A NEW shop frontage grant scheme for commercial properties is being launched via the Street Enhancement Scheme within the 2025 Shared Prosperity Fund programme.

This new grant scheme will run alongside the existing paint scheme which will be continuing.

The new grant scheme is aimed at business premises in the town centre zones of Fishguard and Goodwick, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock and Tenby.

Eligible owners and tenants/leaseholders with written consent from the property owner can apply for a grant of 80 per cent, up to a maximum grant value of £24,999, towards to total expenditure of upgrading external facades.

This new grant scheme is an extension to the previous paint scheme enhancement scheme for commercial properties which is continuing within the town centre zones of the above towns, and for St Davids, Saundersfoot, Narberth, Crymych and Newport.

The paint scheme enhancement will provide funding for 80% of the costs, up to a maximum grant value of £4,999, towards the repainting of street facing façade(s).

The aim of the grant is to help improve the attractiveness of our town centres and encourage footfall to support businesses.

Eligible works include replacement of signage, window and other building elements replacement or cleaning, external facade repairs and decoration.

Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller said: “The previous streetscape paint schemes have seen numerous buildings across our main and smaller towns given a facelift.

“Supporting our towns to thrive is part of the commitment to regenerate our

communities, and this scheme is a small part of that.”

Support for paint schemes for commercial buildings in the eligible towns under the previous Shared Prosperity Fund programme will continue under this new programme.

The last date for receipt of applications under this call for projects which must be able to be completed by 30th November 2025 is 31^st May 2025. 

If the scheme is oversubscribed, eligible applicants for this discretionary grant support will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

No expenditure should be incurred before grant approval, as the grants cannot be awarded retrospectively.

This includes work for which contracts have already been signed or orders placed, before funding approval. 

For more information and full scheme guidance see: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/uk-shared-prosperity-funding/pembrokeshire-streetscape-enhancement-scheme or via email to [email protected]

THE FIRST four-nations study of broadcasting policy in a devolved UK is set to begin following the awarding of a major research grant to a Welsh expert.

Leading the study, Professor Jamie Medhurst from the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth University will work alongside Dr Phil Ramsey from Ulster University, Dr Inge Sorensen from the University of Glasgow, and Dr Tom Chivers from Goldsmiths, University of London.

Many policy areas, such as health and education, are the responsibility of the devolved governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

However, the legislative and ministerial powers for broadcasting remain in Westminster; held by the Secretary of State for the UK-wide Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

There is growing pressure from political parties in the devolved nations for broadcasting powers to be devolved, most recently in the Plaid Cymru and Scottish National Party manifestos for the 2024 General Election.

Professor Jamie Medhurst from the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies has been awarded a £79,600 Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Curiosity Grant to conduct the research.

Professor Medhurst said: “The concept of the UK – as a unitary state, made up of four nations – is coming increasingly under pressure, and the issue of how broadcasting both reacts to and shapes these debates is a growing issue on policy, political and academic horizons.

“This two-year project will provide a unique and novel forum for discussion, knowledge exchange and cooperation on current and future broadcasting policy in an evolving UK, with a focus on the devolution of broadcasting powers to Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.”

Dr Patrick Finney, Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Aberystwyth University said: “This research will make an important and timely contribution by helping to inform future debate and decision-making; benefitting policymakers, researchers, stakeholders and wider public understanding at a critical moment in the future of UK public service broadcasting.”

The research team will hold a workshop in each of the nations, bringing together academics, policymakers, politicians, and broadcasters to consider how broadcasting might operate in a more devolved United Kingdom.

Following each workshop, a briefing paper will be produced, drawing together the main issues discussed, together with policy recommendations.

In April 2027, a UK-wide conference will be held, where the final project report will be published.  The report will reflect on the findings of the project and will provide a strong evidence base for decision making and policymaking going forward.

THE MUCH-LOVED Haverfordwest Carnival, which has been absent from the local summer calendar for six years, is set to return in 2025. The event, which last took place in 2019 before the pandemic caused large gatherings to be cancelled, is eagerly anticipated by locals who are hopeful for a vibrant revival.

The carnival, known for its bright floats, marching bands, and community spirit, will once again fill the streets of the county town next year. It is being organized by Pure West Radio in partnership with Haverfordwest Town Council, and they are now reaching out to the public for input on key details, including the theme, preferred date, and ways to support the event.

Pure West Radio shared the exciting news on social media, announcing, “After six years, Haverfordwest Carnival is back for 2025! We’re partnering with Haverfordwest Town Council to bring back this iconic event, and we want to hear from you. What theme would you like to see? What day works best for you? And how would you like to get involved? Share your thoughts with us here.”

The announcement has been met with excitement from the community. Emma Flan reminisced, “The carnival was always the highlight of the summer when I was growing up. The town would be buzzing, with everyone out enjoying the day and night. So happy to see it returning, and I hope everyone gets involved.”

Others, like Michelle Dukes, agreed, saying, “It’s great news – the town really needs an event like this,” while Lucy Lulu Eagles fondly recalled, “I loved the carnival! I’d always look forward to the band playing and seeing the floats with the kids.”

One memorable edition of the carnival took place in 2006, when it was held at the Picton Playing Fields, featuring a Queen tribute act and a junior talent show. The 2018 carnival marked a major revival of the event after a few years’ absence, with a maritime theme celebrating the ‘Year of the Sea.’ Despite the wet weather, the procession, which started from County Hall, drew a big crowd and made its way through the town to Bridge Meadow.

The 2019 carnival saw the event moved to a Sunday as a grand finale to Haverfordwest Festival Week, and the sunny weather ensured a wonderful day out for all involved.

While the weather remains unpredictable for 2025, local input is highly encouraged to help make the event one to remember. If you have ideas or feedback, you can share them via the survey linked above.