News

Wales homeowners prioritise energy efficiency amidst cost of living crisis

Published

2 years ago

August 18, 2023

IN THE WAKE of the prevailing cost of living crisis, an overwhelming majority of Welsh homeowners are setting their sights on energy-efficient home improvements to brace for the chilly winter months. A recent study by Accoya unveils that a significant 55% are eyeing measures to enhance energy conservation in their homes.

Surprisingly, it’s not just the energy enhancements gaining traction. Welsh homeowners display a growing affinity for sustainable products to curtail their dwellings’ carbon footprint. A robust 35% have professed investing in green home enhancement resources.

Gillian Edwards, Accoya’s Communications Chief, opined, “With many reviewing their expenditure due to rising costs, it’s heartening to discern a proactive approach in homeowners, seeking ways to boost their home’s energy efficiency. A common misconception is assuming insulation upgrades and a novel boiler suffice. Yet, windows account for a staggering 25-30% of residential heating and cooling energy consumption, as per energy.gov. Energy-efficient windows are thus paramount for both prospective homebuyers and existing homeowners.”

Diving deeper into the aspirations of a ‘forever home’, the Welsh populace rank energy efficiency high on their checklist. A notable 34% resonate with this sentiment. Close competitors for coveted home features include a spanking new kitchen, bagging 37%, and abundant natural light via windows at 35%.

A peek into the top ten quintessential features for the Welsh seeking their dream abode are:

Contemporary fitted kitchen – 37%
Prolific windows allowing natural light – 35%
Superior energy efficiency – 34%
Modernised bathroom – 22%
Garden with minimal upkeep – 19%
Beautifully landscaped garden – 18%
Spacious double driveway – 17%
Balcony – 14%
Bi-fold doors – 12%
Grand bay windows – 10%
“Traditional preferences like a modern kitchen and bountiful natural light remain unshaken,” says Gillian. “However, energy efficiency has now catapulted in priority. The volatile energy bills today are a testament to this trend. For those aiming to amplify their property’s value, it’s prudent to note that energy efficiency is now a pivotal factor for potential buyers. Opting for superior materials like Accoya for window frames and doors ensures homeowners enjoy both natural luminance and optimum efficiency. It’s elementary to place window replacements atop the home enhancement checklist, a sure-fire way to curb energy expenses this frosty season.”

Endorsing the merits of Accoya wood, it stands as a high-performance, sustainable choice, especially for window frames and doors. Not only is it robust and durable with a half-century warranty, but it also boasts a thermal conductivity that trumps other standard woods. It insulates 30% more effectively than hardwood and surpasses softwood by 8%. The takeaway? Warmer windows with an unparalleled energy efficiency rating.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

2 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.