With the Welsh Local Authority boundary reviews having been underway over the last four years, and the Boundary Commission for Wales working with Pembrokeshire County Council to finalise arrangements for this year’s Local Authority elections, local county councillor Jon Preston recently provided an update to the Penally ward on matters.

“As reported previously, this May we will see a very different arrangement from previous Local Authority elections,” said Clr. Preston in his recent report to Penally Community Council members.

“The current ward of Penally, includes St. Mary Out Liberty (New Hedges), Gumfreston and the Trefloyne Lane area of St. Florence. However, this year Penally will lose St. Mary out Liberty and will instead be amalgamated with Manorbier to create a brand-new ward.

“At the other side of the current ward situated around New Hedges, St. Mary out Liberty will be combined with St. Florence creating another new ward,” continued Clr. Preston, who currently represents the Penally, St. Mary Out Liberty and Gumfreston areas himself.

“I think it is important that any outstanding ward matters are left at such a point that they can be picked up following the election in May. I will update council on any outstanding matters in my April 2022 report.

“There are no guarantees as to who will be representing the new Manorbier/Penally ward after the election, so it is key that continuity is maintained during any transition period. Around half of the wards in Pembrokeshire are affected by the Welsh Government’s boundary reforms,” he added.