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Rents soar in Carmarthen as town faces record demand

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RENTS in Carmarthen have surged nearly 59 per cent since 2019, with the average room in SA31 now advertised at £588 a month, up from £370 before the pandemic. Only seaside town Rhyl has seen a steeper increase in Wales, according to new figures from flatshare site SpareRoom. Across Wales, the average monthly rent is £592, up 46 per cent on 2019.

Suburban squeeze

SpareRoom says renters priced out of big cities are flooding commuter and market towns, a pattern now biting in West Wales. Spokesperson Matt Hutchinson said: “The flatshare market in the suburbs is groaning under the weight of demand from renters priced out of city living. When renters reach their ceiling of affordability, there isn’t really a choice, they have to move somewhere cheaper. Carmarthen, with its transport links and amenities, is a clear example of that shift.”

Local picture

Official statistics show the average private rent in Carmarthenshire reached £644 per month in August 2025, up five per cent year-on-year and 31 per cent over the last five years. Carmarthenshire County Council has approved a 2025–28 housing investment plan funded partly by rents, based on a 2.7 per cent rise for council stock in 2025–26, one of the lowest increases in two decades, while acknowledging affordability pressures.

Students and supply

Carmarthen’s student population adds pressure. The University of Wales Trinity Saint David has prioritised on-campus rooms for first-years and froze some university-owned rents in 2023–24, but shortages mean many students are competing directly in the town’s rental market. National research has found only one in six campus rooms are affordable at typical budgets.

Benefit gap

For lower-income renters, Local Housing Allowance rates often trail market rents. In Carmarthenshire, the current allowance caps, such as £400 for a one-bedroom and £535 for a three-bedroom, leave a significant shortfall against average asking prices.

Why it is happening

The pandemic triggered a shift in demand as remote working encouraged many to move to towns like Carmarthen. Supply has failed to keep pace, with mortgage and compliance costs leading some landlords to sell, reducing the pool of available homes. Demand has also been rising more generally across Wales, pushing up prices even in areas once considered affordable.

What next

The Welsh Government’s rent policy leaves social landlords to set increases within an affordability framework, while housing charities argue rents should be tied more closely to local incomes and benefits. With demand showing no sign of slowing, tenants in Carmarthen may face further rises in the months ahead.

 

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

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A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

 

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Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

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A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

 

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Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

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YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.

 

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