At the most recent general meeting of the Kilgetty/Begelly Community Council, the clerk Gary Price reported to members that an update had been received from Pembrokeshire County Council’s highways department, on preliminary designs received for the ward to enhance active travel opportunities, whilst also addressing the community concerns that have been highlighted previously.
Concerns raised in the past included - poor-quality intermittent footway and vehicle speeds through Begelly; and the pedestrian/cyclist connectivity and vehicle speeds through Kilgetty.
“Both schemes include traffic calming throughout the length of the respective schemes, reduced carriageway width to maximise footway delivery, enhanced pedestrian crossing provision and tightening of the junction,” stated the clerk, who explained that the plans have not yet been circulated to a wider audience at this stage, although informal engagement is ongoing with a number of key residents and businesses over the length of both routes.
“This is an ongoing process with a high number of individual landowners who may be affected, as such the design may evolve as this process is undertaken,” he continued.
“Both are significant schemes with Kilgetty cost estimated at £650k and Begelly £590k; and will require external funding to construct and implement.
“They are comparable with similar recent schemes of this size i.e. Safe Routes in Communities (Pembroke); and more recently the schemes in Pentlepoir, New Hedges and Narberth, all of which have received funding from Welsh Government following successful bids.
“It was anticipated that both schemes would be submitted to Welsh Government for funding within the Road Safety Capital Grant 22/23, However we have been informed that the Welsh Government are not receiving bids for any new schemes.
“Funding will only be provided for previously identified multiyear scheme for which a commitment to fund has been agreed.
“The Road Safety Grant Funding for 22/23 has been reprioritised for the Nationwide 20mph Project. Funding will therefore need to be sought from an alternative source, which we are trying to identify.
“It would assist in the community engagement, if the Elected member and the Community Council are able to manage the expectations of the Communities regarding the delivery and timescale of these schemes, as the proposals are developed and implemented.
“From the proposals, they are substantial schemes requiring major changes to the immediate environment to address the needs of the community, and to ensure a robust scheme is achieved it will require time to implement the proposals fully,” added the clerk.
County Councillor for the ward, Clr. David Pugh also gave an update on the proposals in his report to community council members.
“A couple of weeks ago, at very short notice, I went out with a civil engineer from Capita to talk to residents and business owners who may well be affected by the proposals,” he explained.
“The overwhelming response was very positive and secured commitments from property owners where necessary. These contacts are ongoing.
“There were concerns raised by some business owners in Kilgetty about loading and parking, but all were willing to discuss various options to resolve foreseeable problems.
“These included unloading HGVs etc at the commercial centre with the need to turn into Station Road as the Low railway bridge prevents direct through access along Carmarthen Road. Likewise, a need to look at off street parking etc,” continued Clr. Pugh.
“My immediate concern is to prioritise the footpath along the A478 through Begelly and to secure suitable funding for this part of the overall scheme to go ahead asap.
“I would suggest that, if agreeable, I arrange a further meeting with Capita to come along with detailed drawings to a separate Community Council meeting and present their plans and instigate further discussion. I am sure this can be arranged,” he added.