The retention of Saundersfoot Harbour's Information Centre, has been welcomed by the seaside village’s county councillors.

Over the last few months, Councillors Chris Williams and Alec Cormack have been involved in discussions regarding the Harbour’s commitment to providing an information service to the village, as originally agreed as part of the sale of the Old Coal Office from Pembrokeshire County Council.

“As part of that agreement, there was a clear commitment that an information service would be maintained for a defined period, which was reflected in the sale price agreed with Saundersfoot Harbour,” explained Cllr Williams.

“More recently, conversations have taken place about the future of the Village Information Centre and whether it might operate more effectively from the Regency Hall or remain in its current location.

“I would like to reiterate my view that the Information and Welcome Centre should remain centrally located within the heart of the village.”

The Old Coal Office occupies a highly strategic position. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs directly outside the building, placing it at one of the busiest and most visible points in the seaside village.

It is estimated that close to a million journeys take place annually between Saundersfoot Harbour and Wisemans Bridge, and this significant footfall makes the current location particularly well suited to welcoming visitors and providing information.

Inside the Coal Office, visitors can already discover Saundersfoot's origins and the development and the significance of the Coal Industry in Pembrokeshire, its rise in importance globally, resulting in the construction of the Harbour, and Pembrokeshire coal's ultimate decline in the last century.

Cllr Williams continued: “The building itself is modern, well presented, and already serves as a focal point for interpreting Saundersfoot’s heritage.

“It provides an excellent platform not only to promote what the village has to offer, but also to showcase attractions, events, and opportunities across the wider county.”

Both County Councillors recently attended a meeting with officers from Pembrokeshire County Council, alongside the Chief Executive Officer of Saundersfoot Harbour, to discuss the matter further.

“The meeting was extremely positive and constructive. Both Councillor Cormack and I expressed our full support for retaining the Information Centre in its current location, and it was encouraging to see a shared commitment to strengthening and enhancing the service,” remarked Cllr Williams.

“As a result of these discussions, it was agreed that Pembrokeshire County Council will install additional signage within the village to clearly direct people to the Information Centre. Saundersfoot Harbour has also agreed to review and improve signage outside the building itself, including the use of A-boards to further raise awareness.

“In addition, it was reassuring to hear that PCC is willing to support further staff training, building upon the training that has already been implemented by Saundersfoot Harbour.

“I believe that, with these improvements and continued partnership working, the Information Centre can continue to operate successfully in its current location, serving both residents and visitors alike and helping people discover what is happening not only in Saundersfoot but across Pembrokeshire as a whole,” he added.