News
RNLI lifeguards return to beaches for Easter weekend
RNLI lifeguards have completed their training and are set to return to three of Wales’ busiest beaches this Easter bank holiday weekend.
The charity’s lifeguards will be back at their posts on Tenby’s South beach, Aberavon and Whitmore Bay (Barry Island) from 10am Friday (3 April) ready to offer the safety advice and assistance after the winter break.
RNLI lifeguards responded to 1,261 incidents, rescued 108 people and saved 13 lives across 32 of Wales’ busiest beaches last year. Once again, Whitmore Bay was the RNLI’s busiest lifeguarded beach in Wales as the lifeguards joined local emergency services to search for missing children, rescue people caught in trouble on inflatable dinghies and responded to a variety of major and minor first aid incidents.
Stuart Thompson, South Wales RNLI Lifeguard Manager told The Herald: “It’s been a long winter and the RNLI lifeguards are looking forward to returning to Tenby South, Aberavon and Whitmore Bay this bank holiday weekend. If you’re thinking of heading to the beach this weekend we urge you to respect the water and visit a lifeguarded beach. The beach is the perfect place to relax with the family and on a lifeguarded beach there are trained professionals to help keep you and your group safe – they’ll be on hand if something goes wrong, in or out of the water.”
The RNLI are also asking the public to be prepared for all weathers when visiting the coast this weekend: “Hopefully we’ll have great weather over the Easter weekend, but please remember that the sea is still very cold and conditions can quickly change when out on the coast. Bring appropriate clothing and if you’re planning on going into the sea please remember to wear a good wetsuit to avoid suffering from the effects of cold water shock.”
Chris Payne, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Leisure Services Manager, said: ‘We have some amazing beaches in Pembrokeshire and at times they can be dangerous places for the unaware. It’s great to see the RNLI Lifeguards back on duty for another summer season helping to make our beautiful beaches safer to spend leisure time with family and friends.’
RNLI lifeguards will be ready to offer safety advice and assistance from 10am-6pm throughout the Easter bank holiday weekend.
For quick and accessible beach safety hints and tips this summer, download the RNLI’s free Beach Finder App. Free and available for Apple and Android devices, the app gives you real-time weather and tide information as well as a list of lifeguarded beaches to visit this summer.
Business
Milford Haven: Wales’ energy hub embraces green transformation
ONCE synonymous with oil and gas, Milford Haven is now poised to lead Wales into a cleaner, greener future—powered by hydrogen.
Green energy pioneer Haush Ltd has chosen Milford Haven as the location for its new UK headquarters, marking a significant step towards establishing the area as a hub for hydrogen innovation. The company’s ambitious plans aim to decarbonise land, sea, and air transport, while also exporting green hydrogen to Europe.
Backed by the Welsh Government through the HYBRID SBRI Hydrogen Port Re-Fuelling Project (HyPR), Haush’s initiative will kick off immediately. The HyPR project supports trials to accelerate hydrogen production and create refuelling solutions for both onshore and offshore vessels. A key part of this effort is designing a permanent hydrogen refuelling infrastructure at the Port of Milford Haven, unlocking its potential as a green energy leader.
For over 65 years, Milford Haven has been a cornerstone of the UK’s oil and gas sector, processing 20% of the nation’s oil and gas. Now, this latest investment signals the beginning of a transformative shift toward renewable energy.
Welsh Government Economy, Energy, and Planning Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Evans, welcomed the move, saying:
“Jobs and green growth are a priority for this Welsh Government, so I am delighted that Haush has chosen Milford Haven as the base for its new UK headquarters. The company’s ambitious growth plans align perfectly with our aspirations to see Wales become a global leader in renewable energy generation.”
Milford Haven’s journey from oil and gas to hydrogen innovation could set a blueprint for green energy transformation in the UK and beyond.
News
Council Tax Premium set to increase for long-term empty properties
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has approved a significant change to the council tax premium on long-term empty properties, aiming to address housing shortages and community impacts.
Starting April 1, 2025, a single premium rate of 300 per cent will be applied to all properties that have been empty for two years or more. This replaces the previous system of incremental increases.
Councillor Joshua Beynon, cabinet member for corporate finance and efficiencies, said:
“The premium is in place to encourage the return of properties into use as much-needed homes in Pembrokeshire and to reduce the impact of empty homes on the communities around them.”
Details of the premium
The premium is an addition to the standard council tax charge and applies across all three elements:
- Pembrokeshire County Council
- Police and Crime Commissioner
- Town and Community Councils
Exemptions and discounts
Property owners undergoing renovations can apply for a council tax exemption if their property requires major repair works or structural alterations. This exemption allows the property to be tax-free for up to 12 months.
If the exemption has already been granted, owners may apply for a discretionary discount, which can be awarded up to the value of the long-term empty property premium. However, the standard council tax charge remains payable in these cases.
Applicants must provide written details of the required works, supported by photographic evidence. Each application is assessed on its individual merits, and the discretionary discount is typically limited to a maximum of 12 months.
National Empty Homes Grant Scheme
Pembrokeshire County Council is also taking part in the National Empty Homes Grant Scheme, which offers grants of up to £25,000 to owners of eligible empty properties. This funding aims to bring more properties back into use and alleviate housing pressures in the county.
For more information about the grant, visit the National Empty Homes Grant website.
To apply for a council tax discount, contact Revenue Services via:
- Email: [email protected]
- Post: Revenue Services, County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP
News
Heavenly Host of Angels Event at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church
THE HEAVENLY HOST OF ANGELS will be open at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, this weekend, offering a warm and welcoming space for all.
When:
- Saturday, January 11: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
- Sunday, January 12: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
- Monday, January 13: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Entry is free, and children will receive glow sticks to add to the magical atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to hunt for your angel or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, all are welcome to drop in.
Donations in aid of Wales Air Ambulance are optional and much appreciated.
Additionally, on Sunday, January 12, a special Mass at 9:30am will celebrate the Second Sunday of Epiphany and the Baptism of Christ.
Come along and experience this beautiful event – “Come and See.”
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