The Role of Merlin's Bridge Community Council
There are 2 tiers of Local Government covering the Merlin's Bridge area - Pembrokeshire County Council and Merlin's Bridge Community Council. Councils are made up of individual Councillors, who are elected to serve the needs of their community. Community Councils represent the first tier of Local Government - the tier closest to local residents. Merlin's Bridge is a village situated on the boundary of Haverfordwest. It has many sporting venues - the Haverfordwest Rugby Club is situated on the Pembroke Road, along with the Merlin's Bridge Football Club (youth) and the Merlin's Bridge Boxing Club, which is situated on the Milford Road. The village has two play areas, one being on the old Hakin Road and the larger being in the centre of the village off the Pembroke Road. Both have good amenities for the local children to enjoy.
The local Village Hall and playing fields are the hub of village activities. Many clubs / societies come and use the hall on a weekly basis. The village also has a Primary School, numerous outlets and shops, hairdressers, a Post Office, various religious buildings and one of the biggest creameries in Wales. We like to think our village is a thriving community within the county of Pembrokeshire.
Local Authorities - Who Does What? County CouncilsMerlin's Bridge Community Council comes under Pembrokeshire County Council which has responsibility for:
- Children, education, and families
- Health and social care
- Transport and travel
- Roads, potholes, repairs, and gritting
- Recycling centres
- Fire and public safety
- Flooding
- Libraries and archives
- Trading standards
- Births, marriages, and deaths
- Collection of council tax
- Bins, litter, and recycling collection
- Housing
- Planning applications
- Environmental health including noise and dog nuisances
- Leisure centres
For more information on Pembrokeshire County Council Services:
Website: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Phone: 01437 764551
Email: [email protected]
Community Councils are set up and controlled by law and can only act if there is a legal power to do so. Community Councils are often consulted on County and District issues such as planning applications, road improvements and changes to public transport. Community Councils can provide vital local knowledge in areas such as flooding concerns and transport and access problems.
Community Councils are being encouraged to deliver more services and can also support local community groups and provide community activities. They also ensure that the principal authorities are aware of local concerns such as problems with potholes, highway visibility, litter and dog fouling.