County councillor for Saundersfoot’s south ward Cllr Chris Williams has arranged a meeting with Pembrokeshire Council’s Public Realm Manager on Friday, November 15, to discuss concerns raised amongst residents and business owners on the impact that road closures for sporting events held annually such as Long Course Weekend held are having on local communities.

Cllr Williams explained that since the end of the Long Course Weekend held back in June, he’d had many conversations with residents and businesses to gauge their views and experiences including the impact of the road closure through the village, and closures from Summerhill to New Hedges.

“The views of all residents on this route, along with those on the Strand should be part of any debate, and I feel that this has been taken for granted for far too long,” he said.

“As an event organiser myself, I have always been open to new events being given the opportunity to have a positive influence on our community.

“Unfortunately, the vast majority of the views from persons I spoke with was that the LCW wasn’t delivering any benefit.

“On the day of the bike ride I personally witnessed the centre of the village being effectively ‘fenced off’ with very few spectators watching the race.

“There were empty shops, beer gardens, car parks and empty streets that has resulted in a backlash for the event. Even St Brides Hill was noticeably quieter despite the best efforts of the Samba Doc.

“This was in stark contrast to the following day which saw Saundersfoot experience a very busy Sunday.”

Cllr Williams said that the resulting lack of footfall was primarily down to the ‘extensive road closures’ throughout the south of the county which makes access to the seaside village difficult.

“My role is to listen to its residents and businesses and work hard on forming links so that everyone benefits,” he continued.

“I’m struggling to see the benefits of this event and will therefore work extremely hard to ensure that Saundersfoot remains fully operational next June.

“I have informed PCC officers that I cannot support road closures and will ask officers at PCC to look at an alternative route.

“This position has been adopted before with the residents of Angle, Narberth and more recently the businesses in Tenby town.

“Other County Councillors whose wards are affected are of the same opinion that the LCW is no longer supported in its current format and route and change is needed,” he added.

Cllr Williams said he would be inviting fellow local county councillors Alec Cormack and Rhys Jordan to the meeting to discuss main concerns regarding LCW; and whilst in attendance, he said it would also be wise to discuss other events in the village that do attract high numbers such as the Saundersfoot Tri and New Year’s Day Swim as examples.

Aside from ongoing issues with LCW road closures, Cllr Chris Williams praised other sporting events for the locality, such as Ironman Wales.

“This event has definitely highlighted both Pembrokeshire and Saundersfoot over the years in a very positive way,“ he remarked.

“Having the event at the end of September works extremely well and extends the season, but I also appreciate that this also causes disruption for others.

“The village has been busy leading up to the Ironman. The atmosphere again in the village was excellent and St Brides Hill plays its part during a gruelling bike ride.

“As the day progresses the spectators proceed through the village and follow the athletes up through Swallow Tree and Broadfield Hill that were exceptionally busy.

“Having the parking available at New Hedges roundabout is handy for the crowds that cover this steep section of the course.

“I would take this opportunity to praise the officers who do such a professional job in the organisation of Ironman and we mustn’t forget the support staff at PCC who worked incredibly hard across the county to make sure the event was cleaned up afterwards.

“I would welcome residents and businesses to give me feedback as it’s important to pass on this information to the officers at PCC,” continued Cllr Williams.

Cllr Williams also offered support for the Saundersfoot Tri event, which was held on Friday, September 20, on the eve of Ironman Wales.

“This is a well-supported Tri, bringing in thousands to the village. The atmosphere on the day was excellent and it was refreshing to see the cafés and beer gardens so busy at the end of September,” he commented.

“Personally, I think this is a fantastic event and is good for the village as its over very quickly, while the village benefits all day.

“I would like to thank Dickie of Saundersfoot Sports Club, who had arranged for over 300 cars to park on the sports field. This is a good event to get people into fitness and is an achievable goal for many.

“The main beach, Saundersfoot Harbour and packed streets all lend itself to a fantastic location to develop this in the years ahead.

“My personal observations and those of others so far was, having thousands of spectators, cyclists, cars and buses on the roads at the same time has issues, however having a full village road closure would definitely help.

“This could be discussed with the stakeholders along with representatives of Saundersfoot Community Council, Saundersfoot Harbour, the Sports Club, Police, the business community and local residents,” he added.