During the month of October, I’ve attended many meeting to discuss issues that relate to Saundersfoot and Pembrokeshire.
The month started with an early visit to the beach in Saundersfoot on the 1st of October to remove the dog signs and flags that were situated on the slipway and on Tommy’s lane that is the cut through from the beach onto the Strand. These have all been safely put away ready for next season and in the meantime I will continue to work with the holiday companies, local properties and Pembrokeshire County Council on making sure that there is plenty of communication as to where and when it’s enforceable from in 2024. It’s certainly been better this year but there’s room for improvements. The Enviro crime team started in August and was faced with many challenges right across our county. I’ve recently had a meeting to make sure that there is clear signage and communication. We need to educate visitors and make sure they respect the byelaws put in place to protect certain areas of the beaches.
We also discussed fly tipping and littering and this discussion will continue through the year right across our county. I personally think that we’re more aligned now to the challenges of fly tipping and certainly this season have seen numerous properties being caught and chased up by the environmental team at PCC. Recently a Saundersfoot resident reported an incident to me. The incident was a fly tipping case where rubbish was thrown out of their vehicle. I reported this matter to PCC immediately and they acted swiftly to gather the evidence. The gentleman was traced through his car details and charged with the evidence. He admitted the offence and he admitted his behaviour was unacceptable. He received a fine for the offence. The cost of cleaning up littering in communities across Pembrokeshire would be far better spent on providing other services that would benefit the community. If you see fly tipping please report to the Enviro crime team at PCC or bring it to my attention.
During last winter the heavy rains washed away the footpath from Bevelin Hall onto Sandy Hill Road. At the time I reported this and PCC came out to sweep and clean up the road. This path has now been replaced and a new surface was laid in the first week of October. It’s a mixture of recycled tarmac from roads in the county and is the better solution to gravel. This recycled tarmac binds when warm and has been compacted to form an even path. The residents now have a safe path to walk to and from the village.
During October there have been three trees reported to me that local residents have concerns with. Each tree was a different case and all had to be looked at due to their concerns.
- The first tree is just past Rhodewood Lodge house. This tree came down a few years ago in high winds. This was cleared but the main trunk has been left on the bank. A few residents are concerned that it will slip down the bank into the road. I have reported this previously and was assured by the Highways team that they didn’t have concerns at that time. I have reported this again to see if I can have an update on its current position and if there are any concerns.
- The second tree is situated on Valley Road. Residents have been concerned, especially during the high wins of last winter and more recently. Their concerns weren’t helped when a large branch snapped off and safely fell into the farmer’s field. I have met the owner of the tree and he has been fully supportive of the concerns of the residents in the shadow of this tree. He has now assured me that the tree will be coming down due to the concerns of residents and the fact that a large limb came away recently. It is hoped that this will be taken down in the next two weeks, weather permitting.
- The third tree is situated between two private houses in Saundersfoot. I fully understand the predicament of the property next to the tree as it’s not been trimmed and is over powering the rear of both properties. I did take photos and the impact that this tree is making and sent them to Pembrokeshire County Council Tree specialist for advice. I forwarded the advice to the resident for their considerations.
- I also dealt with an issue of a large branch that had come away from a tree on Sandy Hill Road. This branch has been on the roadside for some time and I have asked whether PCC can remove the branch and check the tree which is situated near the steps on Sandy Hill Road.
I do speak regularly with the Saundersfoot Medical centre manager on developments at the surgery. I know that our quarterly meetings are very productive and give an insight to all the issues that arise daily. I feel that communication is key for the residents as they are aware of new initiatives that will help the process. A meeting is planned for the end of November where we would like to discuss the following items – Flu and Covid clinics, telephone appointments are counted as appointments, NHS Wales app, Quality improvement projects, eConsult option, Social Prescribing/lifestyle and lastly, if you’re feeling really unwell, the best place for you is A&E. The above items will be discussed by Councillor Alec Cormack(Amroth and Saundersfoot North) and myself, together with a senior practice doctor, Practice Manager and lead receptionist, to look at how we can improve and communicate. I have been approached during this month by a handful of residents who have read my reports previously regarding the surgery. All have said that the telephone system that is currently in place is working much better. I will seek further news on this when we have our meeting.
The parking issues at the surgery are vastly improved with space being available for patients. The feedback I’ve received from patients has been excellent. It is only right and fair for patients to be able to park when coming to the surgery. What is also pleasing is the fact that abuse of staff has stopped. This is definitely the way forward without the staff being abused.
Lastly the medical centre have also asked me to pass on this relevant information regarding House calls – These are for patients that are absolutely not able to leave the house due to medical conditions. It is not for patients with transport issues or just convenience. We had numerous patients who were able to attend our walk in flu clinic, these patients routinely request house calls. We appreciate that it may be difficult to attend sometimes but every house call equates to at least four or more appointments in the surgery. Additionally by attending the surgery we have our full range of resources to manage the medical issues a patient has.
Last week I attended a meeting with the practice pharmacist and Dr Tamplin. The meeting was to discuss the possibility of setting up a new initiative that will be based at the surgery. The walktalkwalk (WTW) group will be based at Saundersfoot surgery and they are looking at having a small number of volunteers from the community that would like to be involved. After our meeting, walking in the village and discussing the many challenges, it’s definitely something I feel that I’m happy to get on board with other individuals who could give up an hour a week to assist. I have spoken to Councillor Rhys Jordan who is the wellbeing champion of Pembrokeshire County Council. This is a brief introduction to this new initiative walktalkwalk.
- This is a mental support group first, a walking group second. The peer support will always be at the forefront of what we do. The movement is simply just a beautiful way to facilitate that. It is important that all WTW leaders keep this in mind when they deliver their sessions. Providing a safe place to talk is the priority.
- In practice, we are a WEEKLY walking group. A SAFE and CONFIDENTIAL space to talk about mental health. A space to listen to others, and FEEL HEARD ourselves. A gentle walk that is accessible to ALL LEVELS OF ABILITY.
- It is just as important to acknowledge that it’s NOT a competitive group therapy, somewhere where you have to be “fast enough” or “chatty enough” or “confident enough” or “ ill enough “. Everyone attending is ENOUGH, AS THEY ARE.
- The top three walk talk walk vales are – COMMUNITY, SUPPORT, CONNECTION. We agree to show up for each other, support each other and listen without giving advice (unless asked). We believe in forming friendships and community.
- We don’t have many rules But we do have a few. We walk as slow as the slowest walker and no one gets left behind. The groups meet weekly. It’s not the responsibility of the people at the back to keep up with the people at the front. Do not provide advice unless it’s asked for. If you have nothing to say, say nothing at all. It is a confidential space.
- If this is something that interests you, you can email jessica@walktalkwalk.com or you can email me directly on cllr.chris.williams@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
I personally will definitely support this venture with Councillor Jordan as we both feel that providing an opportunity for patients and staff alike to engage in these walks, It’s not just promoting physical health but also nurturing mental and emotional wellbeing in our community. The savings that this could potentially bring to the NHS in the long run are substantial. A proactive approach to health, with an emphasis on prevention rather than treatment, can significantly reduce future medical costs and alleviate the burden on our health system. The benefits of exposure to open air, soaking up vitamin D from sunlight, and the therapeutic effects of interpersonal conversations are too significant to overlook. As such, I fully believe that this initiative will not only help participants maintain their physical health but will also uplift spirits, foster community bonds and provide an avenue for individuals to share, connect and heal. Saundersfoot Medical Centre should be applauded for running a beneficial initiative that will provide a positive impact in our community. I will continue this conversation in our November meeting with the possibility of a roll out in January. I will keep you updated.
Over the last few reports I have kept you updated on developments in the village. In October I held numerous meetings to discuss issues around the village. Regarding Fan Road – The communication from PCC has been welcomed and relaying that communication is key for the residents. The contractors are continuing the works and PCC are pleased with the progress made to date on all the programmes. There is a new site compound established at Bonville’s Court Caravan Park. There has been full cooperation with the owner, Mr Davies, and that’s why the development is advancing as set out in the programme of works. Further works along Fan Road have been undertaken to improve drainage and earth works in advance of the shared path construction. To date over 150 metres of path edgings have been constructed ready for tarmac surface to be installed over the next few weeks.
Other programme of works include the train station access and site clearance down to the Fan Road junction. They are waiting on an ecology report on November 6th regarding the survey for dormice in this area of planned works. On the Valley Road, Incline Way, Ridgeway junction, works are programmed for this footpath to commence on November 13th. I have been assured that letters will be sent out beforehand to adjacent properties warning of disruption in this area. They are hoping that there will be some sympathetic understanding of the situation and works will be carried out in this area as quickly as possible.
I have had further meetings on the discussions regarding Sandy Hill Road – designs have been developed and consultation has already commenced where required, to create a safer active travel route on the length of this road. Previously I have highlighted my concerns on this road and the number of cars parking on pavements. I hope to continue to talk further with the PCC Highway engineers on implementing the safer active travel link, with potentially another traffic calming measure at the top of Sandy Hill Road to slow vehicles entering the village.
Milford Street – plans are underway to construct two new disabled bays on this road. I strongly felt that there was inadequate parking on flat ground in the village for disabled drivers.. To start by having two spaces is definitely the way forward and I will continue to look at other areas of the village that would benefit from disabled parking but also, having 30 minute bays. Works are planned for the end of November due to the contractor’s availability. It is hoped that this will be finished during December.
October has been a very wet month with many challenges across our county due the amount of rainfall. The recent storm to hit Saundersfoot resulted in many areas suffering flooding which prevented vehicle access. To date I’m not aware of any damage to properties but some garages were flooded due to the amount of rainfall in a short space of time. There were numerous areas in the village and I will highlight a few of the flooded problems residents have experienced. The bridge at Saundersfoot Railway station flooded which resulted in no access. The lower end of Westfield Road flooded as the amount of water came over the top of the stream that also prevented vehicle access during this time. There was also an issue on Valley Road that inconvenienced local residents. These issues resulted in me contacting Pembrokeshire County Council immediately to look at these areas and look to make sure that all the drains in these vicinities are checked and cleaned on a regular basis. There are numerous trees in all these areas and due to the amount of leaves falling these situations are preventing the quick run off of the surface water.
Recently I have reported many areas that need the sweeping machine to pick up the excess leaves around the village. One major concern is the hill at Bevelin Hall – the pavements either side of this road are full of leaves and this time of year are very slippery. Unfortunately, pedestrians find it safer to walk in the middle of the road as they have a better grip under their feet. This isn’t ideal and I have asked if both pavements can be swept and the machine cleans the road of the excess. St Bride’s lane is another area that can become precarious whilst walking, due to the amount of leaves piled up on the sides on this narrow lane. Recently I witnessed the water coming off Hopshill Lane onto the bottom end of Westfield Road. This was like a river recently with vast amounts of water puddling further down the road and preventing pedestrian access. The surrounding trees don’t help and the road hasn’t been swept. The rear of the Incline path onto Westfield Road last week resulted in silt and gravel being deposited on the parking area outside Westfield Court Flats. I’m hoping these three areas can be cleaned and cleared of remnants of the recent winds and rain.
During this month I reported a landslide on the Strand which blocked the pavement. PCC came out within the week and cleared this up. I have also reported that the hedge on the pavement on the Strand needs to be cut back as it’s nearly touching the cars parked on the road. The hedge on Westfield Road, Ridgeway also need cutting back. Cars are driving further out into the road to avoid the brambles. The gulley at Brooklands Close is swamped with leaves that prevent the run off of the surface water going into the drains. There is a pot hole on the bend on the Fan Road which appears to be getting worse, I appreciate that it’s difficult at the moment due to the restricted access because of the traffic lights.
Last weekend the storm and high tides resulted in many properties off the Strand and the steps at Glen Beach receiving the brunt of the weather. I have spoken to the cabinet member insisting that the step and railings are fixed as soon as possible so that everyone can enjoy safe access to and from the beach at the Glen.
I have been made aware that some drivers, when parking on Milford Street, are blocking the drop kerb. I have looked at this recently and can confirm that it makes it awkward for disability groups or visually impaired people to navigate this without stepping off the kerb. It is only right that these individuals and people pushing prams have full access on the pavements. I have taken pictures of three separate incidents where access is clearly blocked. I have reported this and had assurances from PCC Highways team that this is unacceptable. They have asked traffic wardens to be aware of this problem and deal with any offending vehicle that causes access problem to pedestrians.
There also seems to be a craze starting in Saundersfoot where a pair of shoes are tied together with their laces. They are then thrown up onto the BT or electricity lines. This is unsightly and local residents don’t want this escalating. I have reported this to the utilities company to see if they can cut down the shoes. I have been assured that when they’re next in the area with a sky lift that they will drive to the two areas and remove the shoes.
During October I met with, Nicola Gandy, the newly appointed Harbour CEO. Nicola is due to start her full time role at the end of the month and I wish her well. It was obvious to me that she’s excited at the prospect of leading Saundersfoot “Trust Port” forward and the challenges that this will bring. During conversation, I did raise some personal concerns, and that of many local people, about the harbour. It is felt that in the past the harbour hadn’t fully engaged with the community and its stakeholders. Now that the majority of main works are complete, I see this as the perfect opportunity (with Nicola’s appointment), to focus more on inclusiveness within the village and surrounding communities. Nicola certainly gave the impression that she would like to see a diary of events on the decking and that these events need to be more varied and where possible, localized in their composition. I feel that to date, there has been a missed opportunity in showcasing the harbour venues and the local talents that are on offer. There are excellent opportunities to continue to host music based events as well as, local produce and market themed events to name but a few. Going forward, it will be in both the harbour’s and the village’s interest to work more closely and implement clear lines of communication to ensure that Saundersfoot and “The Trust Port” continue to thrive, not just on a local level but beyond. I believe that Nicola’s appointment will enhance our village’s ethos of togetherness and inclusiveness and I look forward to working with her over the coming year’s within my role as County Councillor.
In my September report I picked up on the fact that motorists are leaving their vehicles running outside Saundersfoot school whilst picking up their children or grandchildren. The responses to this have been very supportive with many suggesting that drivers should switch off their engines. I have been in contact with PCC and attended a meeting with Nathan Miles who is a licencing officer who protects the local surroundings from noise and air pollution. We were in agreement and emphasized the need to educate parents outside the school gates. A similar scheme has been introduced at Neyland Primary. I would like the school and PCC to engage on how we can all improve the air quality. At Neyland they have used this as part of their curriculum where the school has enviro ambassadors. They wear yellow tabards and the children speak to any parents that leave their engine running. This is in the infancy stages but with support from all parties this could possibly be classed, to have a designated Air Quality management programme to highlight concerns raised. A monitor could be placed in the vicinity that would check the air quality. This is something that was discussed in the meeting. After this half term break I will go back to the school to look at ways of developing this further. PCC would also support signage, which they have done at Neyland. This would be great to roll out across our county schools as the health benefits are quite clear.
Just to remind all residents that there will be a Beat Surgery at the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot on 15th November. This will be a drop in session where members of the public can come in and discuss any policing matters with the Neighbourhood Policing Team. I would like to thank Saundersfoot Community Council for supporting these sessions that will be held on the third Wednesday of each month. If you have any concerns locally please attend at 1.45pm and the session will finish at 3.15pm.
The ‘My Community Tenby and Saundersfoot’ project have just released their October newsletter. Community Partner Joey Ayris, has done an incredible job working for Mencap Cymru with this new initiative in our community. The project focuses on nurturing connection to improve the local area for people with additional needs and therefore the wider community, too. You can follow the activities they cover by following the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/mycommunity.tenbyandsaundersfoot/.
Please come along to the ‘Saundersfoot Social’ where everyone is welcome to attend.
The following events will be held at the Regency Hall between 10am and 12 o’clock on 16th & 30th of November – Make your own festive decorations, boccia and bingo. On 14th December – Festive party, music, games and cakes. There is also the Tenby, Saundersfoot and surrounding Accessibility Forum. This is community led – your spaces your say: “People in our community told us that the areas we live in aren’t accessible to all. We believe that local people can make a positive change.” So that’s why the Accessibility Forum started. “The forum will meet once a month and will be led by the local community. We will discuss our experiences as people with disabilities, carers, professionals, business owners and fellow citizens. We will work together to find solutions and influence change. Everyone is welcome to join- Your voice matters. “For more information on activities and much more – email joey.ayris@mencap.org.uk
Pembrokeshire County Council will be distributing a Customer Satisfaction Survey to all PCC tenants featuring questions about services received across Housing Management and Building Maintenance. Results of the survey will be shared with Welsh Government, benchmarked against other Local Authorities in Wales and subsequently published. This is an excellent opportunity for all council tenants to air their views whether it’s positive or negative. The more feedback across the county will give them an indication of the views of the Pembrokeshire residents. Each household will receive the survey in hardcopy format, however the survey will feature a QR code and the below link in case tenants prefer to complete the survey online. The online survey will start on the 1st of November.
https://haveyoursay.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/housing-customer-satisfaction-survey-2023
https://dweudeichdweud.sir-benfro.gov.uk/arolwg-boddhad-cwsmeriaid-tai-2023
If tenants are struggling to log in to the online survey or need support completing the survey, they can contact either by phone 07425268725 or email Housing.Surveys@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
As a thank you for providing feedback, we will be offering tenants the chance to be entered into a prize draw. Prizes include 4 x £50 and 3 x £100 high street vouchers.
Timescales: Survey distributed: 1st November 2023. Closing date: 13th December 2023
NEW YEAR’S DAY SWIM – On January 1st 2024, we will celebrate our 39th Charity Swim. It started in 1984 with 10 swimmers and in 2023 we had 2254 in the sea with a crowd of roughly nine thousand watching. The Swim has developed into an incredible spectacle and is classed by Pembrokeshire County Council as a major event. It is also the biggest festive dip in the UK and to date has raised over £750k for Charities. We cannot stress enough the importance of swimmers raising monies from their personal sponsorship as this makes such a big difference annually to the supported causes. Every year we have been heavily reliant on sponsors and volunteers to successfully stage the event. Every Swim takes 12 months to plan and to ensure the safety of both swimmers and spectators we have meetings with the Police, Fire Brigade, PCC, St John’s and the Swim’s own H&S group of safety experts. The event is fully insured, our insurances covering all who attend. In addition the team carry out an extensive risk assessment and put in place a host of mitigation actions to ensure, swimmers, spectators and the 100 volunteer helpers are kept safe on the day of the Swim.
As we invite people to the village to either participate or spectate, we have the responsibility of making sure that everyone enters and exits the sea safely and that the crowds around the event are safe and having a good time.
As the responsibilities of hosting the Swim have grown, so have costs, rising last year to over £12,500. Previously, this event would not have been possible, without the incredible sponsorship we get for the New Year’s Day Swim shirt as well as the financial support we receive from Saundersfoot Harbour, Hean Castle Estate and Saundersfoot Community Council. As well as providing a spectacle for the community, the main driving force for hosting the Swim is to provide people with an opportunity to raise money for worthwhile causes.
NEW FOR 2024 :
To ensure that the mandatory costs for staging the swim are met, as well as to safeguard it’s future, we have made the difficult decision to implement a £5 entry fee for each adult swimmer and £3 for a child (Under16yrs). Entry to the swim will now be made by entering online via – www.saundersfootfestivities.co.uk/nyds or visiting in person the New Year’s Day Swim ‘Registration Hut’ which will be located to the side of The Spar Store in Saundersfoot. The registration hut will be in place from the 28th December.
Sponsor Forms will be sent out to swimmers who’ve entered online or they can be collected in person from the ‘Hut’ or, Salt on The Strand, Saundersfoot from Friday 27th October (who have kindly offered to help organisers).
Further details can be found on the NYDS website – www.saundersfootfestivities.co.uk/nyds the NYDS Facebook page or via email admin@saundersfootfestivities.co.uk
Having entered and paid the fee, a wrist band will be available at the ‘Hut ’ Salt on The Strand and a swim medal awarded to those wearing a band after entering the water.
SAFEGUARDING THE FUTURE OF THE NYDS :
In order to safeguard the future of the swim, we sincerely hope that everybody embraces the new changes and understands that this great community event can no longer be staged without an income stream.
We are committed to making sure this Swim is going in another 39 years but to get there we have to make some difficult decisions. Around the country many charity events have folded and Saundersfoot itself has lost key events from its calendar. My role as Chair of the Swim committee is to make sure that this event goes from strength to strength with even more money going to local charities who continue to support us year on year.
Lastly I would like this opportunity to thank the many volunteers who organized events in the village last weekend. There was a Halloween Fun day last Saturday where 120 children attended an event organised by the Regency Hall. There were games, a bouncy castle, arts and crafts, entertainment and free food. Also at the Regency Hall in the sun lounge, was an event organised to raise awareness for Saundersfoot in Bloom where a talk was given by Julie Davies on the uses of pumpkins and what can be made from them. Thanks also to Debbie, Lynne, Sandra and Dilys who made pumpkin curry, soup and pumpkin cake. This was a free event and thanks to the Regency Hall for supporting it.
The popular Bat Trail started on Saturday and covered all areas of the village and will finish on November 4th. A big thank you to Mel Kemp who organised this successful event. On Tuesday there was an excellent Pumpkin Trail organised by Butternut Pantry. This was well received in the afternoon and attracted many on the trail around the village. Also thanks to Hean Castle public house who organised their first children’s Halloween party, with the proceeds raised going to two different charities. The Big Bang was back over the weekend with the village bustling with young families. This event was organised by the Chamber for Tourism and thanks also to Saundersfoot Harbour for working with all the organizations over the weekend. The weather didn’t detract from the crowds attending but unfortunately the fireworks event had to be cancelled. The weather changed dramatically late in the afternoon with strong easterly winds along with the high tides that made conditions extremely hazardous. The fireworks team made the call to cancel show due to safety concerns. I’m sure the majority of individuals who witnessed the weather would fully understand this decision. Having seen the conditions on the harbour first-hand, I fully endorse the decision made. Health and Safety is paramount in all successful events. The Chamber are already looking forward to next year with hopefully better weather.
Kind Regards
Cllr Chris Williams
Saundersfoot South
Telephone : 07979 197936
Email : cllr.Chris.Williams@pembrokeshire.gov.uk