THE FESTIVE FRIENDS of Milford Haven School are back, bringing their Christmas magic to the community for a second year running.

Following the success of last year’s initiative, the Festive Friends project has returned to combat loneliness and spread holiday cheer. This heartwarming effort is made possible through support from the Ascona Community Foundation, whose funding has helped the students kick off another season of joy.

The pupils marked the start of Advent by visiting Hubberston and Hakin Community Centre, where they hosted a festive afternoon for the Stroke Survivors Group. Attendees were treated to Christmas bingo, seasonal quizzes, and delicious treats, creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere.

One Milford Haven student reflected on the experience, saying: “It was an honour to be part of this project and socialise with the older members of our community. Their stories are so interesting, and they’re so funny.” Another student added: “I’m so happy our school lets us work with the community. It’s inspired me to give back in the future.”

The project’s impact was felt deeply by attendees, with one guest commenting: “This was such a lovely way to start the countdown to Christmas. I don’t get out much, so it was wonderful to be among friends and chat with young people from our community.” Another remarked: “The students were so polite and kind. The school should be incredibly proud of them.”

With its second year proving just as successful as the first, the Festive Friends project has once again highlighted the power of community, kindness, and Christmas spirit.

A CALL for Pembrokeshire County Council to spread a little festive cheer by not issuing any court summonses for non-payment of council tax as a way of “showing empathy” for residents under financial pressure is to be heard later this week.

A Notice of Motion by Independent group leader Cllr Huw Murphy, to be heard at the December 12 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, asks: “That PCC do not issue any summonses for appearance at magistrates court for non-payment of council tax during the month of December.”

It adds: “At a Corporate O&S meeting on November 14 it was disclosed that since April 2024 PCC have sent out 14,000 reminder letters with regards to council tax (late payment) and issued 4,000 summonses for non-payment of council tax, which clearly evidences the financial pressure many Pembrokeshire residents currently face.

“December is for many families a festive month and although the debt does not go away the avoidance of any prosecutions during the month of December in the lead up to the festive holiday will indicate some empathy by PCC towards its residents under most financial pressure.”

The notice of motion will be heard at the December 12 meeting.

Cllr Murphy is no stranger to festive cheer calls; last year asking for the council to overturn a “mean-spirited” decision to end the free collection of trees in Pembrokeshire after the festive season.

That 2023 ‘Christmas tree call-in’ motion, supported by councillors Vanessa Thomas, Anji Tinley, Alan Dennison, Elwyn Morse, Michael James and Iwan Ward, was defeated by nine votes to four.

CALLS to improve the communication of road closures at a regularly flood-hit road at the entrance to Tenby are to be heard later this week.

The Gumfreston area near the south Pembrokeshire seaside town is regularly hit with flood, and councillors recently heard its existing warning system appeared to not like working when its wet.

In a submitted question before the December 12 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Rhys Jordan will say: “The B4318 at Gumfreston is prone to persistent flooding during adverse weather conditions, leading to road closures that disrupt travel and pose safety risks for residents and motorists.

“Currently, closures are not effectively communicated to residents, causing inconvenience, delays, and potential hazards. An efficient alert system would provide timely information to residents, allowing them to plan alternative routes and ensuring safety.”

Back in October, Cllr Jordan had asked at full council for an update on progress made toward improving the flood warning system in the Gumfreston area.

He had asked: “Can you give me an assurance that the flood warning system will actually work this autumn and winter?

“Only yesterday [October 16] the road was flooded and no warning signs were on; it seems to work when the road is not flooded, but they don’t like operating when its wet.”

He described it as “probably the most closed road in the county,” but one where there was the least communication on.

Members were given a ‘full commitment’ improvements to the warning systems would be made.