News
Pembrokeshire: Latest weather situation report
HOW Imogen has disrupted Pembrokeshire
Fallen trees, traffic accidents, bridge closure, ferries cancelled and more as storm rips through county.
With residents from across the county being kept awake by the thunder, lightning and heavy rainfall, the torment had not stopped by day break.
Across Pembrokeshire trees have been reported to have fallen in these areas:
- Tree down onto a vehicle on the A477 between Sageston and Milton.
- Tree down blocking road on B4329 between Eglwyswrw and Crosswell.
- Tree blocking road between Pentlepoir and Saundersfoot (Now Cleared)
- Small tree down near Nolton Cross between Broad Haven and Simpson Cross.
- Tree down on road to The Rhos from bottom of Arnolds Hill outside Haverfordwest.
- Tree down on the Haverfordwest to Burton road between Troopers Inn and Freystrop.
- Tree down at Upper Lamphey Road, Pembroke; on the Penally to Pembroke Road near Hodgeston.
- Fallen tree at Broad Lane, Lawrenny.
Traffic is being diverted due to 95mph winds on the Cleddau Bridge and flooding in many coastal areas which has seen massively increased traffic flow through rarely used routes, causing many accidents.
Roofing has been heavily damaged and town streets and areas have been closed off sue to harsh winds:
- Tesco, Pembroke Dock was closed while fire crews fought to keep roofing sheets from causing an accident. (Now reopened, threat still present but reduced)
- Outhouse roof dislodged at Bryn –y-Derwyd, Trefin
- Roof tiles loose at Ysgol y Frenni, Crymych
- Chimney cowling dislodged at Coastlands School, St Ishmaels
- Tiles dislodged from roofs at Strongbow Walk, Pembroke Dock
- Facia boards dislodged at Tenby Learning Centre.
- Tiles off roofs at Croft Avenue, Hakin, at College Park and Gothic Road in Neyland
Ysgol Bro Dewi has been closed for the whole of Monday with Nun Street, St Davids being closed all day until the wind subsides.
The A487 at Newgale towards Nolton Haven has now opened after heavy flooding on the coastal road, with crews working to clear the road of heavy pebble deposits and debris at Nolton Haven, where the road is being blocked.
Following this crews will relocate to Broad Haven and onto Little haven to being removing pebbles covering the road surfaces.
Other flooding has also taken place across the county which is expected to get worse as the day goes on:
- Lower Town, Fishguard: has also seen flooding while conditions have eased, the combination of ground conditions, existing river levels and forecast rainfall quantities gives a high risk of flooding of low-lying land during the next 24 hours.
- Ritec, Tenby: The combination of ground conditions, existing river levels on the river Ritec and forecast rainfall quantities gives a high risk of flooding of low-lying land. Due to restrictions at the tidal outfall, river level on the river Ritec in Tenby will raise and fall with the high and low tides respectively, levels will remain above the flood alert for the next few days.
- Newgale – Kidwell risk: Spring tides are adding to the risk of flooding around the coast while high winds persist. Newgale is being monitored due to the high tide scheduled for 18:17 this evening, while low lying tidal areas stretching from Dale round to Kidwelly remain at risk from large waves and over-topping.
While the harsh weather continues the Fishguard to Ireland ferries are still on hold, whether they will be running as suggested tonight is yet to be confirmed.
The Ferry from Pembroke Dock to Ireland has been cancelled all day with the return trip being cancelled this morning but being planned to go ahead this afternoon.
Also reported across the county:
- Temporary traffic lights blown over on B4327 Haverfordwest to Dale road at Dreenhill
- Cable down on B4327 Haverfordwest to Dale road near Hasguard Cross
- Trains delayed.
With weather set to get worse by 3pm today, Pembrokeshire could be in store for more devastation.
Keep an eye on The Pembrokeshire Herald Facebook page for the latest details.
Community
Pembrokeshire embraces future with new e-bike scheme
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL, under the chairmanship of Thomas Baden Tudor, has announced an exciting new initiative aimed at boosting sustainable transportation across the region. The council has introduced a “pay as you go” electric bike (E-Bike) service, now available in Haverfordwest, Fishguard, Goodwick, and Tenby as part of a 12-month trial that commenced on 8th April 2024.
The scheme, managed by Zeus Mobility, features the Zip bikes—electrically powered bicycles designed to make cycling less strenuous and more accessible to a broader demographic. Each location will start with 10 E-Bikes, with plans to increase the fleet to 50 by summer. The service will include three main charging stations and numerous satellite bays for convenient access and returns.
Priced competitively, the E-Bikes can be hired for £3.00 for the first hour, with subsequent time billed at 5p per minute. Daily and weekly rates are also available, offering users more flexibility for longer trips. The bikes are aimed at reducing reliance on motor vehicles, promoting healthier living, and contributing to national decarbonisation targets.
Councillor Tudor tested the new bikes himself, describing the experience as “brilliant fun for the whole family” and encouraging all residents and visitors to give them a try. The initiative is part of a broader effort by the council to offer eco-friendly travel options that align with environmental objectives.
To use the E-Bikes, riders need to download the Zipp Mobility app, which allows for bike unlocking, ride tracking, and payment. The app also provides information on bike locations, parking bays, and cycling routes within the county.
Funded by a £150,000 grant from the Swansea Bay and South West Wales Metro, the project focuses solely on this E-Bike trial, aiming to make Pembrokeshire a leader in sustainable travel. For further details on hiring and operating the E-Bikes, residents can visit the Cycle Pembrokeshire webpage or contact the team directly via email at [email protected].
News
20mph U-turn: Some roads will return to 30mph following public outcry
IN a recent shift in policy, Transport Secretary Ken Skates announced that some roads in Wales will revert to a 30mph speed limit following significant public opposition to the Welsh Government’s £34 million initiative to impose a default 20mph limit. This move addresses the concerns consistently raised by many citizens.
The controversial policy, initially rolled out across Wales under former First Minister Mark Drakeford and his transport minister, Lee Waters, aimed at enhancing road safety. However, it has since faced backlash, illustrated by nearly half a million signatures on a Senedd petition opposing the change.
“We’ve put our hands up to say the guidance has to be corrected,” Skates stated, acknowledging the widespread dissatisfaction with the policy’s implementation. He emphasised the need for targeted 20mph zones, particularly in sensitive areas such as near schools, hospitals, and densely populated housing estates. Yet, he admitted that certain routes should not have been included under the stricter speed limit.
Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart welcomed the revised approach but highlighted the financial burden of changing road signage, urging the Welsh Government to assist with the expenses. Stewart praised Skates’ “pragmatic approach” and stressed that the government should not impose the financial strain on local councils, which are already facing tough budgetary decisions.
The policy has had its proponents, particularly among cycling groups and safety advocates who argue that the lower speed limits contribute to safer community spaces. Despite this, many have called for a more nuanced application of the speed limits rather than a blanket reduction.
In response to the backlash, Skates is set to present the planned adjustments in a forthcoming statement to the Senedd. The changes will allow local councils the autonomy to restore the 30mph limit where deemed appropriate, potentially affecting up to 10 roads in Swansea alone.
Leaders from other councils, including Huw Thomas of Cardiff, expressed relief over the change. Cardiff, where the majority of roads were already under a 20mph limit, saw a favourable reception of the policy. Nonetheless, the decision to empower local governments has been largely welcomed.
The Welsh Conservatives, through their transport spokesperson Natasha Asghar, have voiced strong opposition to the original policy, criticising its expansive application. Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth called for a more carefully considered implementation, supporting the principle of 20mph zones but criticising their inconsistent enforcement.
Responding to comments made by Ken Skates, Labour’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport on potential changes to the 20mph guidance, Natasha Asghar MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Minister said: “The people of Wales have rightfully taken significant issue with Labour’s 20mph policy and ‘correcting guidance’ will not be enough to ease concerns.
“The Welsh Conservatives are the only the party to have consistently voted against the ridiculous 20mph policy involving 97% of previously 30mph roads and a £9 billion hit to the Welsh economy.
“The Welsh Conservatives want to see this policy scrapped and have given the Labour Government a number of opportunities to vote to do so. A more targeted approach is needed with the support of the Welsh people.”
Community
Miracle pup finds her forever home after heart-wrenching journey
AERIAL, a remarkable six-legged spaniel, has captured hearts worldwide, culminating in her adoption this week. Found abandoned in a Pembrokeshire car park and famously nicknamed after Disney’s Little Mermaid due to her unique condition, Ariel’s journey from despair to joy is nothing short of miraculous.
In September 2023, the then 11-week-old puppy was discovered outside a B&M store in a neglected state. Suffering from severe physical anomalies including two extra hind limbs and an additional vulva, Ariel faced daunting challenges. A subsequent medical examination revealed a more complicated internal scenario: a missing kidney and a malformed pelvis that jeopardised her mobility.
Despite the grim prognosis, Ariel’s plight touched many, leading to a worldwide fundraising campaign that raised approximately £15,000. These funds enabled her to undergo critical surgeries at Langford Vets Small Animal Referral Hospital, Somerset, where surgeons successfully removed the surplus limbs and preserved her four functional ones.
“Both procedures went well, and remarkably, Ariel was walking and eating by the next day,” explained Mikey Lawlor, founder of Greenacres Rescue, where Ariel was rehabilitated. “It was crucial that we avoided any post-operative infections, but she’s been in the best hands,” he added, reflecting on the complexities of her care.
Ariel’s recovery was supported by numerous vet visits, specialised surgeries, and extensive physiotherapy. Her resilience and endearing character garnered media attention globally, from radio and television appearances to newspaper features, highlighting her inspirational battle for a normal life.
“We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Ariel has been officially adopted,” announced a recent post by Greenacres Rescue. “Her journey of transformation from a discarded pup to a beloved family pet has been extraordinary.”
The post also extended a heartfelt thank you to June, Ariel’s dedicated foster mother, whose relentless support was pivotal during the rehabilitation process. “June’s care and energy have been instrumental in Ariel’s recovery,” the rescue centre noted.
Surgeon Aaron Lutchman, who led Ariel’s medical team, remarked on her progress, “She’s bounced back and is a happy little dog. We hope she goes on to lead a fabulous life.”
As Ariel embarks on this new chapter with her adoptive family, her story remains a profound testament to the power of community support and the unwavering spirit of animals overcoming adversity. Greenacres Rescue encapsulates this sentiment in their message, “Ariel is symbolic of everything we stand for—love, hope, and the chance for a new beginning.”
For further updates on Ariel and other rescue stories, follow Greenacres Rescue on their social media platforms.
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