PEMBROKESHIRE County Council has been pressed to explain why so little of a multimillion-pound regeneration fund for Pembroke has been paid out, almost three years after the money was awarded.

More than £10.5 million in UK Government funding was awarded in November 2023 to support improvements in Pembroke, with the overall investment package worth approximately £11.7 million.

However, figures reported at a council meeting in October suggest that just £150,898 had been paid out, raising concerns about the progress of the scheme and whether the remaining projects can be completed before the March 2028 deadline.

On Friday, November 9, Paul Davies MS, who represents Ceredigion Penfro in the Senedd, met with Pembroke mayor and county councillor Jonathan Grimes. Cllr Grimes has been pressing the council for answers over the delays.

Mr Davies has now written to Pembrokeshire County Council's Chief Executive, seeking a full breakdown of the funding, the projects it has been allocated to and when residents can expect to see work getting underway.

He said: “It's understandable that people are asking questions. We are talking about millions of pounds that could make a real difference to the town, its businesses and the people who live there.

“Mayor of Pembroke and Councillor Jonathan Grimes has been right to pursue this issue, and I fully support his calls for greater transparency.

“The last thing anyone wants is for Pembroke to lose out because of delays or a failure to get projects moving.”

Although Pembrokeshire County Council has indicated that it remains committed to delivering the scheme by March 2028, Mr Davies believes residents need greater reassurance about what will happen next.

He added:

“Pembroke has so much going for it, from its history and heritage to its independent businesses and tourism offer. Investment on this scale is a real opportunity to strengthen the town centre and support the local economy.“But time is moving on, and people need to see progress rather than more promises.

“I hope the council will provide a clear explanation of the position and, importantly, a realistic timetable for getting the work done. Pembroke cannot afford to miss out on this opportunity.”

Mr Davies has asked the council to confirm whether any of the funding is at risk of being lost or returned if the programme is not completed by the deadline.

In May, the council’s deputy leader, Cllr Paul Miller confirmed that in total, over £25 million is being invested into Pembroke through funding from Pembrokeshire County Council, the Welsh Government and the UK Government. In addition to the developments taking shape at South Quay, the wider scheme will also deliver “visible street enhancements, improved greening and better connectivity.”

Following an engagement session on October 21, County Councillor Aaron Carey said there was much interest from local people and business owners. “Lots of feedback came through which is already being worked on and with the increased capacity in the regeneration team, I’m confident things will get back on track soon.”