I reported in my September monthly account, that I was extremely disappointed that the Chair of Saundersfoot Community Council had resigned. Unfortunately, since then, a further 7 community councillors have also resigned. I would add that this is very concerning for Saundersfoot residents as we have lost a group of talented people with knowledge and experience. Applicants have until 4pm on November 8th to hand in their forms to PCC. We live in a fantastic village and I sincerely hope that the vacancies can be filled with individuals who want to make a positive impact for their community.
Consultation – Saundersfoot schemes
During October, I attended a meeting to discuss the recent works on Fan Road as well as the new path at Brooklands Close. We also discussed potential plans for the centre of the village. Current works are now finished and engineers are completing licences and tasks to ensure the contractor is ready to return to link the village to Saundersfoot railway station. Several design options are being developed for an upcoming public consultation. These include options for Cambrian Terrace, Brewery Terrace, Stammers Road, Sandy Hill Road, access from Frances Road to Coppet Hall and the active travel link connections to Saundersfoot CP school.
- In brief – there has been a thought process by PCC to introduce café culture on Cambrian Terrace. This would also include widening the pavement to include access for bikes. There would also be planting of small trees in large pots and this scheme would be in place all year round. The plan would be to remove all the parking on Cambrian Terrace and introduce a taxi rank from its current location. While I agree that this will be aesthetically pleasing, I am struggling with the removal of 7 car parking spaces that are vital in the heart of the village and any displacement plans, must support much needed parking.
- Another proposal is to remove the current zebra crossing on Brewery Terrace and centralise this in the heart of the village. This would be a four way crossing point directly opposite the Saundersfoot Harbour entrance and the proposed central crossing slightly raised.
I definitely support a central crossing point as I feel this would be a lot safer and this is where the majority of people cross now. If the zebra crossing is moved, potentially this could create extra parking on Brewery Terrace. I have also raised issues surrounding the current loading bay on Brewery Terrace and also insufficient short term parking for residents shopping in the village. I feel that there should be a designated short term bay, for those who wish to pick up essentials in the village, on Brewery Terrace.
- Another concern is the lack of a loading bay on Milford Street. I have informed the Highways team that a loading bay should be available to stop the constant heavy vehicles parking on the pavements and blocking access.
I would recommend all residents who have thoughts on the proposals by PCC, to attend the consultation at the Old Coal Office, Saundersfoot Harbour on the 19th of November. Your opinions matter and it’s important that you give your views to the local authority engineers.
The Public Consultation will commence with a workshop/drop-in session on 19th November 2024, between 10:00 – 12:00, 13:00 – 16:00 and 18:30 – 20:00 at The Coal Building, Saundersfoot Harbour.
The sessions will have representatives from Pembrokeshire County Council, to answer any questions that may arise. Following this one-day event, for those who are unable to attend in person, an online public survey will be made available and can be accessed, via: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/have-your-say/consultations
The online survey will remain available for 4 weeks concluding on 17th December 2024.
Whilst the County Council encourages consultation responses to be made via our on-line consultation system, paper hardcopies of the designs and survey, along with a comments box, will be located at The Coal Building, Saundersfoot Harbour and County Hall. The printed version and paper surveys will remain in place until 17th December 2024, where they will be collected. Posted copies are available upon request by contacting the team on the above email address or contact number (located within the letter header).
Following on from the consultation period, final preferred option(s) will be identified. This preferred option will not be finalised until we have the feedback from the local community.
Should you have any questions regarding the proposed public consultation, please do get in touch via the email address listed at the top of this letter.
Policing
During the first week of October, I asked for a meeting with Michael Llewellyn, Chief Inspector of Dyfed Powys Police. Also present were Ray Wise, Saundersfoot Community Council and Neil Bartholomew of Christkindl on the High Street. Over the recent months I have raised the issue of a lack of police presence in the village along with numerous thefts and anti-social behaviour. I felt that we had a very productive meeting with Mr Llewellyn. Since the meeting, I feel there is a far more visible presence in the village and the local PCSOs are engaging with the local business community. Another issue which was raised previously was the camera located by the sensory garden. This is now fully operational. There will be another meeting in January to discuss how things are moving forward and I’m confident a better understanding from all parties is the way forward to working together.
E Bikes – Saundersfoot
It is understood that Saundersfoot could be in line for a future phase of E Bike facilities. This would support the recent active travel link improvements in the village and wider community. We already have an established bike hire business in the village, operating from Coppet Hall, and any new schemes should be supporting an already established business. I am sure that most of the residents are aware of the reports of E Bikes being left in hedgerows and ridden on pavements that has been reported from other towns in Pembrokeshire. I feel that any proposed link up should be between the railway station and Coppet Hall. This new initiative is driven by PCC with NP providing the scheme for these bikes. Saundersfoot Harbour would also represent a central location, however this can’t be in the thought process as bikes are strictly forbidden from being ridden on their land.
Ironman
After this year’s event I received a request from PCC officers regarding feedback from Saundersfoot residents and businesses. I am delighted to report that this was an overwhelming success and received lots of positive comments. This event is unique and Saundersfoot and the wider community play their part in a highly successful event. The professionalism of the event organisers as well as PCC staff needs to be recognised. The businesses that I have spoken with are fully behind the event especially with it being at the end of September. They feel that the season has been extended and is giving them a boost at the end of the season. The communication of this event has been praised and I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all the staff who worked tirelessly on the event and to those who made sure our towns and villages were spotless after they had finished. I also received a few minor comments that weren’t in any way critical, just impovments. Due to the extreme rain, some felt that as you’re riding down from Hean Castle Estate to Coppet Hall, there should be slow signs or marshals to slow cyclists around this part of the course. Unfortunately there were a few accidents with cyclists going too fast. With the incredible atmosphere in Saundersfoot and all the way up to New Hedges, where thousands come to cheer on the competitors in a gruelling part of the course, it has been mentioned that Ironman should provide portable toilet facilities and litter bins. This would prevent a small minority that have to go to the toilet, where they shouldnt!
Carers Rights Day
On Tuesday 22nd of October, I attended a meeting organised by SE Pembs Community Health Network. Social Care was the main topic for this meeting and it was lovely to see Cllr Tessa Hodgson – PCC cabinet member for social services attending. Other items on the agenda were winter flu & covid – 19 vaccination programmes and any updates from the local doctors surgeries. It was refreshing to have updates and I welcome residents to attend further meetings with their concerns.
This year, Carers Rights Day is on Thursday 21 November 2024 – and this year’s theme is “recognising your rights”
Every day, 12,000 people become unpaid carers for a partner, family member or a friend – many of whom don’t see themselves as carers, often unaware of their legal rights and what they’re entitled to in terms of support and benefits. The aim is to help carers recognise and understand their rights, and to access the support available to them, whenever they need it.
As a carer, knowing your rights empowers you with information about what you’re entitled to. This helps you feel confident asking for what you need, as well as challenging things when your rights are not being met – whether that be in the workplace or education, in accessing health or social care, or when interacting with other professionals or at home.
For more information on what your rights are please visit Carers Rights Day | Carers UK and for general information on our services for unpaid carers please go our websiteUnpaid Carers – Pembrokeshire County Council.
Jobs Chased/Completed
At the start of October we experienced heavy downfalls that resulted in the Railway bridge entering Saundersfoot to flood. This was reported and the team at PCC came out immediately to deal with the blocked drain. I also had to report damage to a fence on the Strand that is holding back recent small rock falls. It was moved and will be replaced. Over the last few months I have received numerous reports of the red barriers being left on the floor at Fan Road and Broodlands Place. Unfortunately, they have been put upright and in no time ended up on the floor. Last week they were removed and new permanent metal barriers are in place. There have also been reports from residents at Brooklands and Westfield Rd, of occasionally seeing a car drive up this bridleway that is only for pedestrians, cyclists and horses. This has been chased up and I’m delighted to state that there are now bollards secured to prevent vehicle access.
Residents have contacted me regarding the path coming down from Bevelin Hall linking up with Sandyhill Road. On inspection the hedge of the neighbouring property is right across the path preventing clear access, I have reported this overgrowth and hopefully this will attended to once the owners have been informed of their responsibilities. The path in places also needs some stone as this has been washed away due to the amount of rain we’ve had this year. The PCC vehicle was also out in Saundersfoot last week clearing the drains on the Ridgeway. An eagle eyed resident made me aware of a few drains that appeared to be blocked. I have also reported several other drains at the top of St Brides Hill leading up to Rushy Lake. If there are any drains in and around Saundersfoot that need emptying, please let me know as nearly all the leaves are down and the water run off should be much better. Last Sunday there was a litter pick organised by Surfers Against Sewage on the beach. Part of the planned actions were to brand audit, highlighting Coca Cola, Molson Coors, Stella Artois, Red Bull and Tesco as the most littered brands. I stuck to my normal route of going up the Ridgeway, Fan Road, Pentlepoir and back to the village via St Issells church. The amount of litter that is discarded out of vehicle windows is incredible. On this particular day I collected 3 sacks of rubbish and dropped them into the village for disposal. I would like to thank Julie Davies who organised this collection and all those litter pickers who continually pick up litter in our community. Saundersfoot in Bloom are holding a celebration coffee morning on Saturday 23rd of November between 10am and 1pm at the Regency Hall. They are asking for residents to drop in and join them for a coffee and a cake and let them know what you liked in the village this year and what you’d like to see for next year. There are also opportunities to join their group as a volunteer and everyone is most welcome.
I had a request from Wesley Chapel with concerns regarding the trees at the rear of their property. While I’m almost certain there isn’t a TPO listed, I have asked NP for advice and if they can be taken down due to the concerns of the Chapel and business owner of the adjacent antique shop. I did attend a meeting at Saundersfoot Surgery on Wednesday 6th of November with Councillors Cormack and Cameron to discuss the concerns of the local residents. I had an email from a concerned member of the Blue Tits who regularly swim at Coppet Hall. It was brought to my attention that there appeared to be another rock fall just past the entrance of the third tunnel heading to Wisemans Bridge. I passed this on to PCC maintenance manager to inspect and let me know of any issues. It was reported back that there appeared to be a small rock fall that was past the tunnel entrance and onto the beach. There is no immediate concern and the path remained open for use. Unfortunately, there will be the occasional rock falls due to weather conditions.
Saundersfoot Community Lottery
In October, the Saundersfoot Community Lottery was launched, and it has been met with an enthusiastic response, leading to a surge of requests to join that resulted in a backlog of emails. Fortunately, this backlog has now been resolved, and requests are being processed within five working days of submission. Fifty percent of the funds from the lottery ‘pot’ will be allocated to support local groups and charitable causes. This presents a wonderful opportunity for groups to participate and increase the overall pot, while members also have the chance to win a cash prize! It’s truly a win-win situation. If you haven’t entered yet, you can do so through the website (https://saundersfootcommunitylotto.org/) or by visiting the Regency Hall to pick up a form. Best of luck to all participants, and thank you for contributing to the community!
Events/Dates.
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 10th 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.
I feel I must mention Saundersfoot Rotary, who appear to be more active than ever in delivering community events. On 24th October Saundersfoot Rotary in partnership with Saundersfoot Harbour entertained 45 children and their teachers from four local junior schools in Saundersfoot Sailing Club, to mark World Polio Day. The children had a live video link with a member of the World Health Organisation based in Copenhagen, who explained about Polio and the importance of their programmes to eradicate it. The children were then treated to lunch and taken on a tour of the Coal Museum and the Schooner where they learned about the history of Saundersfoot and Pembrokeshire piracy. That evening the Schooner was illuminated purple to mark this important day. Then, on 29th October, I witnessed, Saundersfoot Rotary deliver a Treasure Hunt for families during the half term week and an amazing 159 children, parents and grandparents enjoyed a few hours of chasing clues around the village before returning to Saundersfoot Sailing Club for food, refreshments and prizes. Local businesses were again amazing in supporting this brilliant initiative. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Suzannah and the staff from the Hean Inn, who organised a Halloween disco party for over a 100 children along with their parents and grand parents. A village bat trail was organised with a visit to the spooky ship and businesses around the village. All profits from this event will be going to fund a children’s Christmas party.
Well done to Saundersfoot Rotary, Saundersfoot Harbour, Saundersfoot Sailing Club, Hean Public House, local businesses and everyone who helped deliver such outstanding community events.
On Saturday 9th November, I will attending the Tenderfoot Sporting Championship, taking place at the Regency Hall between 9 am and 3pm. This is the culmination of disability athletes training throughout the year to compete in a variety of sporting events. The event is delivered by Saundersfoot Rotary who help train and develop the competitors. The Tenderfoot Team usually compete against other disability teams from Wales in the Welsh Rotary Disability Sports Championship at this time of year but this year there is no suitable venue available to host the event. As reigning Welsh champions, Tenderfoot have decided to host their own internal competition. I will be wishing all the competitors well and I will continue to support this brilliant project delivered by Saundersfoot Rotary which means so much to the competitors and their families. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The Big Bang weekend was an outstanding success for the village during half term week. The weather certainly helped and the village was exceptionally busy during the week leading up to the Big Bang Weekend. I was fortunate to volunteer on the Saturday during the fireworks display and was amazed how busy the village was out of season. The organisers need to take a lot of credit for putting on an excellent display and attracting so many families to the village during this period. The harbour certainly lends itself to hosting events and the atmosphere during the week certainly adds to the feel of a vibrant welcoming community. I am sure all of the businesses would have been very pleased especially as we are entering the winter months. Saundersfoot does work very hard during the year and there are many different organisations that make this happen, it is wise to appreciate the efforts of those who do attract visiting numbers to our village who support our local economy. The feedback I have received over half term has been very positive and hopefully we can arrange more dry weather for future events held in the village.
The RLNI will be holding a Fish & Chip lunch on 29th of November, please keep an eye out for details.
Saundersfoot in Bloom are holding a celebration coffee morning on Saturday 23rd of November between 10am and 1pm at the Regency Hall.
The next litter pick for the village is arranged for November 24th, please meet at the top of the main slipway at 9am. Equipment will be provided but please bring your own gloves.
The Senior Citizen’s Christmas Party will be held on Sunday 15th of December. For details please contact the Regency Hall on 01834 811700 or email – info@regencyhall.co.uk
This will be hosted by Saundersfoot Community Council & Tenby & District Lions. This is available to all residents free of charge of pensionable age and living in Saundersfoot.
To the Residents, Businesses and Supporters of New Year’s Day Swim Saundersfoot, swim registration will open on Sunday 10th of November. On January 1st 2025, we will celebrate our 39th NYD Charity Swim. It started in 1984 with 10 swimmers and in 2024 we had a record turn out of over 2400 swimmers 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 many hundreds of thousands of pounds for Charities and worthy events since 1984.
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.
Entry to the swim will now be made by entering online via – www.saundersfoot.co.uk/nyds
Sponsor Forms can be downloaded on line or collected in person from Salt on The Strand, Saundersfoot.
Further details can be found on :-
The NYDS website – www.saundersfoot.co.uk/nyds
The NYDS Facebook page ;
or via email – admin@saundersfootfestivities.co.uk
Local Pharmacy
Last week I called into the local pharmacy on the Strand and was delighted to see a familiar face who has taken over this business on the Strand and I wished Che all the best and asked him about the new services the pharmacy is promoting locally.
For those who wish a flu jab, there is no appointment needed, anyone can walk in. I have listed below some of the services the pharmacy provides
There are free NHS vaccines for those that qualify – the eligibility is here: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/fluvaccine/eligibility/ We also offer private ones for anyone who does not fit into these criteria for a cost of £20
Dispensing of NHS and private prescriptions
Common Ailments Service – free NHS advice and treatment for a range of minor illnesses: Acne, Allergic rhinitis, Athlete’s foot, Back pain (lower), Chickenpox, Cold sores, Colic, Conjunctivitis, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Dry eye, Dry skin, Dyspepsia, Haemorrhoids, Head lice, Ingrown toenail, Mouth ulcers, Nappy rash, Oral thrush, Ringworm and intertrigo, Scabies, Teething, Threadworms, Vaginal thrush, Warts and verrucas, Sore Throat Test and Treat, Urinary Tract Infection testing
Emergency Medicines Supply service , Emergency Hormonal Contraception, Seasonal Flu Vaccinations, Stop Smoking Service, Repeat Dispensing Service, Unused or out-of-date medicine disposal, New medicines counselling, Patients Sharps Service
We will also be offering the Pharmacist Independent Prescribing Service from August/September next year.
Second Homes Council Tax
In last month’s meeting of full council held at County Hall, a motion was put forward to reduce the SHCT from 200% to 150%. I had declared a prejudicial and personal interest in this debate and left the chamber while it was being debated. This has caused many discussions in Pembrokeshire and has certainly divided opinion since it was introduced by Welsh Government. WG, allowed the local authorities across Wales to charge a second home council tax premium, to offset communities affected by second homes. Tourist destinations such as Saundersfoot to St Davids, have been severely affected over the years and Saundersfoot currently has a 26% second homes figure, which I feel is too high. We definitely need a balance of residential homes and holiday homes to sustain jobs locally and for the village to prosper. One of the driving forces of the SHCT was to support communities affected by second homes and to provide affordable homes for those who wished to remain in their towns or villages who couldn’t afford to buy locally. WG also thought that by introducing SHCT, that properties would then come back onto the market for local residents or full time use. Unfortunately, this clearly hasn’t happened, I do agree that more properties have come onto the local market but they are still not affordable for the younger generation who may wish to live in the village they were brought up in. I also have reason to think that the recent change by Pembrokeshire County Council was down to the fact that Pembrokeshire relies heavily on tourism and is one of the main key providers of work in our county and the majority felt that the recent SHCT of 200% was unfair and not working as it was meant to. This debate of SHCT will continue to divide opinion right across our county and I do believe that any future decisions should be based on building affordable homes, as set out by the Welsh Government. I sincerely hope, that, in Pembrokeshire, local housing is on the front of any agenda and that decisions are made for the residents affected by high property prices on the coast.
Britain in Bloom
Under the leadership of Keith Williams, I must congratulate all the members of Saundersfoot in Bloom on their Silver Gilt award received at the RHS Britain in Bloom Award Ceremony held at Old Trafford, Manchester. The judges stated that they had lovely memories of Saundersfoot and saw a creative flair that they didn’t see elsewhere. Saundersfoot was awarded a Gold in the Horticulture section. My sincere thanks go to Julie, David and Martyn for spearheading our entry and I must also mention that Rosemary received a well- deserved Champion’s Award for being involved with floral displays in Saundersfoot since 1984.
SMELT
Unfortunately we haven’t been able to hold a meeting this month, as there were four committee members who also sat on Saundersfoot Community Council. With the recent developments, is was agreed that we postpone any meetings until later in November/December before we can move forward with the Coal Trucks in the Sensory gardens. Contractors are in place along with permissions from neighbouring businesses and Saundersfoot Harbour for the works to commence. This will now need to be signed off by SCC, with risk assessments and liability assurances sent to the relevant organisations affected with this project. I hope to have detailed news over the coming months, as all the materials and trucks have been ordered for the project.
Cllr Chris Williams
Saundersfoot South