Work on a project to celebrate Saundersfoot village’s rich coal mining heritage has started this month - although the finished feature will be somewhat tinged with sadness - as one of the people who was instrumental in bringing the scheme to the seaside village, sadly passed away before the tribute started to take shape.

Saundersfoot Community Council were approached by SMELT (a group funded by Saundersfoot Festivities and chaired by county councillor for the seaside village’s south ward Cllr Chris Williams) some months ago, who laid out plans to use a part of the Sensory Garden (currently filled in with wild flowers) facing the Harbour, to make a permanent display to celebrate the village’s coal mining heritage.

The trucks will be cast iron, and the 'coal' will be made of fibreglass. Information boards will also be installed at the front.

Saundersfoot’s Sensory Garden which sits next to the harbour, was together with the Coal Office building built in 1860 - the operations centre of the coal industry in the area, with a coal mine at Bonville’s Court on top of the hill at the village.

The original coal trucks would have been carrying coal to the ships in the harbour and are roughly 3 metres away from the original tracks that coal was carried on.

Cllr Williams said that the installation of the Coal Trucks will mark an important milestone in bringing this long-awaited feature to life, with the project intended to become a lasting and meaningful monument for the whole community to see and take pride in.

“The three coal ‘tubs’, as they are known in Yorkshire, will be transported from Gateshead and will make their final journey along the Incline before being positioned on authentic rail tracks within the garden over the coming weeks,” he explained.

“This development represents an important step in celebrating our village’s proud industrial heritage and will be a welcome addition to the Sensory Garden for both residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Cllr Williams also paid tribute to former chair of Saundersfoot Community Council, Neil Sefton who sadly passed away this month.

“It is with great sadness, that I share the news of the passing of Mr. Neil Sefton. Neil was instrumental in the formation of the SMELT Committee and made an invaluable contribution to our work,” he commented.

“His attention to detail, deep knowledge, and unwavering dedication to historical accuracy were truly remarkable.

“Neil served in a number of important community roles, including as Chair of Saundersfoot Community Council and as an active member of the Saundersfoot Bay Heritage Trust.

“In every capacity, he demonstrated professionalism, commitment, and a genuine passion for preserving our local heritage.

“His work on the project’s signage was particularly outstanding, and it is only fitting that we recognise and honour his significant contribution to this scheme.

“Neil’s drive, precision, and enthusiasm will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to be felt through the projects he helped shape and the history he worked so diligently to preserve,” he added.