The scheduled Safe Routes in the Community building programme is now well under way, with some new footpaths already being completed, reports Narberth County Councillor Wynne Evans.

"The controversial scheme for a new link footpath from Bloomfield into Bushes Lane, via the perimeter of Narberth Rugby Club, and behind the boundary of Springfield Park has just been put in for planning permission," he said.

"This gives an opportunity for everyone who has interests or concerns to make comments via the council's website or in writing to the planning department," he continued.

"Should this permission be approved, it will give pedestrians a safe and secure route to school, thus avoiding having to use footpaths within the main town. It will also mean that the council will deal with drainage issues, thus solving the terrible aftermath to flooding in Springfield Park, once and for all. This can only be achieved if this process goes ahead.

"If work does not commence in the next several weeks, the funding which was received via a grant from Welsh Government will be lost, and no future funding in these days of austerity is likely to become available for many, many years, and this would cause householders with flooding issues in that area, constant worry."

And Clr. Evans added: "Bloomfield Community Association and Narberth Rugby Club support these proposals in principle. I am sure other consultees like the town council will fully endorse and support the merits of this scheme.

"I, with officers, will be on hand with all details to talk to anyone who wishes to see the planning or new drainage scheme. Again I stress everyone has the right to lodge an objection or lodge a support letter to the county council during this planning process."

Members of the public who wish to write to PCC with support or objections to the RFC/Bushes Lane application, the reference number is 12/0833/pa