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Pembrokeshire County Council approves Celtic Freeport full business case

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PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL says it has taken a key step toward securing a stronger economic future for the county with the approval of the Celtic Freeport full business case last week (Oct 3).

The Freeport represents a new opportunity to help Wales continue to develop a globally competitive, inclusive and sustainable economy.

Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller, cabinet member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said: “This is a tremendously exciting period for the Haven waterway and for Pembrokeshire as a whole.

“We couldn’t be more closely aligned with the aspirations of UK and Welsh Government in terms of energy transition and our role is to ensure we create the right conditions for investment and growth both here in Pembrokeshire and across the South West Wales region.

“The scale of the opportunity ahead for the Milford Haven Waterway and for Pembrokeshire is enormous and we are determined to ensure we maximise the opportunity this coming energy revolution offers to grow the Pembrokeshire economy, to secure investment and to create and sustain good jobs.

“The energy industry is, and has been, a key component of the Pembrokeshire economy since the 1950s. The arrival of the hydrocarbon business to the Milford Haven waterway transformed the county and it’s prosperity. That industry continues to be the primary economic force in Pembrokeshire but it’s also not the force it once was – with the loss of four refineries.

“Therefore, we need to look to the future, to look for opportunity and right now, we’re on the cusp of another opportunity with the potential to be every bit as transformational as those investments in the 50s.

“This opportunity revolves around future clean, green, renewable energy and in particular the potential for Pembrokeshire to play a key role in the exploitation of wind energy through the design, fabrication, operation and maintenance of floating off-shore wind turbines – and also green hydrogen.”

For more information on the Celtic Freeport visit the website.

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Cliff fire ignited by Fireworks near Lindsway Bay

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AT 10:11pm on Thursday (Oct 31), the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crew from Milford Haven Fire Station was called to a blaze near Lindsway Bay, St Ishmaels, Pembrokeshire.

Responding to a grass fire spanning approximately 180 metres along the cliff face, the crew deployed a range of equipment, including a water bowser, light portable pump, hose reel jet, main jet, two backpack sprayers, and a water relay system to tackle the difficult terrain. Firefighters remained on site until 1:49am on Friday (Nov 1) to fully extinguish the fire.

The fire was reportedly caused by fireworks set off along a section of the Wales Coast Path. Fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal to set off in public spaces. The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service strongly recommends attending organised displays rather than using fireworks in sensitive areas.

Coastal cliffs in Pembrokeshire are rich in biodiversity, and images taken the following morning (Nov 1) reveal extensive damage to the landscape.

Ahead of Bonfire Night, more information on fireworks safety is available on the Fire and Rescue Service’s website.

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Business

West Wales man raising funds for craft cider venture

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A PENYBRYN resident is appealing for community support to launch a small-scale craft cider business in West Wales. Olly Craigan, the organiser of the GoFundMe campaign titled “Craigans Cider,” has already raised £545 towards his goal of £12,000. The funds will go towards purchasing essential equipment to establish a permanent apple press and cider workshop.

Since 2014, Craigan has honed his cider-making skills under the mentorship of experienced cider maker John Whitfield. Now living on a community organic farm in Pembrokeshire, Craigan is seeking to create a dedicated space for producing his craft cider.

The funds raised will help purchase an apple press (£4,500), scratter apple mill (£1,500), filtration and pumping systems (£950), stainless steel tanks (£2,500), and bottling equipment (£1,000). Any donations beyond the target will support operational costs and community cider-making workshops.

Craigan plans to thank supporters by inviting them to a grafting day on the farm, where attendees can sample cider and take home an apple tree.

Further information and donations can be made on the GoFundMe page here.

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Community

Support and advice reminder as winter approaches

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PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL and partner organisations are reminding residents of support and advice available for those impacted by the cost of living as Winter approaches.

A number of organisations can help signpost anyone struggling to support and advice, along with practical advice on access financial support where eligible.

Pembrokeshire County Council has dedicated webpages to signpost to support for those with concerns about education and school costs, health and wellbeing, help for older people, claiming benefits and household and energy bills.

It also links to Pension Credit information, which is worth on average £3,900 per year and unlocks additional support including Winter Fuel Payments, help with Council Tax, NHS dental care and glasses and for those over 75, a free TV licence. 

Find out if you are eligible by contacting the Pension Service at www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility.  You can also apply by telephoning: 0800 99 1234, lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.  Before you apply have details of your and any partner’s national insurance number, all income and savings. 

You must apply for Pension Credit by 21 December 2024 to qualify for the 2024 – 2025 Winter Fuel Payment.

The Pembrokeshire Community Hub is a one-stop-shop for all sorts of information from events, community activities, making connections to cost of living resources.

You can contact the Hub via its website, social media or by calling 01437 723660.

PAVS launched a Live Well for Less programme earlier this year that aims to help people take steps to maximise income and reduce expenditure using a range of tools and services. This can also be accessed through the Community Hub.

Cabinet Member for Social Services Cllr Tessa Hodgson said: “There are a number of resources available for those concerned about heating and energy bills and I would encourage anyone with concerns or looking for advice to contact the Pembrokeshire Community Hub as soon as they can.

“I would also highlight that residents can also check whether they are eligible for pension credits which can open doors to further financial help.”

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