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Credit union’s shock closure

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THE CLOSURE of the Haven Credit Union on Tuesday March 3, is a severe blow to those who depended upon its services whether as investors or borrowers. A statement by Chair of the Board of Trustees, Ted Sangster, disclosed that the credit union has been seeking a partner with which to merge for the last twelve months. Those efforts to preserve the union in some form have, however, come to nothing. Savings with the credit union are protected and it is anticipated that savers will have their money returned to them, in full, in around a fortnight’s time. Mr Sangster’s told The Herald: “As our statement reads, we have taken this decision only after long and serious consideration of the alternatives. The rules on Credit Union reserves have recently changed. That was not a determining factor in our decision, but it was something we took on board.” Mr Sangster continued: “We explored the possibility for merging with another credit union, but we were unable to reach an agreement. The board therefore took a principled decision. We could have carried on for another three to six months and then had the regulator step in.

That would have created uncertainty for our members and it the board decided not to let that happen. The board decided that it was better to arrange matters so that our members could be dealt with in a fair and orderly way. It was a painful decision, but it was the right one.”

After extending his thanks to the statutory bodies which have assisted the credit union, Mr Sangster paid tribute to the union’s volunteers and staff: “The board wishes to thank all those staff and volunteers who have worked on behalf of the credit union to provide this much valued service to the people of Pembrokeshire over the past 22 years. Many people have been helped and supported by their unstinting work for which again, our heartfelt thanks.”

Paul Brindley the appointed administrator said: “It’s a real disappointment that Haven Credit Union should be forced to close as there is a very real and necessary demand for their services. Members can be assured that their savings are safe. They will be paid back in full within the next two weeks.”

A spokesperson from Pembrokeshire County Council said: “We are disappointed to learn of the closure of the Haven Credit Union (HCU) but respect the board’s decision to discontinue the business. HCU was a professionally-run organisation offering a valuable service to the local community.”

They continued: “The council has been pleased to be associated with HCU over the years and has offered support wherever possible. This has included facilitating payroll deductions for council employees who were customers of HCU.”

The spokesperson added: “Over the past several months, the council has been supporting HCU to mediate a merger with other credit unions but unfortunately this has not proved possible.”

What is a credit union?

Credit unions are member-owned financial cooperatives operated for the purpose of promoting thrift, providing credit and other financial services to their members.

Credit unions in the UK now offer a wide range of services to their members; including current accounts, payroll deductions, standing orders and insurance. The UK Government has endeavoured to encourage the expansion of credit unions’ operations in order to stop people relying on high-interest door-step loans and loan sharks. A few credit unions now offer services more akin to a mainstream bank (such as the provision of ATM cards).

In 2013 the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, launched a Church of England plan to support credit unions, to combat the rise of UK payday lenders charging extremely high interest rates.

Despite the moves to encourage people to use credit unions, the number of credit unions has tumbled over the last ten years. In 2004 there were 565 credit unions in the UK. Following the closure of the Haven Credit Union, there are around 370.

There remain two credit unions operating in Pembrokeshire, The West Wales Credit Union, in Fishguard and the Save Easy Credit Union in High Street, Haverfordwest.

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Health

Phone calls to reduce GP visits for 42% of patients this winter

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NEW research from the Royal Voluntary Service has shown that a simple phone call could significantly impact well-being, reducing GP visits by 42% among patients who receive regular telephone support.

The charity urges those feeling isolated this winter, particularly the elderly, to use telephone support services as a way to improve health and free up GP appointments, potentially reducing waiting times. It is estimated that if people experiencing loneliness in later life reduced their GP visits by just one appointment a year, this could free up 588,000 appointments annually.

As winter approaches, the Royal Voluntary Service reports that isolation can sharply increase, especially for adults over 75, with nearly half (47%) of people in this age group feeling lonelier in the colder months. Among those who live alone, one in six say they feel forgotten during winter, and 20% report having no one to turn to for emotional support.

In addition to loneliness, older generations face several winter worries, including increased heating costs, cited by 55% of respondents, and reduced ability to go out, which 29% said they dreaded as winter sets in.

To address these challenges, Royal Voluntary Service has launched the Stay Safe, Warm and Well campaign in partnership with Yakult. The campaign provides a guide for practical and emotional winter preparation, encouraging sign-ups for telephone support services and offering access to the Virtual Village Hall online community for events and activities. Practical advice on money-saving and energy-saving tips is also available through the guide.

Royal Voluntary Service Ambassador Elaine Paige, who has herself made support calls for the charity, described the positive impact these calls can have. “A warm, friendly phone call can transform someone’s day. Some conversations leave you smiling long after the call ends—something we could all use, especially in winter. For those facing the season alone, there are amazing people ready to remind you that you’re not alone,” she said.

The charity’s support services match volunteers with individuals across the UK for friendly chats, reducing isolation and boosting mental health. Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service, said: “The feedback that conversations with volunteers are helping people to visit their GP less is testament to the value of connection.”

Yakult Marketing Manager Reshma Patel added: “Our research with Royal Voluntary Service shows that one in four adults over 75 feel they’d benefit from practical and emotional support over winter. We are committed to helping people access the Stay Safe, Warm and Well guide to support their overall well-being.”

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Crime

Welsh shop workers face ‘surge in shoplifting linked violence and abuse’ says union

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A NEW survey by retail trade union Usdaw has revealed disturbing figures on the abuse, threats, and violence endured by Welsh shop workers, with incidents increasingly linked to shoplifting. Released during Respect for Shop Workers Week, which runs from November 11 to 17, the statistics highlight a troubling trend that is impacting thousands of retail employees.

Usdaw’s survey, based on responses from over 4,000 retail staff, shows that in the past year:

  • 69% experienced verbal abuse.
  • 45% were threatened by customers.
  • 17% were assaulted.

Usdaw General Secretary Paddy Lillis commented on the findings, saying: “Shop workers deserve far more respect than they receive. These reports from Welsh retail staff make grim reading. It is shocking to see over two-thirds of our members subjected to abuse, threats, and violence. Seven in ten of these incidents are related to theft, much of it tied to addiction and organised crime.”

Usdaw’s survey suggests that shoplifting is increasingly becoming a flashpoint for violence. Many shop workers report encountering hardened criminals who appear to steal goods “to order” or to fund addictions. According to the union, incidents are on the rise across Wales, with police-reported shoplifting up by 33% in the past year.

Usdaw member testimonies paint a vivid picture of the dangers faced on the shop floor:

  • One respondent described being “spat at, pushed against a wall, punched, and threatened with a knife.”
  • Another reported that, after refusing to sell alcohol, they were told to “F**k off” and threatened with a beating by a group of five.
  • Others spoke of being punched, spat on, and verbally abused, with threats that often left lasting emotional scars.

New measures on the horizon

Usdaw has been calling for greater legal protection for retail workers for years, and it appears these calls are finally being heard. The recent Crime and Policing Bill, announced in the King’s Speech, proposes to:

  • End the £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters, which has been a source of frustration for retailers.
  • Introduce town centre banning orders for repeat offenders.
  • Allocate funding for tackling organised shoplifting and increase police presence in shopping areas.

“We welcome these new measures and hope they will provide much-needed protection,” said Mr. Lillis. “After 14 years of neglect under successive Tory governments, we are encouraged by the steps the new Labour government is taking to address the retail crime epidemic.”

As Christmas approaches—a time when retail crime tends to peak—Usdaw is urging the public to “respect shop workers” and remain calm as stores become busier.

Usdaw, which represents around 360,000 members, primarily in retail, launched its Freedom From Fear Campaign to tackle the growing issue of violence against shop workers. The final results of the 2024 survey are expected in March 2025.

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Charity

Milford Haven RNLI celebrates heartfelt donation from Neyland Ladies Choir

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MILFORD HAVEN RNLI Fundraising Group received a generous donation of over £1,000 from Neyland Ladies Choir this October, marking a touching tribute to Mrs. Dorothy Beckett, one of the RNLI’s longest-standing supporters.

The Neyland Ladies Choir held a special concert at St. Mary’s Church on Waterloo Road, Hakin, to celebrate Dorothy Beckett’s 90th birthday. A lifelong supporter of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Dorothy has played a crucial role in lifeboat fundraising in the Milford Haven area, dating back to the 1970s. She was instrumental in establishing the Hakin Point RNLI fundraising group, which has raised over £500,000 to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work.

The concert’s proceeds were presented in a moving ceremony at Bethesda Baptist Church in Neyland. Accepting the donation on behalf of the RNLI were Steve Lewis, Chairman of the fundraising group, and Thomas Kehoe, Deputy Coxswain of the Angle Lifeboat.

Adding to the evening’s celebrations, Alice Coleman, RNLI Community Manager, presented Dorothy with the Long Service Medal, recognizing her fifty years of dedication to the institution. This award, given by the RNLI, honors Dorothy’s unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea.

“Thank you, Neyland Ladies Choir and Dorothy Beckett,” said the RNLI in a heartfelt message to the community. “Your support and dedication mean the world to us.”

The Milford Haven RNLI Fundraising Group encourages supporters to share and spread the word, hoping that Dorothy’s legacy inspires continued community support.

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