HAVING a well-stocked ice cream van in Nolton Haven has been a great boost to the area, locals have said.
Already with one ice cream van stationed at Broad Haven owner Martin McGeown has now been keeping local and holiday markers alike happy over recent months, at Nolton Haven as well.
Mary White, who lives in the area, said that she felt the ice cream van was now necessary for the success of Nolton Haven as a destination beach.
“Its great to have a lifeguard here, but if people can’t even buy a bottle of water, it’s a problem.”
“We’re much more likely to get visitors to Nolton Haven If there are facilities here for them.”
John Lee, whose family come from Nolton, and is back visiting the area said: “One of the joys of spending childhood summers in Nolton was getting an ice cream or cold drink from the shop.
“Now that the nearest shops are in Newgale or Broad Haven, it’s a valuable service that can only boost tourism.
“If this is a decision by the council then this is fantastic,” he added.
Another resident said: “To be honest the car park is a nightmare, and without the ice cream van many would be stuck. There is no signal for the card payment machine, so everyone goes to the ice cream van to ask for change for the car park meter from the Pembrokeshire Super Whippy van.
Martin McGeown told The Herald that he has been doing well in the spot, but said he’s never had to give out so much change now that the car park is chargeable.
“I always bring extra on the van, he said, otherwise it would be chaos down here in the car park.”
So why not visit Nolton Haven, located within the sweep of St Brides Bay, Nolton Haven is a small, fairly sheltered cove, facing south-west, the beach is made up of sand and shingle with rock pools and cliffs on either side.
The beach is quiet and unspoilt although in the past, like Little Haven, this was an export point for coal and a hive of activity.
The flat grassy terrace above the beach was the coal storage yard and a walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path in both directions reveals remnants of old coal workings.
Beach side facilities are limited although there is a pub and a slipway allowing launching.
The beach is popular for watersports as well as swimming and boating.
The coast here is designated as the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation in recognition of its valuable marine life.
And of course, after your visit, stop for an ice cream and support a fantastic local trader!
