VISITORS and residents to Haverfordwest have a new focal point to find out more about the town’s hidden gems with the launch of a community tourism pop-up.

The doors of the new hotspot for information were officially open yesterday (Friday) and it will be run by local volunteers throughout the summer.

The project will promote the town’s cultural and historical offerings combined with the beautiful green spaces the town has to offer such as The Priory, the Parade and Fortune’s Frolic.

During the peak summer season, volunteer guides will greet tourists as they arrive by bus and coach, directing them to the tourist office.

They will then be able to purchase refreshments and look at maps, leaflets and books that detail what is on offer in town.

Friendly volunteers will be on hand to chat to them about where they might like to walk and give them information on shops, restaurants and facilities.

At the opening on Friday (May 26) one of the driving forces behind the scheme Barbara Shone, joined organiser Doris Goddard in welcoming politicians, local dignitaries, supporters and volunteers to the pop-up at the former Wimpy restaurant on the Riverside Shopping area.

“I’d especially like to thank Barbara Shone, without her we wouldn’t have this pop-up. Her determination over the last two years, despite her ill health, steered this project to fruition,” said Mrs Goddard.

Mrs Shone gave her own vote of thanks for those supporting the project in their free time.

“If it wasn’t for the volunteers we wouldn’t be here,” she added.

Patron Paul Davies AM also added his support and said: “A lot of people express concern about the state of our towns but this is a fantastic initiative of regeneration for our town centre and it’s great to see buildings like this brought back to life”.

Organisers are still looking for volunteers. Anyone interested is asked to contact Babs on 07969 987595 or email barbarashone83@gmail.com