Harcourt Close development provides social and intermediate-rent properties for households facing rural housing pressures

A NEW housing development in Hook is helping local families remain in rural Pembrokeshire amid growing concerns over the availability and affordability of homes.

Harcourt Close includes a mixture of two to five-bedroom properties, designed for households ranging from first-time tenants and smaller families to larger, multi-generational families.

The homes have been built to modern standards and include energy-efficiency measures aimed at reducing running costs and supporting more sustainable living.

The development includes both social housing and intermediate-rent properties, providing affordable options for people with differing levels of housing need.

Social housing is intended for households in the greatest need, while intermediate rent provides an alternative for working households that may not qualify for social housing but are struggling to meet the cost of renting privately.

A Local Lettings Policy has also been introduced, giving priority to applicants with strong connections to Hook and the surrounding area.

Pembrokeshire County Council said the policy had helped residents remain close to relatives, schools, employment and existing support networks.

One resident said the policy had enabled her family to remain in the community where she had grown up.

She said: “I have lived in Llangwm all my life, and the Local Connections Lettings Policy meant that I was able to secure a family home in the same area where I grew up.

“This has allowed me to remain close to family and friends and means that my daughter can attend the same primary school that I did.”

Housing availability has become an increasing concern across rural Pembrokeshire, where rising property prices, private rents and the number of second homes have made it more difficult for some local people to remain in their communities.

Councillor Michelle Bateman, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said Harcourt Close was providing much-needed affordable homes.

She said: “Harcourt Close is providing much-needed affordable homes for local people while helping to keep families connected to their communities.

“The mixed-tenure approach ensures a range of housing options for residents, supporting those in greatest need as well as working households looking for an affordable home.

“This development demonstrates the positive impact that well-planned affordable housing can have, not only by providing quality homes but also by helping communities to thrive and remain sustainable for future generations.”

The council said the scheme formed part of its wider effort to meet local housing demand and support sustainable rural communities.

Anyone wishing to apply for one of the properties must have an up-to-date housing application.

Further information is available by emailing [email protected], calling 01437 764551 or visiting the Pembrokeshire County Council Housing Services Facebook page.

Sustainability expert Rebecca Heaton and regeneration specialist Owen Davies will join the board later this year

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has appointed two new Non-Executive Directors as it prepares for a period of major investment in renewable energy, the Celtic Freeport and the wider economy of south-west Wales.

Dr Rebecca Heaton and Owen Davies will join the Port’s board later this year, bringing extensive experience in sustainability, energy transition, regional development and regeneration.

Dr Heaton has worked in sustainability and climate policy for more than 25 years, holding senior positions with organisations including Lloyds Banking Group, Drax Group, OVO Energy, Shell and BP.

Her experience includes governance, commercial strategy, risk management and stakeholder engagement. She has also served on the Climate Change Committee and the Natural Environment Research Council.

Dr Heaton said the Port occupied a central position in Wales’s energy system and had an opportunity to help deliver long-term economic and environmental benefits.

She said: “Having lived in Wales for more than 30 years, I have seen the vital role that infrastructure, industry and energy play in supporting communities and creating economic opportunity.

“The Port sits at the heart of Wales’s energy system and has a unique opportunity to help shape a stable and sustainable future.”

Mr Davies joins the board with more than 30 years’ experience in regional development, town planning and placemaking.

A Chartered Town Planner and Fellow of the Institute of Place Management, he has advised the Welsh Government on regional economic frameworks, town centre regeneration and community engagement.

He has also worked as a UK Government High Streets Task Force expert and has been involved in regeneration and master-planning projects in waterfront and coastal communities, including Pembrokeshire.

Mr Davies currently runs his own consultancy and holds several advisory and governance positions, including with the Canal & River Trust in Wales and the Plas Gunter Mansion Trust.

He said: “The Port occupies a uniquely important position within Wales as a major economic driver, a nationally significant energy gateway and the custodian of one of our most important natural assets.

“Pembrokeshire and south-west Wales are entering a period of significant opportunity, with investment in renewable energy, the Celtic Freeport and wider economic development helping to shape the region’s future.”

The appointments come as Debra Bowen Rees and Erica Cassin complete their terms as Non-Executive Directors.

Dr Sian George, Chair of the Port of Milford Haven, welcomed the new members and thanked the departing directors for their service.

She said: “Rebecca and Owen bring outstanding experience and expertise that will further strengthen the breadth of skills and perspectives around our board table.

“The Port has a unique responsibility as a Trust Port to balance commercial success with our role as custodians of the Milford Haven Waterway and as a key contributor to regional prosperity.”

Dr George said both new directors shared the Port’s commitment to sustainable growth and long-term investment.

She added: “I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Debra Bowen Rees and Erica Cassin as they complete their terms on the board.

“Both have made a significant contribution to the Port during a period of considerable progress and transformation.”

The Port of Milford Haven is Wales’s busiest port and handles around 20% of Britain’s seaborne oil and gas trade. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront, with its activities supporting more than 4,000 jobs in and around Pembrokeshire.

Danger on T-Rex Mountain promises prehistoric thrills, interactive fun and a spectacular T-Rex finale

DINOSAURS will take over the Torch Theatre this July as Dinosaur Adventure Live returns with its latest family production, Danger on T-Rex Mountain.

Now in its fifth year, the show combines storytelling, impressive puppetry and fascinating science to bring the prehistoric world crashing back to life on stage.

Audiences can expect a shadowy raptor on the loose, baby dinosaurs that need feeding and plenty of opportunities for younger visitors to stomp, roar and swish their tails along with the action.

Created by Mike Newman, the imaginative mind behind Exciting Science, the production blends humour, suspense and hands-on learning in an energetic and interactive theatrical experience.

Children are encouraged to become part of the adventure, helping the performers as the story unfolds and preparing themselves for the arrival of the show’s biggest and most fearsome attraction.

When the T-Rex finally bursts onto the stage, audiences can expect a heart-pounding finale filled with excitement, surprises and plenty of prehistoric noise.

Alongside the action, the hour-long production includes a series of entertaining “Dino-Facts”, helping younger audience members learn about dinosaurs and palaeontology without the show ever feeling like a classroom lesson.

With its combination of comedy, audience participation and just the right amount of suspense, Danger on T-Rex Mountain is suitable for committed young dinosaur experts and families looking for an entertaining summer adventure.

Dinosaur Adventure Live: Danger on T-Rex Mountain will be staged at the Torch Theatre on Thursday, July 30, with performances at 2pm and 4.30pm.

Tickets cost £15.95 and a post-show meet-and-greet will also take place.

The production is recommended for children aged four and over.

Tickets can be booked through the Torch Theatre website or by calling the box office on 01646 695267.