Community

Call for action as Powys leads the way on cost-of-living help

Published

9 months ago

June 13, 2025

Nearly 900 households targeted for support – could Pembrokeshire do more?

NEARLY 900 households in Powys will receive letters this week offering targeted help with the cost-of-living crisis – prompting questions about whether Pembrokeshire County Council should be doing the same.

Powys County Council has used intelligent data analytics to identify households most likely to be struggling financially. They will now be contacted directly and offered free and confidential support with managing bills, energy costs, debt, benefits, and household budgeting.

Half of those identified are council tenants, with the other half living in private rentals or owner-occupied homes.

The scheme uses a tool called LIFT – the Low Income Family Tracker – which pulls together a range of information to spot those who may be falling through the cracks.

Councillor Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader of Powys County Council, said: “We are here to help and want to make sure that everyone in our communities has access to the support they need.

“The LIFT platform should help us target our support where it’s most needed and allow us to help more Powys residents to maximise their income and reduce their costs.”

Support will be available in person, online or by phone, with options for home visits.

The Herald understands that Pembrokeshire County Council has not yet adopted the same level of targeted outreach. While the council does offer a range of cost-of-living support, residents must usually seek help themselves. There is currently no known use of data analytics or direct invitation letters to identify and contact those in need.

Pembrokeshire County Council has, however, established a dedicated Community Hub, offering practical help to anyone affected by the rising cost of living. Advisors can assist with benefits, housing, money worries, debt, food support, energy bills, and more.

One local resident who contacted The Herald said: “This is exactly the kind of help people need – not everyone is confident enough to ask for support, even if they’re struggling. Pembrokeshire should be doing this too.”

With Powys setting a new precedent for proactive support, the question is now whether Pembrokeshire – and other councils across Wales – will follow suit.

Need help in Pembrokeshire?

Pembrokeshire residents who are struggling can contact the council’s Cost of Living Support Line:

Phone: 01437 776301
Email: [email protected]
Online information: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living-hub

Support includes guidance on benefits, money management, debt, food, energy, housing, and more. All advice is free and confidential.

Community

Loose horse sparks police response in Pembroke

Published

16 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Animal seen galloping through residential streets and towards main road

POLICE are reportedly tracking a loose horse which strayed into a residential area of Pembroke.

The animal was first spotted in Gatehouse View before making its way onto a nearby main road.

A post on the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Citizens’ Forum said the horse had left Gatehouse View and was seen heading towards the road by Pembroke Leisure Centre.

The resident wrote: “Anyone recognise it? Police following it.”

The horse was later reported to be galloping down Buttermilk Lane in the direction of Martha’s.

Stray horses are not uncommon in the area. In January, several animals were reported loose around Pembroke and along the A477, particularly near Buttermilk Close and the Cleddau Bridge.

Those incidents created a hazard for motorists, prompting Pembrokeshire County Council to step in and return the animals. Drivers were advised to take extra care and avoid startling them.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

8 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

17 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”