PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is currently preparing its new well-being objectives which detail how the Authority will make a difference in improving the well-being of local people and communities.

The well-being objectives are part of the draft Corporate Strategy and a consultation has been launched for members of the public to provide feedback.

The Council’s current Corporate Strategy was agreed in May 2023 and details 12 well-being objectives.

The Council is now proposing to reduce the number of well-being objectives to four in order to provide a sharper focus around key challenges and opportunities.

The draft well-being objectives are:

• Our Future – enabling the best start in life for our children and young people, equipping them with skills for the future
• Our Place – prosperous places, with clean, safe and sustainable environments, where people can live well and thrive
• Our Communities – caring for people, and enabling active, resourceful and connected communities
• Our Council – a financially sustainable, well-governed Council, with a workforce equipped to support the people we serve

Following consultation, the agreed well-being objectives will be the back-bone of the new Corporate Strategy 2025 – 2030.

You can view the objectives online Draft Corporate Strategy 2025-30 and what the Council will do to deliver these.  

You can give your views by completing the online response form.

For a paper copy please call 01437 764551 or email [email protected]  

The closing date is February 2^nd 2025.

NATURAL RESOURCES WALES (NRW) has published its interim State of Natural Resources Report 2025 (SoNaRR), urging immediate, collective action to combat the escalating degradation of Wales’ natural resources. The report highlights critical challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, alongside opportunities for sustainable solutions.

Comprehensive Assessment

Mandated under the Environment Act, SoNaRR is published every five years to evaluate the health of Wales’ ecosystems and their contributions to well-being. The interim report reviews air and water quality, the benefits of green spaces, and biodiversity across the nation.

A full report, due by the end of 2025, will provide updated evidence to guide the Welsh Government, public bodies, and stakeholders in sustainably managing natural resources.

Key Findings

The interim report identifies accelerating nature loss, climate change, and pollution as major threats to Wales’ environment, public health, and economy.

While progress has been made in areas such as net-zero ambitions, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and recycling, the ongoing decline of nature remains a pressing concern. The report warns of significant consequences for well-being and prosperity if immediate action is not taken.

Sir David Henshaw, Chair of NRW, stressed the importance of action: “Natural resources are the lifeblood of Wales, underpinning everything from the air we breathe to the industries that fuel our economy. This report marks a pivotal moment in Wales’ journey toward sustainability. By taking preventative action now and working together across society, we can reverse the damage and secure a healthier future.”

Recommendations for Action

NRW’s report calls for systemic change, urging governments, businesses, and communities to embed pro-nature thinking into their decision-making.

Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, said:
“Most solutions for saving nature already exist. This report, marking the 10th year of the Well-being of Future Generations Act, provides a critical route marker for action. Investing in community-owned nature schemes can reduce inequality and deliver tangible benefits now and for future generations.”

Looking Ahead

The interim report outlines how evidence will be presented in the full SoNaRR 2025, which will provide further insights and recommendations based on expert analysis and robust data.

As Wales approaches the 2026 Senedd election, the report emphasizes the need for urgent, unified action to protect the nation’s natural resources for future generations.

Photo Caption: NRW report highlights challenges facing Wales’ natural resources and the urgent need for collective action (Pic: Herald).

BARRY JONES and his wife Holly only tied the knot in May 2024, celebrating their newfound happiness together. But their joy turned to heartbreak just months later when Barry was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in early November 2024.

Faced with this devastating diagnosis, the couple has been met with an outpouring of support from friends, family, and the local community, all coming together to help maintain Barry’s quality of life and support the couple during this challenging time.

Fundraising day brings community together

Staff from Roxanne’s Hair & Beauty Salon have rallied behind Barry and Holly, organising a special fundraising day on Sunday, January 12, 2025. The salon team has given up their family time to make this event possible, driven by their desire to make a difference for the Jones family.

The event has garnered overwhelming support, with many local businesses stepping forward to donate raffle prizes. From vouchers to hampers, the generosity has been remarkable, showcasing the strength of community spirit.

“We’ve been completely overwhelmed by how many people have come forward to help,” said Roxanne, owner of the salon. “It’s heartwarming to see the community come together for such an important cause.”

How to support Barry’s journey

For those who cannot attend the fundraiser but still want to contribute, a GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for Barry and Holly. The funds will go towards ensuring Barry receives the care he needs and supporting the family as they navigate the challenges ahead.

The fundraising page can be found here: Maintain Barry’s Quality of Life. Every donation, no matter the size, helps make a difference.

United by hope

Motor neurone disease is a life-changing diagnosis, but Barry and Holly are not facing it alone. With the unwavering support of their community, they are finding strength and hope amid adversity.

The Herald will provide updates on Barry’s journey and the outcome of the fundraising efforts. For now, it’s clear that the people of this community are determined to stand by Barry and Holly every step of the way.

Photo Caption: Barry and Holly: Newlyweds facing challenges together (Pic: Provided).