Community

Consequences of the impending landline switch-off revealed

Published

1 year ago

January 17, 2025

THE UK is preparing to “hang up” on traditional landlines, prompting urgent calls for action to ensure elderly and vulnerable people remain connected. A new survey has unveiled widespread concerns as the nation transitions from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to Digital Voice technology.

Lack of awareness raises alarm

Research by telecommunications provider Zen Internet highlights a significant lack of awareness about the looming switch-off:

34% of Britons are unaware that all landline services will migrate to broadband by January 2027.
66% worry that older relatives and friends could face isolation without traditional landlines, with 35% suggesting more frequent calls as a solution to loneliness.
Over-55s—those most reliant on landlines—are among the least informed, with 39% unaware of the change.
Regional disparities exist, with 70% of Londoners aware of the shift, compared to just 55% in the East Midlands and North East.

The enduring role of landlines

Despite the widespread use of mobile phones, landlines continue to play a critical role in UK households:

52% of households still use a landline, and 15% rely on it exclusively—rising to 20% in rural areas.
Nearly half (48%) believe businesses with a landline number are more trustworthy, while 35% are less inclined to trust those using only mobile numbers.

Landlines offer key advantages:

Reliable connectivity in areas with poor mobile reception (41%).
A trusted means of communicating with older family members (39%).
Superior call quality compared to mobile phones (28%).
A preferred option for long or formal conversations (29%).

Preparing for the digital transition

The full switch-off is planned for January 2027, and telecommunications providers are urging households to act early. Zen Internet CEO Richard Tang emphasized the importance of preparation: “Our research shows millions of people, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, are unaware of the impending switch-off of the traditional landline service. While the transition may seem daunting, you can retain your landline and number—services will simply be provided digitally through your broadband provider.”

Tang urged proactive measures: “Our goal is to ensure no one is left behind, especially vulnerable communities. Awareness and early action are crucial to making this transition seamless.”

Steps to stay connected

To prepare for the switch to Digital Voice technology:

Contact your broadband provider to confirm your eligibility and learn the necessary steps.
Check your equipment, as you may need a compatible telephone or router.
Educate older family members about the change to keep them connected.

A landmark transition

This transformation mirrors the changes seen 40 years ago when Britain bid farewell to its iconic red telephone boxes. Just as that shift marked a new era, the transition to Digital Voice represents a pivotal moment in connectivity, ensuring the trusted tradition of landline communication continues—digitally.

Community

Compensation window opens for A40 scheme affected homeowners

Published

2 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEWLY upgraded stretch of the A40 in Pembrokeshire has prompted the Welsh Government to remind nearby property owners that compensation may be available where the road changes have reduced the value of their homes or land.

The A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Redstone Cross Improvement scheme was opened to traffic on Friday, May 2, 2025. While the works are designed to improve journeys and safety, the re-routing and altered road layout could, in some cases, lead to property depreciation.

According to a public notice, the formal period for submitting claims begins on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Eligible owners with a qualifying interest may be able to apply for compensation under Part 1 of the Land Compensation Act 1973, where depreciation is linked to the road being in use.

Further information is available by emailing [email protected].

Applications can also be submitted by post to: Part 1 Claims and Noise Team, Economic Infrastructure, Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ.

Claimants are asked to quote reference: BZ042035-421-1.

Details of the scheme and the relevant legislation can be found online at: gov.wales/a40-llanddewi-velfrey-redstone-cross-improvements. For residents without internet access, a longer version of the notice is available on request, and larger-print copies can also be provided.

The notice is signed by Thomas Maton, Head of Land Acquisition.

Community

Flood Alert issued for Pembrokeshire coast

Published

2 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Natural Resources Wales has issued a Flood Alert for the Pembrokeshire coast, meaning flooding is possible.

The alert covers the coastline between St Dogmaels (Cardigan) and Amroth. Residents and visitors are urged to stay prepared and keep an eye on local conditions.

What to do now

Follow your flood plan, if you have one
Check where family members and pets are, and plan how you would move them to safety
Move important items upstairs or to higher ground (documents, valuables, sentimental items)
Charge your mobile phone and keep it switched on
Make sure you know how to turn off electricity, gas and water
Pack essentials in case you need to leave quickly (medication, warm clothes, phone charger, baby/pet supplies, insurance documents)
If safe to do so, move cars, livestock and equipment away from flood-prone areas

What not to do

Do not walk or drive through floodwater
- Just 30cm (1ft) of water can move a car
- Around 15cm can knock a person off their feet

More information

Flood updates and details: flood-warning.naturalresources.wales/Detail/102WABT02
Floodline: 0345 988 1188 (Quick dial: 503013)
Water levels: naturalresources.wales/riverlevels

Community

Pembrokeshire asked to shape new walking, wheeling and cycling routes

Published

1 day ago

January 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE residents are being invited to have their say on where new walking, wheeling and cycling routes should be created or improved, as the county council updates its Active Travel Network Map.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s public consultation opens on Monday (Jan 26) and runs until Monday (Apr 20).

The map is intended to help identify where infrastructure improvements are needed to make everyday journeys safer and easier, including for people who use mobility aids or who are new to walking, wheeling or cycling.

A wooden post with a sign on it, in Pembrokeshire

The council says the work forms part of the Active Travel (Wales) Act, which requires local authorities to plan and map suitable active travel routes.

The consultation focuses on the county’s designated localities, which include Fishguard and Goodwick, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Tenby, Saundersfoot, Haverfordwest, Neyland, Milford Haven, Johnston, Narberth and St Dogmaels.

People can take part online using an interactive mapping tool hosted by Data Map Wales, where users can view proposed future routes and existing routes and leave comments.

The online consultation can be found at: https://datamap.gov.wales/survey/Pembrokeshire-AT-survey/

Drop-in sessions have also been arranged for people unable to access the online material, with council representatives attending to answer questions.

The sessions are:

Thursday (Feb 5)
Pembroke Dock Library, 10:00am to 1:00pm
Pembroke Town Council, 2:30pm to 5:30pm

Tuesday (Feb 11)
Ocean Lab Café, Goodwick, 10:00am to 1:00pm
Fishguard Library, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Monday (Feb 24)
Neyland Library, 10:00am to 1:00pm
Johnston Baptist Church, 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Wednesday (Feb 26)
Narberth Library, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Thursday (Mar 5)
Tenby Town Council, 9:30am to 12:30pm
The Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, 1:30pm to 5:30pm

Wednesday (Mar 18)
St Dogmaels Memorial Hall, 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Wednesday (Mar 25)
Milford Haven Library, 10:00am to 1:00pm

Thursday (Mar 26)
HaverHub, Haverfordwest, 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Paper copies of plans are available on request, although the council says hard-copy plans can only be provided for specific areas due to the extent of the consultation.

Residents who need alternative formats such as large print, easy-read, Braille, audio or another language have been asked to contact the council.

For more information, email: [email protected] or call 01437 775182.