rotary Shoebox Appeal – 24th October 2025

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s Rotary Club Christmas Shoebox Appeal. Once again, Greenhill School showed incredible generosity and community spirit, donating 114 shoeboxes from pupils, prefects, and staff! Other schools taking part, donating extremely generously, were Saundersfoot County Primary, St Oswald and Sageston.  Thanks to all our generous contributors, Saundersfoot Rotary Club has been able to send around 500 shoeboxes filled with gifts and useful items to people in disadvantaged communities across Eastern Europe. Recipients include children in orphanages, hospitals, or poor rural areas, teenagers in care homes or special schools, families living in poverty, and elderly people with little support. Boxes are distributed regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background, ensuring help reaches those who need it most. This is a wonderful achievement, and these gifts will make a real difference to children and families this Christmas.

Family Treasure Hunt – 28th October 2025

Our Half Term Family Treasure Hunt was a great success, with many families joining in the fun around the village. It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces enjoying an affordable day out, complete with food and refreshments included. We received lots of lovely feedback from families who thanked the club for organising such an enjoyable community event – a perfect way to kick off the half-term break!

Tenderfoot Disability Sports Tournament – 8th November 2025

The Saundersfoot and Tenby Rotary Clubs will be hosting the annual Tenderfoot Tournament, a fantastic sports event for people with physical disabilities.

This inclusive tournament allows competitors to enjoy a wide range of exciting sporting activities and continues to highlight Rotary’s commitment to accessibility, wellbeing, and community spirit.

Remembrance Sunday – 9th November 2025

Saundersfoot Rotary Club will once again support the Remembrance Day service at St Issells Church, assisting the Community Council with traffic management and laying a wreath to honour the fallen.

Love Saundersfoot Trick or Treat Trail & Disco – 31st October 2025

What a brilliant evening for the sold-out Trick or Treat Trail and Disco, organised by Love Saundersfoot!

Sixteen local businesses took part in the trail, delighting excited children who later enthusiastically danced at the Regency Hall to DJ Kevin Lloyd, AKA Benny Bond, who kept the party going and the tunes spinning.

A brilliant, community event that showcased the fun, energy, and togetherness of Saundersfoot.

October has been a particularly challenging month at the surgery, and as councillors we have received a number of emails from local residents expressing their concerns. We have been in contact with the surgery team to offer our support and have arranged a meeting for 10 December. Councillor Alistair Cameron, Councillor Alec Cormack and I , will be attending to discuss the issues raised and to work collaboratively with the surgery to identify practical solutions.

We fully acknowledge that the surgery has been under considerable pressure. The onset of winter illnesses appears to have started earlier this year, compounded by a rise in local COVID infections. Despite these challenges, the surgery has implemented several improvements aimed at making access to appointments easier for patients.

Recent changes to the computer system now allow for more same-day appointments to be booked online from 7:45 a.m. each day. In addition, the number of pre-bookable online appointments has been trebled, and by the end of November it should also be possible to automatically book appointments over the phone. The surgery will also be reintroducing telephone triage, allowing staff to assess the urgency of calls and direct patients to the most appropriate care.

While these steps are intended to reduce the morning rush and improve efficiency, we recognise that some patients are still finding it difficult to secure appointments. Our meeting in December will focus on these concerns and on ensuring that the needs of local residents are properly represented.

The surgery has also asked us to remind patients about the Common Ailments Scheme, available through local pharmacies, including Saundersfoot Pharmacy. This scheme can provide advice and treatment for a range of minor illnesses without the need to book a GP appointment, helping to ease pressure on surgery services.

We would like to thank the surgery staff for their continued hard work during this busy period, and we appreciate the patience and understanding shown by residents.

Who said October was quiet?! – The Saundersfoot Shop was wonderfully busy during October with, as is traditional it seems, Customers getting their RNLI Christmas Cards, Calendars, Family Organisers, Diaries and Christmas presents.

That has kept our rota organisers on their toes! So, a big thank you to Anne Slade who has now handed over rota duties and another thank you to Annette Brown who has taken up the challenge. We are indebted to you both!

Many of you will have seen Stormy Stan out on Big Bang night with his customary dancing, high fiving and funds collecting for the Charity that Saves Lives at Sea (Thank you to Love Saundersfoot and the Harbour for inviting him) – always popular, we’ve asked him to come back for some special Festive dancing on 5th December.

And on 23rd, we had a packed upstairs at the Harbwr Bar for our first Branch Quiz night, hosted by the unbeatable Rod Haynes insisting that RNLI stood for Rod’s New Loft Insulation, Andy and the Team at Harbwr bar were absolutely fantastic, we had enormous fun and the two winning Teams will get to go on a Tenby Lifeboat Tour in the Spring….Oh, and we raised a bit of money too

If you joined us and enjoyed the Quiz or feel you might have missed out a bit, never fear…

We’re now lining up for our next Fun event – Our Annual Fish ‘n Chip Lunch at Hean Castle Inn on 21st November with all sorts of winnable goodies from the Raffle to keep or regift for Xmas . The 12:30 – 12:45 slot is sold out but tickets are still available for 12:45 and 13.00 from the RNLI shop (or reserve by phone on 01437 531257 between 11:00 and 16:00 every day (except Wednesday)

Well, we certainly started off Love Saundersfoot’s events with a BIG BANG! – Hope you enjoyed the Fireworks, the Fairground and the amazing feeling in the village , especially on Saturday evening. We heard that a number of businesses did very well indeed and judging by the happy, smiling faces, we reckon Residents and Visitors had a blast too. A BIG thank you to Phil Odley, without whom none of it would have been possible, Rhodri Lewis and his Marshalls for keeping us all safe and to Tim from Behind the Lens Media for the amazing Drone images and stills….we’ll let you know when we’ve made up our top pics for the Website.

And barely a week later, the Halloween Trail and Disco sold out all 100 tickets to deliver yet more happy faces and more Buzz .

A big Shout out to our own Emma Price and Janet Milne of Love Saundersfoot, the Regency for hosting , Julie Jones at the Shoe Box and Michaela Scudamore from Sip and Sea who teamed up with Local Businesses. Thank you to Rotary who boxed up 1,700 Treats, 16 Businesses that stayed open to be Trick or Treat Locations and an amazing 25 more businesses who contributed to pay for the Treats. An amazing all-round village effort

Now with getting on for ½ a million views in the past month, a Facebook following that has grown to 20,000, 44 Business Members (at time of writing) have joined us (Thank you to everyone of you). As a result, we’ve been able to invest into extensive lighting for Business Premises this Christmas using the Flagpole wall brackets that will hold lit Christmas Trees from 5^th December.

Not only that, we’re moving through final planning for the next BIG one – The Coastal Christmas BIG SWITH ON – Remember you heard it here first

Friday 5^th – Sunday 7^th December will be an unforgettable Weekend with an Elven theme – So far it includes:

• 1^st – 6^th: Saundersfoot Footlights giving us ‘Alice in Wonderland’ – Every evening, so book your ticket now!
• 5^th – 7^th: The Harbour & Rural and West providing a Christmas Market in a BIG Marquee on the deck.
• 5^th: The Hean Castle Estate and School Evles helping Santa load his Sleigh with presents and bring it down the Strand to the Sensory Gardens for Santa to be welcomed by a number of VIPs.
• 5^th: The School bringing us a Lantern parade with Festive Songs down the Strand.
• 5^th: SCC Leading the Countdown and leading BIG SWITCH ON at 5PM
• 5^th – 7^th: Santa’s Grotto in the Schooner (Starting up straight after the BIG SWITCH ON)
• 7^th: Rotary giving us a Fun Elf Run up and down the Strand. (Elf Costumes apply)

And there is more for us to share in the coming days and weeks so please keep a look out on the Love Saundersfoot Calendar, on our Facebook Page and, of course, on Saundersfoot Connect. Please share and tell your friends and relations because It’ll be another BIG FUN Weekend in our astonishing village

A reminder is going out to businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors in Pembrokeshire to who have not yet applied for rate relief.

Welsh Government 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