Community

Pembrokeshire ranks second in UK for noise complaints, new study reveals

Published

6 months ago

June 18, 2025

Residents kept awake by barking dogs and noisy animals

PEMBROKESHIRE residents are among the most sleep-deprived in the UK, according to new figures released by sleep specialists at Mattress Online.

A total of 4,290 noise complaints were submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council in 2024 – the second highest number across the entire UK. Only Fife in Scotland recorded more complaints, with 5,232 logged during the same period.

The figures were obtained through Freedom of Information requests to every UK council and analysed to determine where people are struggling most with disturbed sleep.

In Pembrokeshire, animal-related noise made up a staggering 58% of all complaints. The worst month for disturbances was July 2024, indicating that the summer period may be particularly difficult for residents seeking a peaceful night’s rest.

Other high-complaint areas included South Lanarkshire (2,509), Portsmouth (2,427), and Cardiff (1,484), while Swindon reported just six complaints all year – making it the quietest place in the UK.

Sleep expert Hannah Shore, Head of Sleep Science at Mattress Online, warned that repeated noise disruption can have serious effects on people’s health. “Disturbed sleep doesn’t just mean fewer hours – it can impact the quality of sleep, preventing the deep, restorative rest that bodies and minds need to function well,” she said.

Shore recommends a number of simple steps for those affected by noise: “Investing in earplugs, rearranging bedroom furniture to block sound, or even using podcasts to drown out background noise can help. If the problem is ongoing, speaking to your neighbour might be necessary – they may not realise how disruptive they are.”

The data also showed that searches for ‘noise complaints’ have risen 8% in the past three months, with an 81% increase in searches for ‘can’t sleep’, reflecting growing frustration across the UK.

Mattress Online, a major online retailer based in Yorkshire, said the study was part of a wider campaign to help people improve their sleep health and take control of environmental factors keeping them awake.

Top 5 UK council areas for noise complaints in 2024:

Fife – 5,232 complaints

Pembrokeshire – 4,290 complaints

South Lanarkshire – 2,509 complaints

Portsmouth – 2,427 complaints

City of York – 2,011 complaints

At the other end of the scale, Swindon, West Lothian, and Orkney reported the fewest noise-related issues, with just 6, 19, and 22 complaints respectively.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

5 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

5 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

5 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.