News

Credit union membership tops 9,000

Published

11 years ago

January 6, 2014

THE NUMBER of people in mid and west Wales that save or take loans with their local credit union has topped the 9,000 mark. Between them, they have nearly £5½m in savings and over £3½m in loans.

Vanessa Owens, operations manager at West Wales Credit Union said,

“With Christmas approaching and cold weather adding to the cost of fuel bills, the winter months can be a difficult period financially. It’s good to see people in Mid and West Wales turning to credit unions as a viable alternative to pay-day loans companies or to save with, in the run-up to Christmas and beyond.”

The Welsh Government supports credit unions to encourage for people in Wales to develop a saving habit and to help provide alternative sources of credit to form other higher-cost lenders, such as pay day loan companies.

Wales-wide figures released today show that Christmas savings with Wales’s credit unions has topped the £1m. Over 2000 people have Christmas savings accounts with credit unions in Wales and have put away an average of £515 each since January this year.

Unlike banks and payday loans companies, the maximum interest rates credit unions can set on loans and savings are set out in law. As well as loans, Welsh credit unions also offer regular savings accounts, for both adults and under 18s, and Christmas savings accounts. Across Wales, more than 60,000 people are members of credit unions.

The Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Jeff Cuthbert said:

“More and more people are turning to their local credit union as a way to save and we want to help this sector to continue to grow so that even more Welsh people have the option of saving and obtaining loans at a fairer interest rate.

“The money you save is given in loans to people you have a link with. If you borrow money, the interest you pay goes to the people who save, not to share holders. Either way, the money stays in Wales and is of benefit to other people in Wales.

“Many people are facing tough times and the rise of pay day lenders continues. We are working to help people manage their money in a better way in the hope they never have to turn to such companies. Whilst credit unions are not the sole answer to payday lenders, they integral to people accessing low-cost credit and advice to managing their finances.”

Crime

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

Published

23 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

2 days 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

2 days 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!