News

Superfast Cymru make an icy splash for RNLI

Published

10 years ago

January 28, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Making a splash: Superfast broadband team.

BT MEMBERS of the Superfast Cymru team have raised over £2,000 for the RNLI in Tenby as a result of their efforts at the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim. Joining the hundreds of swimmers that took part in the popular annual event, the 12-strong team, made up of a mixture of managers, engineers and marketers donned their swimsuits and braved the icy conditions for the much loved charity. Speaking after the event BT senior project manager, Ynyr Roberts, said:

“We wanted to support a charity that plays a vital role in the community and we’re delighted to have raised over £2,000 for such a worthy cause. “Taking a dip in the Saundersfoot sea was certainly refreshing and a change to our normal day jobs of being up a telegraph pole or having our heads in roadside cabinets. “The people of Pembrokeshire will know we’ve been working hard around the county to bring fast fibre broadband to communities throughout the area. This will continue in 2015 as more and more premises get access to superfast internet speeds.”

Earlier this week it was announced that Saundersfoot had become one of the latest exchange areas in Wales to benefit from fast fibre broadband. More than 23,000 homes and businesses are already able to access fast fibre broadband in Pembrokeshire as a result of Superfast Cymru . Money raised by BT members of the Superfast Cymru team will be used to help the RNLI to train and equip Tenby’s lifesavers.

Tenby RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Phil Rees, said: “As a charity, which relies on voluntary contributions and donations for income, we are thrilled with this generous donation which will help our crews to save even more lives at sea. “People fundraise for the RNLI in many different ways, but the Superfast Cymru team certainly went above and beyond by braving icy seas to support us. We are so very grateful for their efforts.”

In addition to Ynyr Roberts the BT team was made up of Lee Marston, Owain Twitchett, Ashlee Thomas, Rhys Thomas, Alan Farmer, Wes Sheldon, Leighton Quick, James Stephens, Charlie-Ann Haydock, Susi Marston and colleagues from Carillion Telent, a contractor for BT. Delivering high speed fibre broadband across Wales, Superfast Cymru is a partnership between BT and Welsh Government, with additional funding from UK Government and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Funding of £205m has been provided by the Welsh Government, the UK Government and the European Regional Development Fund, with BT contributing a further £220m to deliver fibre across Wales via its commercial rollout and the Superfast Cymru programme. Fibre broadband will help transform the broadband landscape across Wales and enable local businesses in Pembrokeshire to compete on a global level.

Highspeed broadband makes it possible for businesses to be located anywhere and improves opportunities for business creativity and entrepreneurship. At home, fibre broadband enables a family to simultaneously download a movie, watch a TV replay service, surf the internet and play games online all at the same time.

A whole album can be downloaded in less than 30 seconds and a feature length HD movie in less than 10 minutes, whilst high-resolution photos can be uploaded to Facebook in seconds. In addition to Saundersfoot, superfast broadband is also available to residents and businesses served by the Pembroke, Milford Haven, Neyland, Johnstone and Haverfordwest exchanges.

Households and businesses which want superfast speeds need to contact an internet service provider (ISP) to sign up to receive fast fibre – the upgrade is not automatic. There are a variety ISPs offering fibre broadband in Wales so customers can shop around and choose the package that is best for them. If they choose not to upgrade to fibre broadband, they will be able to continue using their existing broadband service.

Business

Milford Haven: Wales’ energy hub embraces green transformation

Published

7 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ONCE synonymous with oil and gas, Milford Haven is now poised to lead Wales into a cleaner, greener future—powered by hydrogen.

Green energy pioneer Haush Ltd has chosen Milford Haven as the location for its new UK headquarters, marking a significant step towards establishing the area as a hub for hydrogen innovation. The company’s ambitious plans aim to decarbonise land, sea, and air transport, while also exporting green hydrogen to Europe.

Backed by the Welsh Government through the HYBRID SBRI Hydrogen Port Re-Fuelling Project (HyPR), Haush’s initiative will kick off immediately. The HyPR project supports trials to accelerate hydrogen production and create refuelling solutions for both onshore and offshore vessels. A key part of this effort is designing a permanent hydrogen refuelling infrastructure at the Port of Milford Haven, unlocking its potential as a green energy leader.

For over 65 years, Milford Haven has been a cornerstone of the UK’s oil and gas sector, processing 20% of the nation’s oil and gas. Now, this latest investment signals the beginning of a transformative shift toward renewable energy.

Welsh Government Economy, Energy, and Planning Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Evans, welcomed the move, saying:
“Jobs and green growth are a priority for this Welsh Government, so I am delighted that Haush has chosen Milford Haven as the base for its new UK headquarters. The company’s ambitious growth plans align perfectly with our aspirations to see Wales become a global leader in renewable energy generation.”

Milford Haven’s journey from oil and gas to hydrogen innovation could set a blueprint for green energy transformation in the UK and beyond.

News

Council Tax Premium set to increase for long-term empty properties

Published

7 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has approved a significant change to the council tax premium on long-term empty properties, aiming to address housing shortages and community impacts.

Starting April 1, 2025, a single premium rate of 300 per cent will be applied to all properties that have been empty for two years or more. This replaces the previous system of incremental increases.

Councillor Joshua Beynon, cabinet member for corporate finance and efficiencies, said:
“The premium is in place to encourage the return of properties into use as much-needed homes in Pembrokeshire and to reduce the impact of empty homes on the communities around them.”

Details of the premium

The premium is an addition to the standard council tax charge and applies across all three elements:

Pembrokeshire County Council
Police and Crime Commissioner
Town and Community Councils

Exemptions and discounts

Property owners undergoing renovations can apply for a council tax exemption if their property requires major repair works or structural alterations. This exemption allows the property to be tax-free for up to 12 months.

If the exemption has already been granted, owners may apply for a discretionary discount, which can be awarded up to the value of the long-term empty property premium. However, the standard council tax charge remains payable in these cases.

Applicants must provide written details of the required works, supported by photographic evidence. Each application is assessed on its individual merits, and the discretionary discount is typically limited to a maximum of 12 months.

National Empty Homes Grant Scheme

Pembrokeshire County Council is also taking part in the National Empty Homes Grant Scheme, which offers grants of up to £25,000 to owners of eligible empty properties. This funding aims to bring more properties back into use and alleviate housing pressures in the county.

For more information about the grant, visit the National Empty Homes Grant website.
To apply for a council tax discount, contact Revenue Services via:

Email: [email protected]
Post: Revenue Services, County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP

News

Heavenly Host of Angels Event at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

Published

1 day ago

January 11, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE HEAVENLY HOST OF ANGELS will be open at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, this weekend, offering a warm and welcoming space for all.

When:

Saturday, January 11: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Sunday, January 12: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Monday, January 13: 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Entry is free, and children will receive glow sticks to add to the magical atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to hunt for your angel or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, all are welcome to drop in.

Donations in aid of Wales Air Ambulance are optional and much appreciated.

Additionally, on Sunday, January 12, a special Mass at 9:30am will celebrate the Second Sunday of Epiphany and the Baptism of Christ.

Come along and experience this beautiful event – “Come and See.”