News

Tufnell reflects on first year as MP for Pembrokeshire

Published

7 months ago

July 4, 2025

‘Still so much to do, but I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far,’ says Labour MP

PEMBROKESHIRE MP Henry Tufnell has marked the first anniversary of his election by reflecting on a year of activity, pledges delivered, and ambitions for the future.

Mr Tufnell, who won the seat for Labour in July 2024, said he remained “proud to stand up for our community” after spending the past twelve months listening to residents, visiting groups and local services, and working to address key issues.

“Every conversation reminds me why I’m so proud to serve,” he said.

Among the highlights of his first year, Mr Tufnell pointed to progress on housing, investment, broadband, the environment, and NHS accountability.

Tackling housing and jobs

He said the number of people on the housing waiting list in Pembrokeshire had dropped by around 2,000, with new social and affordable homes now under construction. The county has also been identified as a key growth region by the Welsh Labour Government, unlocking investment in skills training and job creation.

Health and the environment

Mr Tufnell has launched surveys across the constituency to gather views on GP and dental access, and said he had secured a commitment from the Health Board’s Chief Executive to deliver “transformative change”—though he acknowledged more work remains.

In his role on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, the MP also said he had taken Welsh Water to task over pollution, poor service, and what he called “extortionate” executive pay.

Investment and infrastructure

Over £10 million has been committed to Pembrokeshire through Labour’s Transforming Towns programme, according to Mr Tufnell, alongside nearly £109 million of broadband funding through Project Gigabit, which will bring high-speed connectivity to over 4,000 rural homes in the area.

Support for farmers and consumers

Mr Tufnell has also raised concerns in Parliament about the ECO4 insulation scheme, which he said left too many householders with poor work and no recourse. His efforts, he says, helped lead to new protections being introduced.

He has also called on government ministers to delay proposed inheritance tax reforms impacting family farms.

Reflecting on the past year, Mr Tufnell said: “We’ve made great progress, but there’s still so much to do. I’m here for you.”

Residents are encouraged to get in touch with the MP via [email protected].

Crime

Pembroke Dock woman admits breaching community order

Published

10 minutes ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Magistrates revoke sentence after missed appointments

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has admitted breaching the terms of a community order.

Shannon Charge, aged 30, of Pater Court, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

She admitted failing to attend a scheduled probation appointment and a drug dependency appointment.

Magistrates revoked the existing community order and ordered her to pay £60 in court costs.

The court heard the order related to earlier offences, for which she had been made subject to rehabilitation and drug treatment requirements. A further review hearing is listed for March 2.

Crime

Milford Haven man given extra unpaid work after breaching court order

Published

14 minutes ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Magistrates add hours after missed appointments

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been ordered to complete extra unpaid work after breaching the terms of a community order.

Peter Jones, aged 33, of Precelly Place, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

He admitted failing to attend scheduled unpaid work and a probation appointment earlier this month.

Magistrates varied the order, imposing an additional 10 hours of unpaid work. Jones was also ordered to pay £60 in court costs.

The court heard the original community order followed an earlier conviction.

Business

St Clears discount store in closing down sale after chain enters administration

Published

20 minutes ago

February 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A WELL-KNOWN discount retailer in St Clears is advertising a closing down sale after its parent company fell into administration, raising fresh concerns about the future of another high street store in west Wales.

The Original Factory Shop, which trades from Pentre Road in St Clears, has launched an “up to 30% off” sale as administrators attempt to secure the future of the business.

The chain, which sells clothing, homeware, garden products, toys and everyday essentials, appointed joint administrators Rick Harrison and James Clark of Interpath Advisory last week.

Founded in 1969, the retailer operates 137 stores across the UK and employs around 1,180 staff.

In a statement, Interpath said the company had faced difficult trading conditions common across the high street, including rising costs, weaker consumer spending and increased employment expenses. It added that problems with a third-party warehouse and logistics provider had also disrupted sales.

Despite the administration, the joint administrators say all stores will continue trading for now while options for the business are explored. The company’s online store is set to close.

Rick Harrison, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, said the retailer had long been a fixture in town centres across the country but had struggled in the current climate.

Over the coming weeks, administrators will review whether parts of the business can be sold or restructured.

However, signage and social media posts from the St Clears branch suggest uncertainty locally, with the store promoting a closing down sale and urging shoppers to “grab a bargain while stocks last”.

The St Clears outlet is one of the last remaining branches in west Wales. Stores in Fishguard, Haverfordwest and Milford Haven closed last year. The Cardigan branch is also understood to be running a similar clearance sale.

The loss of another discount retailer would mark a further blow for smaller town centres already facing reduced footfall and rising costs.