The first ‘drop in’ session held by Saundersfoot County Councillors - Chris Williams and Alec Cormack was held at The Regency Hall was well attended, with issues raised by concerned residents ranging from - village parking challenges, the potential impact of a proposed residential development for the area, and the danger caused by speeding vehicles on main access roads into the village.
Some of these issues were mentioned in Cllr Williams’ most recent newsletter on matters across the ward, in which he wrote: “November was another extremely busy month, especially with time spent dealing with excess rainwater from the recent downpours. There have been particular problems around the village with flooding in Brewery Terrace.
“Pembrokeshire County Council were kept very busy and have attended numerous calls with excess leaves, slippery paths, blocked drains and washed away paths. It’s a credit to the team that they responded and sorted the issues that day, in the majority of cases.
“Over the last few months I’ve highlighted my concerns regarding speeding on the Ridgeway, Broadfield Hill and Sandyhill Road. When I was on my campaign trail this was one of my main objectives, to sort out and reduce speed coming and exiting the village.
“Alec and I have worked on this for the last couple of months and at last month’s community meeting it was agreed that Saundersfoot Community Council would make funds available for a flashing speed camera scheme.
“Since the last meeting a grant has been applied for and approval has been given to proceed. This is excellent news for the community as we hope to have these all fitted on the main arteries in and out of the village.
“Alec and I are also dealing with Highways and are looking at all the roads around Saundersfoot, hoping to include buffer zones outside the 20mph zones which will be coming in September 2023. There are still plenty of hurdles to jump but we will be looking at securing the best for the village.
“I had an update on the land at the King George V grounds and had a meeting on site to look at proposed options for this area. We’re waiting on plans at the rear of the Bowling Green and behind the sports changing rooms as it currently stands.
“There is also a possibility of the gates being introduced at the entrance, the previous gates rotted away and were taken down as a safety measure. We are waiting on quotes and hopefully will qualify for a grant to have them installed for the benefit of the users of this site.
“During November Alec and I attended a Welsh Government seminar at the St Brides Hotel regarding the tourism levy. This event was for invited councillors, along with business owners to have their say on how they would like WG to do things to benefit the tourism industry.
“We were all split into groups and gave lots of feedback on what’s happening locally and across Pembrokeshire. The WG are proposing this levy so that money can be invested back into facilities that will benefit all residents in that community.
“Also in attendance at the event were Visit Pembrokeshire who had previously given me an excellent presentation along with a short video capturing Pembrokeshire. I have invited them back to Saundersfoot on January 10 for a meeting on how Saundersfoot can benefit from being a part of this exciting initiative. Any person, business or groups wishing to attend, please let me know.
“On a more positive note on parking, I had arranged a meeting with National Parks, along with members of SCC to meet on site to discuss the Old Bus park at the top of the Ridgeway. Also present was Mr Shimmin who has owned the site for many years. Presently the site is unavailable to the village and what I’m looking for is that this site would be available to use during big events in the village like Ironman Wales, the Halloween weekend etc.
“Technically it would become an overspill car park to take congestion out of the village at busy times when events are planned. The feeling from everybody present was that this will benefit the village whilst giving Mr Shimmin the opportunity to develop his own business plan.
“The feeling as we all left was that we are heading in the right direction and all parties are keen to find the best solution for the village. This will come before SCC at the next meeting, so I will keep you all updated.
“Alec and I have been dealing with Highways on signage in the village and it’s at the stage now where they will come back to us with proposals. We need better direction and listings of car parks with free spaces so that people are directed to their preferred destination without driving around looking for a space. In the thought process with Highways is how residents and tourists access the village safely.
“Another meeting is planned with Highways on the proposal to put in extra 30 min bays. I’m hoping for developments on Milford Street regarding a loading bay and two disabled bays. There is also a planned walk to look at areas of the village and I’m hoping that the large puddle outside the Boat House can be sorted soon.
“Positive talks are ongoing with representatives from Long Course Weekend and the Saundersfoot Triathlon events which are held in the village. I hope to update you as soon as we have finalised plans for these popular events.
“Earlier this month I attended the warm room at the Regency Hall and there will be free Saundersfoot socials fortnightly on a Thursday between 10 am and 12 pm, run by ‘My community, Tenby and Saundersfoot’.
“This is a new project to support the local community, to make the area a better place for people with learning disabilities to live. This project will work with local people to learn what is important to those who live here and to make sure the voices of those with learning disabilities are heard. “For more information please contact community partner Joey Ayris [email protected]
“I was also invited along to the ‘Winter Warmer Afternoon’ at the Regency Hall. This was a fantastic event for local residents to come in and warm up and enjoy a bowl of soup and a chat. This is a new initiative that will benefit residents who are fighting isolation.
“This is an opportunity to come in and have a conversation with the incredible volunteers, and residents who don’t see anyone all week.
“This is run on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month between 12 and 2pm. Everyone is welcome and for more information please ring 01834 811700,” he added.
Councillors Williams and Cormack will be setting another date for early in the New Year to run the ‘drop in’ event again.
In the meantime, you can contact them via email or phone: Cllr Chris Williams - 07979 197936 [email protected]; Cllr Alec Cormack - 01834 855856 [email protected]