February has been a busy month and I will list some of the jobs that I have looked at over the month.
ROAD CLOSURES
Temporary path closure – Public footpath SP42/39/1 & SP42/39A/1 at Saundersfoot, from a point at Westfield Court/Road, west along the Incline to a point nearer Bonville’s Court. This will commence on Monday 28th April 2025 for a period of 2 months. This will result in the construction of a new footpath and upgrade works to the existing path. These works will be carried out in several phases to minimise disruption with the alternative route for pedestrians being determined and signed accordingly as works progress. Emergency service access will be maintained.
Just another reminder to residents and businesses that there will be a Temporary road closure – St Brides Hill, Saundersfoot. Pembrokeshire County Council Highway Infrastructure Management want to implement resurfacing works on the carriageway. Location – St Brides Hill & Brewery Terrace (B4316) Saundersfoot – from the access to St Brides Hotel north to a point near the access to Regency Car Park. This will be on Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th of March 2025 for two days. Pedestrian and emergency access will be maintained where practical.
Tunnel closures
Work on the tunnels has been carried out over the last few months and during February it was important to start clearing the vegetation due to the bird nesting season in March. There have been detailed surveys and design works are ongoing and further surveys will be carried out once all the vegetation has been removed. Due to access restrictions, it is necessary to use a specialised excavator on site to carry out the scaling and re profiling of the slip areas. These are specialised items of plant and therefore are in very limited supply. The contractor has managed to source an excavator for 31st of March for a fortnight. Access for the excavator will be via the foreshore, which is both a marine environment and an SSSI, so PCC are currently liaising with NRW to ensure the necessary licenses/consents which are now in place. PCC will have a clearer indication of timescale for the rock netting/catch fence work, once the design is completed over the next few weeks. At this time it would be unfair to put a timescale on this, however, I acknowledge that PCC are working extremely hard to get this open as soon as possible. Safety will be paramount in their decisions.
UPDATES
At the beginning of February I attended a meeting in Saundersfoot with PCC officers – Transport Strategy & Highways Development Control Manager, along with disability access groups. This was to look at the recent consultation regarding Cambrian Terrace and other points of concern in Saundersfoot and to make sure that access points were improved. I have said previously that while a café culture theme along Cambrian Terrace will look aesthetically better, in reality this wouldn’t work for our community at present. The residents heavily rely on these seven spaces to allow them to come into the village if they so wish and park up and shop locally. The disabled bays along with the short term parking also support local businesses. The loading bay supports the local shops and I feel that these should remain in place to support the village. I fully support the work of the local organisations such as Saundersfoot Guide Dogs and other disability groups and it’s extremely important to listen to their views. All of us felt that the active travel link is excellent for the village but it would be better off if these works were completed opposite the proposed active travel link on Cambrian Terrace. PCC will look into the feasibility of this, along with the many other comments from local residents who attended the recent consultation at the Old Coal Office on Saundersfoot Harbour.
We also discussed Brewery Terrace where there is a proposal to remove the current crossing point to a central location outside the entrance opposite Saundersfoot Harbour. We all felt that this was a sensible option and would improve safety as it appears many currently use this to cross. By doing this, it will mean a potential to create an additional 5 spaces on Brewery Terrace, made up of timed disability parking and short stay parking to support residents and local businesses. It’s also important to maintain the loading bay, however, I would like this to be timed, thus allowing residents to park at a permitted time to support the village. I have also suggested that all loading bays in the village are timed so that they can all be accessible to work for the village in the evenings. We are all aware that parking in Saundersfoot is an issue and anything we can do to support extra parking has to be a positive for everyone.
Over the last 6 weeks, I have been liasing with the residents on Incline Way, Saundersfoot. They have quite rightly raised concerns regarding the active travel link through their estate and the issues of the narrowing of the entrance into Incline Way, off the Valley Road Junction. After meeting on site with PCC officers it was agreed that they would look to the realignment of the recently installed junction and it has been determined that the carriageway width should be increased on the Incline, with Manual for Streets guidance to a carriageway width of 5.5m. PCC are therefore programming the alteration to the arrangement below, which all the residents are extremely happy about.
There will also be a junction improvement installed to improve user safety at the junction to Bonvilles Court. Please see below:
I personally would like to thank all the residents in Incline Way and Bonville’s Close for their patience and views recently expressed. I would also like to thank the PCC Highways team, for listening to the concerns and working on compromises for this to be moved on to its conclusion. In the meeting it was also highlighted that Works are to continue for the Multi User Route between the rail station and village, they are set to recommence mid-March, with the lower section of The Incline being initially improved. PCC have all CADW approvals for the alterations and Archaeological watching brief being arranged. The improvement will then connect Westfield Court to Incline Way, with the connectivity to the junction of Westfield Court area improved following completion of the improvements on The Incline. Surface repair in advance of final surface renewal is programmed for Brooklands Place. This will require the contractor to limit access whilst the operation is being completed, this will significantly improve the movement for the immediate residents and the disability groups as the road surface at the moment is in a bad way with many pot holes. PCC apologises for any disruption that this might cause. The final Multi User Route signage and finished path surfacing to then be complete April / May. Other currently programmed construction include a minor junction realignment to the junction access to Incline Way and Bonville’s Close. This is to improve Multi User Route facilities and junction maneuverability for highway traffic. I have also raised concerns regarding the visibility at the new junction coming onto the Fan Road and have been reassured that there will be minor improvements to the verge to Fan Road junction, whilst reducing the vegetation. Works are currently ongoing for hedgerow trimming along Fan Road and will continue for the remainder of the week. Over the last two years I have been approached numerous times regarding Saundersfoot Railway Bridge Access. I have raised this again at our recent meeting and PCC are now looking at a traffic calming proposal at the road under the rail bridge. This will be advanced to construction in the new financial year once designs are checked and civil works procured. Councillor Cormack and I are both aware of the state of the pavements on the Ridgeway. There are many improvements designed for the majority of routes around the village and it was disappointing recently that the Ridgeway wasn’t included in the recent active travel link consultations. We are now both pleased to announce that PCC are looking to advance initial feasibility review to consider the highway connectivity for traffic and pedestrians along The Ridgeway, whilst continuing to advance other Active Travel corridors following the Public Consultations.
NEWS
During February I met Welsh Water at three destinations in Saundersfoot. These areas have been flagged up regarding concerns from local residents. One of these areas was outside the pumping station on Westfield Road, where the culvert blocked earlier in the year. I can now state that PCC have now successfully cleared this culvert and removed all the vegetation and silt from the outlet. It was surprising how much this had built up and hopefully the lower end of the road will no longer flood. The other site we viewed was on Westfield Road. Works will need to be carried out as this has also built up over the years. I’m currently dealing with that at the moment and hopefully PCC will be able to proceed with this when available to do so. The remaining site at the local sports field, seems to have puzzled Welsh Water and I am still waiting for their response on this. During February we had some torrential downpours that resulted in many blocked road drains not working. There has been an issue with a drain in Ragged Staff that is currently being dealt with by PCC and there are others on the High Street and the Strand. These will be dealt with when the machine is next in the vicinity. Whilst we were in Ragged Staff, I reported previously regarding a large pothole that has been a problem for the neighbouring residents. I have now been assured that this will be seen to by the end of this financial year by PCC. I appreciate that this has gone on for many years, but we now have confirmation that this will now be fixed. There are two manholes that need attention, one is on the High Street on the pavement, which is cracked and the other on Sandy Hill Road that rattles when driven over. I have also chased up the senior Traffic & Road Safety Engineer for an update on the Moreton Road regarding the speed of motorists on the stretch of road between New Hedges roundabout and the bottom of Wooden Hill. I met the safety engineer on site to look at doing a speed limit review of this stretch of road. I fully appreciate the concerns of residential properties, businesses and a small church that all require access. Hopefully I will be able to report in my monthly accounts in future some positive news regarding this. I have raised concerns with PCC regarding the rubbish at a property on Stammers Road. The waste storage bins are directly next to a pavement and rubbish is often placed at this property. It’s then left to the local residents to clean this rubbish. I have asked PCC to meet me on site as there have been issues at this location going back to 2012. I feel that this hasn’t been dealt with appropriately and the residents views don’t appear to have been considered. I am still waiting for a reply and will continue to chase as this location will become a fly tipping magnet during the summer season and this is unacceptable for the local residents. I would like to take this opportunity to thank local residents and businesses that contacted me regarding recent works carried out on Milford Street. I passed this information onto the National Park Authority for their assistance. I am well aware that this is a conservation area and any works carried out will have to be in accordance with planning rules and regulations. I spoke with the planners/enforcement team at NP and asked for clarification on the works that were ongoing. I would like to show my appreciation to the NP officers who came out immediately to look at the ongoing works. The contractors were told to cease works and the owner of the building will now have to submit plans for the works at this site.
I would also like to thank Bod (local painter & decorator, Michael Boddington), who has worked tirelessly for the community over the last 12 months. Bod has helped out with the painting of the street furniture around the village and more importantly this winter has taken it upon himself to dismantle the Community benches around the village and professionally restore them, to look like new. The two benches outside the Harbwr bar have been transformed and work is underway to restore the 3 tired benches opposite Copper Hog in the village centre, before he descends to the benches on the Strand, opposite Spar.
Lastly this is a message from the users of the sports field in Saundersfoot, lately these fields have been used by dog walkers and recently a junior game was paused while dogs mess was cleared from the field. The sports club, Football Club & Cricket Club want me to remind residents that TOXOSISCARIASIS, causes optical cellulosis, which can lead to BLINDLESS and even death if not treated within 72 hours. These fields are for the community and for individuals, young and old, to enjoy playing sport and strictly no dogs on the playing field please.
LITTER/BEACH CLEANS
During February/March there have been monthly litter picks organised by Ecoast and Julie Davies on Saundersfoot beach and the village centre. Huge thank you to the 34 people who turned up for Saundersfoot’s 2nd @surfersagainstsewage beach clean of 2025. It was inspiring to be amongst so many like-minded people and enjoy the beautiful spring sunshine. 5 people headed off to do a village clean collecting 20.5kg which included: 37 cans, 19 pop bottles, 14 vapes (disposable and rechargeable), 8 McDonalds cups, 3 Greggs cups, 11 takeaway coffee cups, 13 crisp packets. Plus an exhaust, metal grill and 18 glass bottles 😯
The beach clean covered Back Beach to Monkstone with a total of 28.9kg of bagged rubbish that included
16 plastic bottles, 7 cans, 1 shoe, 1 Dove deodorant aerosol, 2 tetra drinks packs, 1 glove
1 empty bottle of bleach that was produced in Thailand, 17.5kg of rope plus 2 lobster pots and a tyre.
In addition there were a few trailer loads of rubbish collected from Monkstone beach including 4 pots, 2 bags of rubbish (too heavy to weigh – the scales taps out at 10kg!), About 9kg hard plastic, 1 red child’s Ford Wild Track car and 1 child’s seat (from the previous clean).
All of the rubbish was sorted and recycled where possible. The remainder has been taken by the
PCC Environment Team.
A big thanks to Saundersfoot Sailing Club for their continued support – in particular, Mel, for providing the volunteers with refreshments and Gabi for driving the tractor and gathering most of the rubbish.
Our thanks also to Saundersfoot Harbour and the team at PCC for their help and support.
The next Saundersfoot clean will be on 30th Mar – details to follow.
In the meantime, if you would like to carry out your own clean, there is Keep Wales Tidy equipment available to loan at Ecoast Pembrokeshire on the High Street, Saundersfoot. Whilst they were busy in the village doing an amazing job, I proceeded to walk up the Ridgeway, Fan Road, to the Pentlepoir junction and down past St. Issell’s church. I enjoy going out early with a clear head and enjoy the walk picking up as I go along. I was surprised with the amount I collected as it’s all been disposed out of a vehicle window. It was mainly cans, plastic bottles and take away boxes/wrappers. This is extremely disappointing, especially as this will need picking again very shortly. During my pick I collected 23.4kg that was 4 full bags in roughly two hours. This shows how much is thrown out of a window. I would like to thank the PCC team who collect this rubbish and help us at every opportunity as soon as it’s collected. I will say that the village and surrounding roads are very clean, however it is noticeable when driving to Haverfordwest to attend meetings, the verges are full of rubbish. I haven’t seen this as bad as it is now and we should be very grateful to the many volunteers who work extremely hard to make sure our village is clean & tidy as possible.
E-BIKES
During February Councillor Cormack and I, attended a meeting in Saundersfoot regarding E Bikes. We walked around various locations including the Regency Hall and discussed the location of Saundersfoot Railway Station. The area at the Regency Hall would be acceptable and they would have to realign the curb for this to work. Potentially this would improve visibility especially for those in a wheel chair and using a mobility scooter. By pushing the curb out and installing a drop kerb would significantly improve safety, thus making room for the E Bikes. The other two areas were on private land and the Transport Planner would need to speak with Hean Castle Estate and Saundersfoot Harbour on this. What was also discussed was that individuals don’t dismount their bikes before proceeding to ride through the tunnels. There is signage that clearly isn’t being adhered to. Councillor Cormack and I, have been approached by residents who find it extremely dangerous walking through the tunnels when a bike is coming towards them. At the meeting we asked the Transport & Infrastructure team to look at the possibility of a barrier that would force cyclists to dismount. This will obviously need funding but they would look to the minor works fund for this scheme.
BRYNHIR DEVELOPMENT
I think it’s important that you’re aware of an upcoming event relating to our Brynhir housing development.
Morgan Construction Wales Ltd, has been awarded the Brynhir tender and are holding a Meet The Buyer event to engage with contractors and suppliers for the development. This event will be held on the 19th March 2025, 09:00 – 17:00 and will be located at De Valence Pavilion, Tenby. Morgan Construction is currently building the houses lower down from Whitlow Estate. I would advise anyone to come and view these properties and see how clean they keep this development.
For more information on this event, please see the links below –
https://www.facebook.com/PCCHousing/
https://www.facebook.com/GwasanaethauTaiSirBenfro
DOCTORS’ SURGERY.
During February I held a meeting with the practice manager of Saundersfoot and Kilgetty surgeries. During these meetings with the Business Manager, I was strongly reassured that there is no intention to close Kilgetty Surgery. Whilst it is true that the GP Practice has faced significant financial and staffing challenges, as have most GP Practices across our country. This isn’t new to me, as we all know that in Wales, our health service is under considerable strain both in terms of finance and staffing.
I have been informed that there has been a staff reorganisation in which some staff have opted for voluntary redundancy and some jobs have been advertised. I believe the decision to discontinue the dispensary services at Saundersfoot and Kilgetty was taken in order to safeguard the financial viability of the GP Practice and assure its future. However it is disappointing that this service will be lost and that members of staff will unfortunately lose their jobs. With regards to staffing, I understand the Practice try to provide HCA / nursing cover at Kilgetty everyday (bearing in mind they have to cope with staff sickness like everyone else). They are obliged to offer GP service for 20 hours per week which I am told is exceeded (generally there is no GP on a Friday). I do believe that these decisions have been extremely difficult and the practice manager has reassured me that they have had to take these necessary steps to safeguard both Saundersfoot and Kilgetty surgeries. I want to reassure residents that the pharmacy on the Strand will now be heavily relied on to dispense medication. Whilst this is positive news for the Strand Pharmacy, I raised concerns with PCC last week regarding the issuing of roughly 5000 prescriptions on a monthly basis. Whilst this will strengthen business opportunities in the village, I am concerned of the amount of vehicles that will now be descending on the Strand and the challenges of parking. I will be speaking to Councillor Cormack on this and relay our concerns with PCC.
RESIDENTS/BUSINESS MEETING
To all businesses, organisations and residents of Saundersfoot.
You are formally invited to attend a meeting at the Regency Hall on Monday 17th of March at 7pm. The meeting will be independently chaired by Phil Baker and myself. The purpose of the meeting is to establish whether we feel, as a community, we could benefit from working together collectively and effectively coordinate events in the village.
A meeting has already been held at the Hean Inn, last month, to start the process and it is hoped, giving the date of this new meeting, that a large proportion of the community can attend in March. I have received a lot of feedback that a collective oversight organisation would be a massive benefit and provide a sense of cohesion that the Chamber for Tourism previously delivered.
Over the years Saundersfoot has been the envy of most communities due in part to the Chamber for Tourism which was specifically designed to create greater trade out of the busy summer season and communication for all businesses, organisations and residents. While some individuals and groups have made fantastic efforts to deliver events and had some success, it is clear that we could be so much more successful and enhance the fantastic feeling of community in our village by working together.
This meeting will give everyone the opportunity to express their view and to see if there is a consensus of opinion to how we go forward as a village. I feel sure that a new oversight body for village events, ensuring effective communication and cooperation will be advantageous, but it is you that need to decide that the creation of such a team is what you want. It will need to be inclusive and it will need the commitment of all of our community groups if such a team is to be created and deliver effectively for the village.
I implore all businesses, organisations and residents to engage in the debate, voice your views and help shape the future of events in Saundersfoot
POLICE UPDATE
During January & February councilor Cormack & I, met the local PCSO’s quite a few times to discuss some Anti-Social Behaviour in Saundersfoot. There were issues that were a great concern especially for residents on the Strand and around the village over the New Year period going into January. These issues included eggs being thrown at properties on The Strand and the front doors of these properties being banged. Unfortunately a stained glass window was damaged and numerous residents had to clean up this mess on a regular basis. Books were also taken from the mobile library and also thrown at properties, resulting in books being soaked and unreadable. These issues have now been resolved thanks to collaborative working between Neighbourhood Policing Team PCSOs and County Councillors from the recent Meet The Street event that was held on 13th January 2025 on The Strand. Further action was taken against the now identified youths and evening patrols by PCSOs on The Strand have deterred further Anti-Social Behaviour. I would sincerely like to thank the local residents for their patience and for those who have supplied the numerous doorbell and CCTV footage to identify a number of individuals. I would also like to remind all residents to be vigilant regarding their properties and make sure that they always lock up their properties when they leave their house unattended. There have been burglaries locally, especially the more rural parts and there have been numerous reports of suspicious vehicles in Llanteg, Amroth and Stepaside. I have included a home and security leaflet which has been issued by Dyfed Powys Police to read and they are also on Tenby & Narberth Police Facebook page.
PERSIMMON HOMES
Over the last few months I have been in contact with Persimmon homes to make sure that they keep me updated on developments so that I can relay this information to neighbouring properties and the community. Please see below some notes supplied by Persimmon regarding works planned. Over the remaining weeks Persimmon will continue the implementation of drainage area to the South, levelling the southern part of the site and the commencement of the show home. To date they have already implemented the silt water management in the southern area of the site
Undertaken the initial hedgerow clearance as part of our NRW Licence, under ecological supervision. The next stage of clearance will take place in May. To note, we are under an NRW issued Licence, which is legally binding, so all works are undertaken with ecological supervision and fed back to NRW to confirm compliance. We are therefore compliant with our legal obligations on this ecological subject.
Initial site set up in terms of site cabins, site parking areas etc.
Set up of tree protection across the site in line with our planning approval.
Further discussions at the end of February highlighted some concerns from local residents, A query was raised on the shared use path which sits inside the new estate and linking up with the current pavement off Sandy Hill Road. It was stated that this has now decreased in size from the original plans that were passed at a NP planning committee. I have made contact with NP, PCC and Persimmon homes and received the following reply from Persimmon. ‘We obtained planning permission (the approved site plan (Rev E) – which actually depicts a 2m shared use path. Through the S38 (adoption process), Highways wanted to increase this. We can’t increase the entirety of it, owing to its impacted loss on the hedge (which is what we’re striving to protect owing to ecologically protected species (Dormice) and through our discussions, we wanted to retain the Pembrokeshire hedge. However, we have managed to increase the shared use path width to 2.5m running south from our access. Which has led to approval of the condition discharge as approved by PCC Highways. The transport Strategy & Highways Development Control Manager came back with the following answer, With regards to the AT routes, there are allowances that can be applied for a reduction in width of the SUP which would mean it is not up to AT Guidance. In this instance, the need to preserve the hedgeline along the frontage of the property and the constraints associated with the ecology, it was agreed that an overall width of 2.5m would be agreed – rather than varying the width along the route. The SUP will provide an improvement for all users in terms of active travel, and remove users from the live carriageway. There are a few other points which I’m currently dealing with and hope to reply this information once I’ve received it. Lastly, Persimmon homes have apologised for leaving a generator on overnight last week. This shouldn’t have happened and have put measures in place to prevent this happening in the future.
EVENTS/WHATS ON
To local residents, there are beach cleans planned for the following dates. There will also be village litter picks to coincide.
Back Beach to Monkstone Point Cleans for 2025 diary.
All litter picks will be starting/ meeting at Saundersfoot Sailing Club. Equipment will be provided, but please bring your own gloves.
30 Mar (Sun) 11am
27th Apr (Sun) 10.30 am
27th May (Tues) 10.30 am
24th Aug (Sun) 11 am
9th Sept (Tues) 11am
8th Oct (Weds) 11am
5th Nov (Weds) 9am
7th Dec (Sun) 11am
Please follow @pembrokeshirebeachcleans
for updates and details of other beach cleans in South Pembrokeshire.
Saundersfoot Harbour is putting on another night of entertainment, where the Oasish tribute band will be performing on the events decking. They will be supported by tribute Manic Street Preachers – a throwback to Knebworth 1996 lineup. This will be on Friday, 2nd May. This promises to be another successful night in Saundersfoot with tickets selling fast. Events | Saundersfoot Harbour
St David’s Day Celebrations started at the Regency Hall Saundersfoot last Saturday. A special thanks to the ladies in the kitchen who kept everyone supplied with their award winning Cawl until it sold out. Also to the ladies for lovely homemade Welsh cakes in the hall. Let’s not forget the incredible performances from Cor y Mor and pop voices – absolutely brilliant. This was very well supported and the Regency would like to thank everyone who attended, to make it such a memorable event.
Another well attended Cawl trail hosted by the Hean castle Inn on March 1st , Saundersfoot saw 270 participants walking around the village with 6 venues taking part -The Hean Castle inn, The Chemist Inn, The Stone Crab, The Captains Table, The Harbwr bar and The Royal Oak. This was a successful event for the village and it is hoped that this will grow in the years ahead and many more businesses will be involved on the day.
It was fantastic that the village RLNI shop had an official grand opening on Friday 28th February. The shop was originally run as a pop up shop until its recent refurbishment and they are looking forward to their first full year as an official RLNI Retail Outlet. They can both promote and raise funds for the RLNI which is such an important local and national charity. This couldn’t be possible without their army of dedicated volunteers who are out in all conditions for a worthwhile cause. Well done to everyone who has been involved with this over the years.
Save the date – Councillor Rhys Jordan and I, will be picking litter from New Hedges roundabout, Moreton Rd, down Devonshire Drive to the junction at Manor Park on Sunday 30th March, please keep an eye out for the time and everyone is welcome to assist.
Saundersfoot Connect
It’s hard to believe that the social media group, Saundersfoot Connect, will be 5 years old in March. The volunteers behind the group, which was originally set up during the first lockdown of the pandemic will be celebrating with a social get together at The Hean pub on Friday 21st March from 3-5pm and everyone is invited to go along. Originally set up to provide a support network for those who were isolated or in need during lockdown, the group has grown over the last 5 years to be an important communication channel for many things from locating a lost parcel to information on road closures in the village. Over the years, the group has been responsible for co-ordinating one of the first webcams in the village as well as setting up two websites, one for general village information and one for events. The volunteers behind the scenes work tirelessly to ensure the page continues to be a valuable and professionally run village resource. The team at Saundersfoot Connect will be delighted for you to meet them on the 21st and look forward to many more years supporting the village community.
SAUNDERSFOOT ROTARY
February has been a busy and impactful month for Saundersfoot Rotary, with several activities focused on local community support and global initiatives.
One of the highlights for Rotary was the continued growth of the blossoming crocuses planted last October. These vibrant flowers serve as a visual reminder of the Rotary Club’s ongoing efforts to support the eradication of polio worldwide. The colourful displays not only brighten up the local environment but also symbolize the collective work of Rotary members and partners around the globe in fighting this debilitating disease. The planting of the crocuses is part of a larger initiative to raise awareness and funds for polio vaccination campaigns. In addition to this, working with the Tenby Lions, Saundersfoot Rotary launched a collection of unwanted spectacles, a project aimed at helping those who have limited or no access to vision care. The response from the community was amazing with well over five hundred of pairs of spectacles donated. The donated glasses will be recycled and refurbished and distributed to individuals in need across the globe.
February also saw the return of the popular half-term treasure hunt in Saundersfoot. The event, which attracted both locals and visitors, was a fun way to engage with the community while supporting a good cause. All proceeds from the treasure hunt are once again being donated to local good causes, ensuring that the funds raised benefit those in need within the area. The Club have a full calendar of activities planned for the coming season and further details of those will be coming out shortly!
Cllr Chris Williams
Saundersfoot South