News

Credit union’s shock closure

Published

11 years ago

March 20, 2015

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.

Climate

Blue sea creatures wash up on Welsh beaches including Tenby

Published

56 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

VISITORS to Welsh beaches have been warned not to touch unusual blue sea creatures which have washed ashore along parts of the coastline.

Hundreds of velella velella, commonly known as by-the-wind sailors, have been reported on beaches in Anglesey, Gwynedd and Tenby.

The small, bright blue marine creatures are free-floating hydrozoans and are related to Portuguese man o’ war, sea anemones and corals.

They get their name from a small sail-like structure on their body, which catches the wind and carries them across the surface of the sea.

One was spotted on Tenby South Beach on Tuesday (Jun 16), where beachgoer Maxine Allinson described it as “fantastic” and “like a crystal”.

Marine experts say the creatures are often seen after changes in currents or stormy weather, which can push large numbers ashore at the same time.

Although they are much smaller and less dangerous than Portuguese man o’ war, they do have stinging cells.

Their sting is usually mild, but people are being advised not to pick them up, especially as contact with the face, lips or sensitive skin could cause pain or tingling.

Experts also warn that the stinging cells can remain active even after the creatures appear to be dead on the beach.

The advice is to admire them from a safe distance and leave them where they are.

Caption: Maxine Allinson spotted a velella velella on Tenby South beach Tuesday

Local Government

Mayor to hold drop-in session for Haverfordwest residents

Published

1 hour ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST residents will have the chance to raise ideas, concerns and local issues directly with the town’s mayor this week.

Cllr Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner will hold a Talk to Your Mayor session on Thursday, from 12:00pm until 2:00pm.

The initiative is aimed at giving residents an opportunity to speak directly with the mayor about matters affecting the town and wider community.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said communication and engagement were “vital”, adding that the session was about listening to local people, working together, and ensuring every voice had the opportunity to be heard.

Anyone wishing to book an appointment is asked to contact the Haverfordwest Town Council town clerk.

The mayor said: “Together, we can continue building a stronger and more connected community. Together we can make Haverfordwest the best in the west.”

News

Senedd rejects Reform call to end Welsh Government international spending

Published

3 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE SENEDD has rejected a Reform UK motion calling for an end to all Welsh Government international spending, after a heated debate which saw several Members walk out of the chamber.

The motion, tabled by Reform MS Llŷr Powell, was defeated by 48 votes to 37 on Wednesday (Jun 17).

An amended motion, backing Wales’ reputation as an “internationalist, tolerant and outward-looking nation”, was then passed by the same margin.

The debate followed warnings from Hub Cymru Africa and other campaigners that ending international spending would damage Wales’ global reputation and undermine projects linking Welsh communities with partners overseas.

Reform argued that Welsh Government money should be focused on domestic pressures, including the NHS, schools, transport and the cost of living.

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar backed the Reform motion, saying foreign relations and international development were matters for the UK Government rather than Cardiff Bay.

But Plaid Cymru and Welsh Government speakers rejected that argument, saying Wales’ international work supported trade, public services, education, health partnerships and the country’s reputation abroad.

The debate became heated after comments by Reform MS Joe Martin, who criticised overseas schemes including beekeeping and tree-planting projects in Uganda.

Several MSs left the Siambr during his contribution, with the Llywydd later urging Members to reflect on the tone of the debate.

Hub Cymru Africa had said before the vote that Wales’ international solidarity budget represented a tiny fraction of overall spending and helped deliver work in public health, climate action, women’s empowerment and sustainable development.

The organisation said the vote was an opportunity for the Senedd to reaffirm Wales’ place in the world.