Community
Renewed debate over Penally Camp as UK turns to military sites for asylum housing
PLANS to house asylum seekers at military bases in England and Scotland have prompted renewed discussion in Pembrokeshire over whether the former Penally Camp could once again be brought into use.
The UK Government confirmed this week that around 900 asylum seekers will be moved to Cameron Barracks in Inverness and Crowborough Training Camp in East Sussex from the end of next month. The move is part of a wider effort to cut the soaring cost of hotels by using larger, contained accommodation sites.

Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the government was testing whether military sites could provide “adequate accommodation” and reduce public opposition to hotels. However, MPs on the Home Affairs Committee have warned that barracks could prove even more expensive once maintenance and security costs are included.

Although Penally Camp has not been mentioned in the latest announcement, the decision has led to speculation that other former military facilities across the UK could be reconsidered in future.
Hotel system branded a ‘mess’
Around 30,000 asylum seekers are currently being housed in hotels at an estimated cost of several billion pounds a year. Some contracts are reported to run until 2036, locking taxpayers into long-term deals that were originally intended for short-term use.
Reports from Westminster have revealed that many of these contracts were awarded without open scrutiny, with hotel operators making millions of pounds while local councils struggle to cope with the social impact. Critics have called the system “a mess”, accusing successive governments of losing control of spending and failing to create humane, efficient alternatives.
Controversial past use
Penally Camp, near Tenby, was used by the Home Office in 2020 and 2021 to house several hundred male asylum seekers. The decision proved highly contentious, with local residents complaining of poor communication and inadequate facilities.

A joint inspection by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons and the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration later found the camp was “unsuitable” for long-term accommodation, citing overcrowding, poor hygiene, and lack of access to healthcare and legal advice.
The Home Office closed the site in spring 2021 and returned it to the Ministry of Defence. Since then, it has been earmarked for potential redevelopment, including possible housing.
Local reaction

Pembrokeshire councillors say they have not been informed of any plans to reopen the camp but have urged the government to clarify its position. One senior councillor told The Herald: “Residents still remember the disruption and uncertainty caused by the 2020 decision. It would be completely unacceptable to use Penally again in that way.”
The Welsh Government has also expressed concern about the suitability of former military sites, insisting that asylum accommodation must be safe, humane, and supported by local services.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “We keep all accommodation options under review but there are currently no plans to reopen the Penally site.”
National policy shift
The use of military sites marks a reversal of previous government policy. Ministers had earlier pledged to end the use of barracks following criticism from inspectors and human rights groups. The change reflects growing pressure to reduce hotel spending and address record asylum backlogs.
While there are no indications that Penally is under consideration, if the government were to revisit the site, substantial upgrades would be required to meet current standards. Even so, refurbishing existing facilities could prove cheaper than sustaining thousands of people in hotels for years to come.
The Herald understands there are currently no Welsh sites under active review as part of the Home Office’s new accommodation programme.
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.
The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.
A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.
The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community
3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire
Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event
THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.
Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.












The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.
Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.
The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.
Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.
Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush
A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.
The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.
He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”
Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.
The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.
Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.
Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).
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