News

New homes could save families money

Published

11 years ago

December 5, 2013

FAMILIES who live in new build homes built to 2013 standards could save more than £1,400 a year on their energy bills when compared to their neighbours in older homes, according to new analysis by NHBC and Zero Carbon Hub.

A typical four-bedroom Victorian home is more than twice as expensive to run compared to an equivalent new-build home built to 2013 levels of energy efficiency.

NHBC and the Zero Carbon hub carried out an analysis of new figures on projected energy emissions published in September by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

The analysis of DECC’s figures reveal an enormous gulf between the energy costs of running older homes compared to new ones.

Looking even further ahead, those annual savings could be as much as £1,840 (75%) in 2016, when further Government zero carbon home construction targets come into effect.

The research concludes that next year: A 4-bedroomed detached new home could be 57% cheaper to run (£1,410), based on costs of £1,050 compared to an updated2 Victorian equivalent which costs £2,460.

A 3-bedroomed end terrace could be 53% cheaper to run (£890), based on costs of £780 compared to an updated Victorian equivalent which costs £1,670.

A 3-bedroomed mid terrace could be 47% cheaper to run (£670), based on costs of £760 compared to an updated Victorian equivalent which costs £1,430.

A 1-bedroomed ground floor flat could be 47% cheaper to run (£440), based on costs of £500 compared to an updated Victorian equivalent which costs £940.

Given the recent price hikes announced by the majority of the Big Six of an average of 8.1 per cent, NHBC warned that these calculations could be on the conservative side.

Mike Quinton, chief executive at NHBC, said: “This new analysis of a typical family’s energy spend clearly underlines that new build homes are vastly more energy efficient than older stock, and can actively save money on utility bills.

“ Given the recent price hikes announced by the majority of the Big Six, these savings calculations could be the tip of the iceberg.

“While energy efficiency is only one of the advantages of buying a new-build house, the potential to make this level of savings year after year could be a crucial factor for families when making their decision on which home to purchase.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.