Community
Pembrokeshire second homes tax to fund vital local projects
NEARLY £0.6m in grants has been awarded to 10 Pembrokeshire groups using money from the second homes council tax premium after it received the backing of senior councillors today, November 4.
At the November 4 meeting of the county council’s Cabinet, members considered ten applications for funding through the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Large Grant Applications.
In order to be considered for funding, applications are points-based, with one, Haverfordwest Tennis Club just missing out on the 20 points criteria by one point.
The Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant, launched in 2018 supports local communities; funded via a portion of the charges raised through the second homes premium.
To date, Pembrokeshire County Council has awarded £4,482,374 to 272 projects attracting match funding of £4,948,984, investing a total of £9,431,358 into Pembrokeshire communities.
In July 2023, Cabinet agreed an officer led grant panel determine the outcome of applications below £15,000; those up to £100,000 coming to Cabinet.
The internal grant panel considered 10 applications, one criticised for arriving slightly late, of which nine met the grant criteria and required scoring threshold of 20 or above.
A report for members said there was an underspend last year of £274,326 rolled into this financial year’s allocation of £400,000; the nine projects for a total value of £766,434 requesting grant support of £560,032.31.
Fishguard and Goodwick Young Persons Project requested £77,106 for a £96,383 project to help young people aged 11-25 to raise self-esteem and improve their employability skills through activities/lifelong learning.
Arts Care Gofal Care Development requested £56,695 for a £70,868 project for an inclusive dance and performance programme for adults and children with learning disabilities.
Garth Youth and Community Project ‘You Matter’ wanted £73,069.60 for a £91,337 project enhancing peoples overall mental and physical wellbeing through sporting/games/food activities.
Transport group PACTO – whose application had arrived slightly late – wanted £39,991 for a £50,535 project to meet Welsh Government zero emission transport targets by 2035 by purchasing and managing a ‘Green Bus’ for Bloomfield Community Centre, Narberth; the centrepiece of a net-zero project in Pembrokeshire, promoting sustainable, accessible transport for those with mobility challenges and those with other barriers to conventional transport.
Acts West Wales Cilrath Acre sought £46,992 of £62,092 for a community growing project, which offers volunteer and learning opportunities, giving people the chance to grow food, learn new skills and meet others.
Fishguard Sea Cadets sought £50,000 of £70,000 to secure the land that adjoins its unit to provide safer, more organised outdoor training, and a secure storage area.
Pembroke Dock Cricket Club asked for £58,400 of £73,000 for new changing rooms, the current becoming beyond repair, and lacking adequate inclusive access.
PLANED Pembrokeshire Local Food Partnership (PLFP), a partnership between PLANED, PAVS and Pembrokeshire County Council that brings together producers/growers, organisations and communities, creating an active, sustainable food system for Pembrokeshire sought £57,779.17 for a £72,224 project.
The largest amount was from Kilgetty Begelly Community Council, asking £100,000 towards a £179,995 scheme to create a new play park to enhance the village and increase accessibility to the wider communities including the Kingsmoor Common Gypsy Traveller site.
One proposal, which failed the criteria by just one point, was Haverfordwest Tennis Club, seeking £31,208 in funding for a £39,207.72 scheme for floodlights and wheelchair access.
That proposal is currently subject to an ongoing planning application and the scheme would only benefit club members, the report says.
Following a plea by Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller, members agreed to include the tennis club application, subject to it gaining planning permission, and the applicants including a Welsh language policy.
Members backed all ten projects receive funding, for a total of just over £590,240.
Second homes in Pembrokeshire currently pay a 200 per cent council tax premium, which will be reduced to 150 per cent from the next financial year.
Community
Leisure centres open until 9:00pm to support those affected by Storm Darragh
PEMBROKESHIRE’S Leisure Centres are stepping in to provide essential services for those left without electricity or utilities following Storm Darragh. All centres, except Fishguard, will remain open until 9:00pm on Sunday, December 8, offering warm spaces and more to residents in need.
Facilities available include:
- Warm spaces with free hot drinks.
- Charging stations for electric devices.
- Hot water, with visitors encouraged to bring flasks for filling.
- Shower facilities for public use.
Locations and availability Leisure centres in the following areas will remain open:
- Crymych
- Haverfordwest
- Milford Haven
- Pembroke
- St Davids
- Tenby
Fishguard Leisure Centre remains closed due to storm damage. As an alternative, Letterston Memorial Hall will offer limited facilities until 9:00pm.
Normal service resumes tomorrow
From Monday, December 9, all centres will resume their usual opening hours, with the exception of Fishguard, which will remain closed until repairs are completed.
For further updates, visit the Pembrokeshire Leisure website.
(Cover image: Martin Cavaney)
Community
Police advise to check on any vulnerable neighbours and family without power
PEMBROKESHIRE is facing widespread power outages tonight as Storm Darragh wreaks havoc across the region, leaving approximately 7,000 customers without electricity.
Dyfed-Powys Police have issued an urgent appeal for assistance, encouraging communities to check on vulnerable neighbours and family members, particularly the elderly and those with medical needs, if weather conditions allow.
The police have taken the unusual step of asking those in immediate need due to the power outages to contact them directly via 101 or through their social media channels.
In a statement, Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are aware there are significant numbers of people across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys without power. We are asking anyone requiring urgent support to reach out to us. Your welfare is our priority.”
A yellow weather warning remains in place for much of Mid and West Wales, with gusts of wind and heavy rain complicating recovery efforts.
Local authorities are working to address storm damage, including fallen trees and debris blocking roads. Residents are urged to report power cuts by calling 105 and fallen trees through their local council contacts:
- Pembrokeshire County Council: 0345 6015522
- Carmarthenshire County Council: via their website
- Ceredigion County Council: via their website
For updates on travel, weather, and flooding, the following resources are recommended:
- Travel: Traffic Wales North & Mid / South
- Weather: Met Office
- Flood alerts: Natural Resources Wales at 0345 988 1188
As the storm continues, authorities are urging the public to use caution, stay indoors where possible, and only travel if absolutely necessary.
For life-threatening emergencies, always dial 999. For less urgent health concerns, NHS Wales advises using the 111 Wales online symptom checker.
Stay tuned to The Herald for further updates as the situation unfolds.
Community
Councillor visits fire station for electric blanket safety event
CASTLE WARD County Councillor Thomas Tudor visited Haverfordwest Fire Station on Thursday (Dec 4) to witness a vital safety initiative in action. The fire service hosted a free electric blanket testing event for residents, providing advice on fire protection and prevention.
The initiative aimed to highlight potential fire hazards posed by faulty electric blankets, helping ensure residents stay safe during the colder months. Fire officers also educated attendees on other safety measures, including the importance of carbon monoxide detectors to guard against the dangers of the “silent killer.”
Councillor Tudor described the event as an eye-opening experience, praising the fire service’s commitment to promoting safety and raising awareness within the community.
For those who missed the event, fire safety tips and advice on carbon monoxide monitoring are available on the fire service’s website and through local outreach programs.
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