Access improvements for Saundersfoot have been under the spotlight recently, with Pembrokeshire County Council carrying out consultations - with one of the local county councillors putting an emphasise on the importance of accessibility over café culture and the need to retain much needed parking bays in the heart of the village.

At the beginning of February county councillor for the seaside village’s south ward Cllr Chris Williams attended a meeting with PCC officers, the Transport Strategy and Highways Development Control Manager, and local disability access groups to look at the recent consultation regarding Cambrian Terrace and other points of concern in Saundersfoot and to make sure that access points were improved.

PCC have been keen to introduce a café culture along Cambrian Terrace, which would also include widening the pavement to include access for bikes, and the planting of small trees in large pots.

“I have said previously that while a café culture theme along Cambrian Terrace will look aesthetically better, in reality this wouldn’t work for our community at present,” said Cllr Williams.

“The residents heavily rely on these seven spaces to allow them to come into the village if they so wish and park up and shop locally.

“The disabled bays along with the short term parking also support local businesses.

“The loading bay supports the local shops and I feel that these should remain in place to support the village.

“I fully support the work of the local organisations such as Saundersfoot Guide Dogs and other disability groups and it’s extremely important to listen to their views.

An artist's impression on Pembrokeshire County Council's potential plans for the centre of Saundersfoot.
An artist's impression on Pembrokeshire County Council's potential plans for the centre of Saundersfoot. (Pic supplied)

“All of us felt that the active travel link is excellent for the village but it would be better off if these works were completed opposite the proposed active travel link on Cambrian Terrace.”

Cllr Williams stated that PCC will now look into the feasibility of this, along with the many other comments from local residents who attended the recent consultation at the Old Coal Office on Saundersfoot Harbour.

Also discussed was Brewery Terrace where there is a proposal to remove the current crossing point to a central location outside the entrance opposite Saundersfoot Harbour.

“We all felt that this was a sensible option and would improve safety as it appears many currently use this to cross,” continued Cllr Williams.

“By doing this, it will mean a potential to create an additional 5 spaces on Brewery Terrace, made up of timed disability parking and short stay parking to support residents and local businesses.

“It’s also important to maintain the loading bay, however, I would like this to be timed, thus allowing residents to park at a permitted time to support the village.

“I have also suggested that all loading bays in the village are timed so that they can all be accessible to work for the village in the evenings.

“We are all aware that parking in Saundersfoot is an issue and anything we can do to support extra parking has to be a positive for everyone,” he added.