News
Council Tax rise approved for Pembrokeshire
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has approved a Council Tax rise of 4.5 per cent for 2015-16.
The increase will result in a Band D payment of £801.04 – a rise of £34.49.
The final amount which Council Tax payers will be required to pay will also include sums for their Town or Community Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed- Powys.
The County Council budget has been developed against the backdrop of the two most difficult financial settlements from the Welsh Government since the Council’s inception in 1996.
This cost reduction/efficiency target for 2015-16 is £12.3m, primarily as a direct consequence of the loss of grant from the Welsh Government.
Councillor Jamie Adams, Council Leader, said the Council Tax rise of 4.5 per cent was a regrettable but unavoidable consequence.
“The forward planning assumptions agreed by the Council in March last year were overtaken by a much more aggressive settlement outcome than originally signalled,” he said.
“This is coupled with an increase in anticipated pay, price and demographic pressures.
“The key challenge is to protect those services which impact upon the most vulnerable in our communities.
“Our recent consultations with residents have resulted in a clear message about the services that are valued, and our Budget decisions reflect our determination to provide innovative solutions to our residents’ demands.”
Business
New development in Haverfordwest showcased to Welsh Government
MEMBERS of the Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council toured Augustus Grange, a new housing development in Haverfordwest created by Lovell in partnership with housing association Pobl Group.
The development, located off St David’s Road, will provide 115 two and three-bedroom homes, including 36 homes for open market sale and 79 affordable homes. Of these, 37 will be available through Shared Ownership, and 42 will be for affordable rent.
The Welsh Government has contributed more than £8.6 million through its Social Housing Grant to fund the affordable rent homes, addressing a significant demand for accessible housing options in the area.
A collaborative vision
During the visit, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant MS, praised the project’s contribution to increasing housing availability.
“Delivering more homes is a key priority for this government, and it’s fantastic to support Lovell and Pobl’s vision for Augustus Grange,” she said. “This investment will provide high-quality, affordable housing for individuals and families in Haverfordwest.”
Pembrokeshire County Council’s Leader, Cllr Jon Harvey, and Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Michelle Bateman, also attended alongside other officials, including Gaynor Toft, Head of Housing, and David Meyrick, Housing Strategy and Affordable Housing Manager.
Cllr Bateman highlighted the importance of the development: “Increasing affordable housing is a key priority, and it’s fantastic to see a mix of open market, affordable, and social rent homes being developed in our county town.”
Progress on display
Lovell and Pobl showcased the site, including the sales office and a newly launched Lambourne-style show home. The Augustus Grange development is Lovell’s first project in West Wales and represents a key part of its growth strategy.
“We are incredibly proud of Augustus Grange,” said James Duffett, Lovell’s Regional Managing Director. “This project demonstrates our team’s achievements, combining the best of our partnerships and sales expertise to create a development people will be proud to call home.”
Designed for community
Claire Tristham, Director of Development at Pobl Group, underscored the collaborative effort behind the project.
“This development secures much-needed housing for the community, designed to meet high sustainability standards, ensuring affordability in both rent and heating costs,” she said.
The site’s proximity to Haverfordwest’s rich history and natural beauty further enhances its appeal. Future residents will enjoy access to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Haverfordwest Castle, and excellent shopping and commuter links.
To learn more about Augustus Grange, visit www.lovell.co.uk or call 01437 468 024. Sales offices are open Thursday to Monday, 10:00am to 5:00pm.
News
Body of missing woman found near Llanwrtyd Wells
Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed the discovery of a woman’s body during the search for 62-year-old Sally, who was reported missing from Llanwrtyd Wells on Monday (Nov 18).
A spokesperson for the police said: “We are saddened to confirm the body of a woman has been found during the search for Sally.
“Formal identification has not yet taken place, but her family has been informed. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death are ongoing.
Officers are urging anyone with information that might assist the investigation to come forward.
Sally was last seen at her home around 1:30pm on Monday.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via social media, email at [email protected], or by calling 101, quoting reference DP-20241118-296.
Entertainment
Carew Castle’s ‘Glow’: A festive wonderland of light and music awaits
CAREW CASTLE is thrilled to invite families and visitors of all ages to experience Glow – a magical event illuminating the season every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 29 November to 15 December, between 4:30pm and 7:30pm.
Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by a stunning display of lights throughout the Walled Garden, creating an enchanting atmosphere that leads into the heart of the festivities. At Nest Tearoom, visitors can indulge in seasonal treats, adding warmth and flavour to the experience.
This year’s event brings new areas and captivating displays, transforming the Castle into a Christmas wonderland with fresh elements designed especially for the 2024 season. Children are invited to join Santa’s Workshop Trail, an interactive adventure where they can hunt for clues hidden around the Castle, with a special treat awarded upon completion. Entry to the trail costs £2 per child.
Committed to sustainability, Glow’s impressive display uses only the most energy-efficient LED lights, designed to minimise environmental impact while maximising visual impact. The lighting setup uses approximately 85% less energy than traditional bulbs and can even operate from a single household socket.
Visitors will notice that all lighting is focused on the Castle’s east face and east range, illuminating beautifully preserved rooms such as the Lesser Hall, undercroft, chapel and kitchen, all decorated for the season and open to explore. To safeguard the resident bats, who have their own spaces within the Castle and are cherished members of the Carew community, lighting and access to certain areas are limited at night.
Adding to the festive spirit, local choirs and musical groups will fill the Lesser Hall with seasonal melodies each weekend, bringing an extra touch of holiday magic to the experience.
Due to high demand, visitors must pre-book arrival slots to secure entry. Tickets are available online, priced at £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children aged 4-16 years. This nominal fee helps maintain and enhance Glow each year, ensuring it remains affordable for the community.
Free entry is offered to holders of annual passes, Carew parish residents, wheelchair users, and accompanying carers, though these visitors must also book online and present proof of eligibility.
Visitors purchasing tickets for daytime admission to the Castle and Grotto are welcome to attend Glow on the same evening without further booking.
For a full schedule of live performances, and for Castle and Nest Tearoom opening hours through November and December, please visit www.carewcastle.com
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Dan Lewis
March 7, 2015 at 8:43 pm
Will always bleat bout being the lowest in Wales. So the bins get collected twice a month instead with weaker black bags and see through orange bags. Only time til it’s 3 weekly and no cut. cuts cuts and more cuts while we pay off Bryn and his porsche. Directors on too much pay doing nothing at all. Before u ask yes I worked for the council in County Hall for plenty of years. Pigs in a trough comes to mind.
ieuan
March 8, 2015 at 1:43 pm
Jamie Adams will always play his trump card, lowest council tax in wales, and a poor service, and still the pigs push they’re snouts deeper into the trough and find reasons to justify it!
Next Council elections let us the sheep get the pigs out!!
tomos
March 16, 2015 at 9:54 am
the lowest “rates” in Wales is debatable actually, anyway if we didn’t rely on the millions from the haven bridge where would we really be? not half as efficient as the claims
john
March 24, 2015 at 9:33 am
The 2014/15 Revised Budget for this year includes a contribution of £1.967m profit from toll receipts, after meeting the annual operational expenses of the Bridge. The 2015/16 budget includes for an estimated profit of £1.888m.
Both of these amounts, accruing from Toll charges paid by Bridge users are applied to reduce the Council tax requirement in each year, over the whole County.
Tomos
March 24, 2015 at 2:33 pm
the councillor or is it a council official has spoken!
I suggest you look at the other story here regarding the bridge tolls before making claims like that
jackanory,
John Hudson
March 24, 2015 at 3:56 pm
Sorry, I don’t understand. I am saying that excess toll income ( about £1.9m p.a.) paid by Bridge users from tolls, is used by the Council to reduce the Council Tax for everyone across the County. The ability to do this helps achieve the lowest council tax in Wales. Whether the Council is legally right to do so is another matter.