News
Benefit overpayment case sent to trial
A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has denied failing to notify the authorities of a change in her circumstances.
Sarah White, aged 27, of Bush Street, pleaded not guilty to all three charges at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jan 20).
Two of the offences date between March 1 2012 and December 3 2013 where she is accused of failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions and Pembrokeshire County Council.
The third offence dates between March 5 2012 and March 31 2012 where she is again accused of failing to notify Pembrokeshire County Council.
It is alleged that the failure to do so has resulted in an overpayment of £15,203.38.
Prosecuting, Nick Newton said that the Magistrates would have adequate sentencing powers in this case.
The Magistrates agreed and a trial was set for March 11. White was released on unconditional bail.
Community
Pembrokeshire beaches ranked among the best for winter walks
WITH a surge in gym memberships each January, many turn indoors for fitness. However, outdoor enthusiasts can find solace in exploring Wales’ beautiful coastline during the winter months. New research by outdoor specialists GO Outdoors has ranked the nation’s top beaches for winter walks, with Pembrokeshire’s shores earning high praise.
The study assessed beaches on factors such as rainfall, sunlight hours, temperature, and popularity, revealing Pembrokeshire beaches among the top contenders.
Whitesands Bay, St David’s
Whitesands Bay secured second place with a score of 8.50/10. Known for its pristine white sands and stunning views of the Welsh peninsula, the beach is dog-friendly during the winter. Visitors can also enjoy on-site facilities, including toilets and a café, making it a popular spot for a coastal escape.
Marloes Sands, Marloes
In third place with a score of 7.50/10, Marloes Sands is celebrated for its breathtaking views of Skokholm and Gateholm Islands. The area boasts nearby B&Bs, such as Gupton Farm Surf Lodge, and features scenic trails like the four-mile Marloes Peninsula Beach Walk, offering an ideal setting for a winter adventure.
Other Welsh Beaches
While Pembrokeshire beaches shine, Glamorgan also boasts notable spots:
- 1. Rhossili Bay: Topping the list with 9.26/10, Rhossili Bay is renowned for its three-mile sandy stretch and strong Atlantic waves, making it a favourite among surfers.
- 4. Three Cliffs Bay: This iconic beach, with its dramatic cliffs and sweeping sands, scored 7.31/10.
- 5. Dunraven Bay: A tranquil mix of sand and pebbles, Dunraven Bay earned a score of 6.93/10.
Why Winter Walks?
Calum Jones, blog author at GO Outdoors, encouraged winter exploration, saying: “Winter is a fantastic time to visit beaches, with fewer crowds, reduced parking charges, and off-season discounts at local eateries. I recommend dressing warmly with base layers and a waterproof jacket to enjoy the coastline no matter the weather.”
For those seeking to embrace Pembrokeshire’s natural beauty, Whitesands Bay and Marloes Sands stand out as must-visit destinations for the colder months.
For more information, visit www.gooutdoors.co.uk.
Photo Caption: Whitesands Bay: One of Pembrokeshire’s finest winter destinations (Pic: GO Outdoors).
News
Pembrokeshire County Council suffers major funding cut
THE FUNDING of schemes already underway has been threatened by the change in government in Westminster.
The Labour administration has changed the criteria for funding under the Shared Prosperity Scheme, meaning that Pembrokeshire has suffered a cut in funding from it of over 40%. The change means that some projects must either be shelved or reduced in scope.
As projects previously part-funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund include controversial schemes such as the new pedestrian bridge in Haverfordwest town centre, opposition councillors on Pembrokeshire County Council will be delighted at the loss of central government funding for the county.
The UK Government has already announced that the Shared Prosperity Fund will close in March 2026. Although Labour claims it will undertake a review of local growth funding beforehand, that sounds more like a loaded rifle cocking with each passing day.
If funding falls to a Barnett consequential level (i.e. strictly pro rata to the English settlement) from 2026- 27 onwards, the result would be a massive cut in public investment and capital projects undertaken by all Welsh councils. As the Welsh Government has kicked local government finance into the long grass until after the next Welsh Parliamentary election in 2026, there is a void and uncertainty over future funding settlements beyond that date.
Moreover, the Welsh Government’s magic circle of mutual back-scratching with its Valleys and urban councils means Pembrokeshire and other rural areas are likely to suffer major real-terms funding reductions across the board.
News
Inflation and election hit Pembroke regeneration plan
A PLAN to regenerate Pembroke town centre must be cut following delays caused by the General Election and an almost one-third increase in the cost of construction.
The Council’s Cabinet will consider an update on the Westgate to Eastgate scheme on Monday, January 13.
The County Council originally applied for around £11.5m from the Levelling Up Fund in June 2022. Although that bid was unsuccessful, the Council was invited to reapply in a further funding round and succeeded. The £11.5m cost of the project is 90% funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. The Council is due to contribute 10% of that figure.
However, even though the Council succeeded in resubmitting its application early in 2024, the General Election in July stalled further progress. At the end of November last year, the Labour Government in Westminster issued a final memorandum committing to the expenditure.
In the two years since the original application, inflation has increased the project’s construction costs by 30%, underlining – again – that the consumer price index is a nonsensical measure for determining public authorities’ costs.
The Council contends that interventions at Pembroke would help stimulate the town’s economy. The town is experiencing increasing market failure due to increased vacancies in the retail centre, a poor mix of uses and significant leakage to other centres. The regeneration scheme would strengthen the visitor market and capitalise on the current visitor economy for Pembroke Castle, which bypasses the town centre.
Pembroke has the smallest number of commercial units (81) of Pembrokeshire’s six main towns and a high proportion of vacant units (17.3%).
The Cabinet report says: “The private sector will not provide the improvements to wayfinding and public realm improvements that are required to change the nature of the visitor experience. The lack of private sector development resulting from low values and low demand means that the potential of any private sector contributions is limited.”
In the absence of private sector interest, the Council believes public funding is the only tool it has to regenerate Pembroke’s ailing town centre and support new enterprises.
The project has three work schemes. Its primary focus is improving connections between the Commons Road, where most visitors park, and the town centre. The alleys and cut-throughs will be improved, and visitors will be signposted towards Pembroke’s Main Street and Mill Pond.
To increase visitors’ time spent in the town centre, the Council will improve its public spaces and green spaces and fund the renewal of St Mary’s Bells, a noted feature of Pembroke town.
At the town’s East End, the former school building will be stripped back to a shell state and partially refitted in readiness for future use, while steps will be taken to improve vehicular access along Well Hill.
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