Cllr Joshua Beynon says he remains active in his ward and has made only normal-length visits to see his Portuguese partner

A PEMBROKE DOCK councillor has rejected claims that he spent six months living in Portugal while continuing to represent his ward.

The row began after posts circulated on social media questioning Cllr Joshua Beynon’s whereabouts and calling for him to resign from Pembrokeshire County Council.

A post shared by the Voice of Wales account stated: “Just wanted to understand how you can be a county councillor and live in Portugal six months of the year.

“Not fair enough for Pembroke Dock. Should stand down and let someone else take the job.”

A separate post in the Pembroke, Pembroke Dock and Pembrokeshire Community Business Facebook group described Cllr Beynon as “missing in action” and alleged that he was “on a jolly for six months in Portugal”.

It added: “Taking the piss.”

The posts prompted a heated discussion, with several contributors calling for Cllr Beynon to resign and questioning whether he could properly represent Pembroke Dock Central while spending time abroad.

Others defended the councillor, saying he had worked hard for the town and had helped residents both inside and outside his ward.

The Pembrokeshire Herald was tagged in the discussion and asked to investigate the claims.

Cllr Beynon has now told the Herald that the allegation he spent six months living in Portugal is untrue.

He confirmed that his partner is Portuguese and that they travel between Portugal and the UK to maintain their relationship.

However, he said none of his visits to Portugal had lasted longer than a standard holiday and that his partner also travels to the UK.

Cllr Beynon said he continues to live in Pembroke Dock and remains active within his ward, assisting residents, attending local meetings and carrying out his council duties.

He said he had recently met representatives of Pembroke Dock’s yacht club and had another meeting in the town scheduled for the following week.

The social media discussion also focused on Cllr Beynon’s published council attendance record.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s website showed that, between February 2 and July 28, he was expected to attend 14 meetings. It recorded 12 virtual attendances and two absences, giving him an overall attendance rate of 86 per cent.

The online record appeared to show that none of the meetings had been attended in person.

Cllr Beynon said he had attended the June meeting of the full council in person and that this could be confirmed through the council’s webcast.

The Herald has asked Pembrokeshire County Council to explain the apparent discrepancy between the published attendance figures and Cllr Beynon’s account.

Cllr Beynon said he had attended most other meetings remotely while supporting his family through a difficult period.

He said he had nevertheless continued to be present in his ward, deal with residents’ concerns and remain available to the people he represents.

Cllr Beynon was initially reluctant to respond publicly because of previous false allegations and the harassment he said followed them.

He told the Herald that he had initially feared further reporting would add fuel to the social media row, but accepted that the newspaper had contacted him in order to establish the facts and give him a fair opportunity to respond.

He said the stress caused by repeated allegations and online harassment had left him considering whether he would stand for the council again at the next election.

No evidence has been provided to the Herald showing that Cllr Beynon lived in Portugal for six months, ceased living in Pembroke Dock or stopped carrying out his duties as a county councillor.

He maintains that his trips to Portugal were ordinary visits to see his partner and that he has continued representing the residents of Pembroke Dock Central.

Council says notices are intended to encourage considerate use of the popular waterfront parking areas

NEW parking signs have been installed at Gelliswick Bay in an effort to encourage motorists to use the area responsibly.

The notices have been placed at the section locally known as “the triangle” and at the nearby boat and car park.

Cllr Vivien Stoddart said the signs were designed to promote considerate parking at both locations.

The new signage confirms that parking remains free, while reminding motorists that vehicles must be left within marked bays where provided.

The displayed rules prohibit overnight sleeping or camping, cooking, vehicle repairs, commercial activity and behaviour likely to disturb nearby residents or other users of the area.

The signs have prompted a mixed response from residents online. Some questioned whether the locations could properly be described as car parks, while others raised concerns about the cost and whether the signs would remain in place following previous reports of signage being removed.

Gelliswick Bay is regularly used by walkers, boat owners, swimmers and visitors, particularly during the summer months, when demand for the limited parking spaces can increase.

People currently registered with Choice Homes Pembrokeshire must submit a new application as the county prepares to introduce a revised social housing allocations policy

A NEW application process opens today, Monday, July 27, with all existing applicants due to receive an email or letter from the Housing Team by Friday, July 31.

The correspondence will explain how applicants can reapply to join the new Choice Homes Pembrokeshire Housing Register.

Applicants have been urged not to ignore the communication, as they will need to complete the new process to remain on the register.

Why is the housing policy changing?

Pembrokeshire County Council and its partner housing associations have approved a new Choice Homes @ Pembrokeshire Allocations Policy.

The policy sets out how social housing will be allocated and how applicants will be prioritised according to their housing needs and connection to Pembrokeshire.

Demand for social housing in the county has increased significantly in recent years, with more households experiencing homelessness, living in temporary accommodation or remaining in unsuitable housing.

The new policy will come into effect in October 2026 and has been developed jointly by Pembrokeshire County Council, ateb, Wales & West Housing, Barcud, Caredig and Codi Housing Associations.

It is intended to reflect growing pressure on housing and homelessness services, as well as recent changes to Welsh housing legislation.

Pembrokeshire County Council administers housing applications on behalf of all registered social landlords operating in the county.

New legislation, including the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Act 2026, also requires councils to strengthen the way social housing is allocated.

Who needs to apply?

The changes affect:

• Everyone with an existing Choice Homes Pembrokeshire housing application.
• Anyone wishing to submit a new application to join the Housing Register.

What applicants need to do

Existing applicants should receive an email or letter from the Housing Team between Monday, July 27 and Friday, July 31.

The first step will be to complete a pre-application assessment to determine whether the applicant meets the new local connection criteria.

Applicants will be asked to upload documents showing their connection to Pembrokeshire.

The pre-application forms the first part of a two-stage process. Once the Housing Team has reviewed the information, eligible applicants will be invited to complete a full housing application.

Some information already held by the Housing Team may be entered automatically, allowing applicants to check and update their details rather than starting from scratch.

Applicants are encouraged to complete the process online by registering for a Housing Online account through the Choice Homes Pembrokeshire website.

People who cannot complete the process online can contact a dedicated support line on 01437 776603.

Housing application roadshows

The Housing Team will hold a series of roadshow events across Pembrokeshire to offer advice and practical assistance.

Monday, August 3

10:00am to 12:00pm
Johnston Institute
Church Road, Johnston, SA62 3HE

Wednesday, August 5

5:00pm to 8:00pm
Fishguard Town Hall
Market Street, Fishguard, SA65 9HE

Monday, August 10

1:00pm to 3:00pm
Pater Hall
Lewis Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6DH

Wednesday, August 12

5:00pm to 8:00pm
Lord Nelson Hotel
9 Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, SA73 3AW

Housing Team staff will be available at each event to help applicants complete the new process, answer questions about the allocations policy and provide advice about other housing services.

Anyone needing support can email [email protected] or telephone 01437 776603.

Further information is available through the Choice Homes Pembrokeshire website.