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.”

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

9 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

22 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

22 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!