News

MP encourages households to get ‘Winter Ready’

Published

8 years ago

January 6, 2014

STEPHEN CRABB, Member of Parliament for Preseli Pembrokeshire, has today called on his constituents to ensure they are taking advantage of the free help and support that could save them money on their energy bills.

The recent hike in energy prices has prompted action by the Government to help people heat their homes this winter.

The local MP has welcomed the steps announced in the Autumn Statement which will help save £50 off the average householder’s electricity and gas bills.

These savings will be funded through the next wave of Government action to tackle tax avoiders. The Government will be providing a £1000 stamp duty rebate for all new householders who make energy efficiency improvements in addition to the new competition test which has been used to crack down on energy companies and deliver a £5 rebate for all customers.

Stephen is encouraging constituents to focus on three main areas to take to make sure they are doing all they can to keep their bills down and their homes warm:

1. Home insulation: with an average of £1 in every £4 spent on heating wasted due to poor insulation, one of the best ways to keep energy bills down this winter is to insulate homes. Loft insulation could save the average household around £180 per year, with cavity wall insulation saving up to £140 per year. All of the big energy companies provide some form of free energy efficiency, depending on an individual’s circumstances. This is provided through the Government’s Energy Companies Obligation Scheme (ECO). The Green Deal is also available to let householders and businesses pay for some or all of the cost of energy-saving improvements to their properties, over time, through savings on their energy bills.

2. Get the best deal: it’s important for householders to check that they are on the best gas and electricity tariff to suit their needs. There are lots of deals and fixed prices to help keep control of the costs. Householders should contact their supplier and make sure they are getting the best deal. There are also a number of websites offering price comparisons. The Government has already made switching easier by making the market move to 24 hour switching.

3. Financial support: Constituents may be entitled to extra support from the UK Government and their energy supplier if they meet certain criteria. The Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300, Cold Weather Payments which pay £25 every week of a cold spell, and the Warm Home Discount which takes £135 off the bills of two million households, are available to help the most vulnerable with their energy.

Stephen Crabb MP said,

“I know from talking to many people just what pressure some households are under in trying to keep their homes warm in the winter. It is an expensive time of year. We also have many rural households reliant on off-grid energy, like heating oil and LPG, aside from their electricity bills.”

“I want all my constituents to be Winter Ready and it can be difficult to understand what extra help is available. This simple advice is designed to help people see how they can cut energy use and help keep bills under control this winter.”

“Householders can check what grants and financial support are available by using the Department of Energy and Climate Change online calculator www.gov.uk/energy-grant-calculator.”

News

Man, 22, charged with murder of John William Bell in Cardigan

Published

12 hours ago

July 23, 2021

Thomas Sinclair

A CARDIGAN man has been charged with murder after a man’s death in Ceredigion.

John Bell, 37, and also from the town, was found on the road to Cardigan Bridge in the early hours of Wednesday.

Dyfed-Powys Police said 22-year-old Ashley Keegan, of Golwg y Castell, Cardigan, has been charged with his murder.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police can confirm that Ashley Keegan, aged 22, of Golwg y Castell, Cardigan, has been charged with the murder of John William Bell.

“Keegan will appear at Swansea magistrates court on Saturday 24^th July 2021.

“John’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers and the investigation is grateful for the support of the community whilst enquiries were conducted.”

This is the second major incident in the same area this month.

Another man was charged with making threats with a knife, he is again from Golwg y Castell.

Dyfed-Powys Police said they received a number of calls reporting a man brandishing a knife towards another man in Maesyfelin, Cardigan, at around 4.20pm on Wednesday (July 14).

Several police units swiftly made their way to the area, but the suspect had fled.

Dean Thomas, aged 25, was quickly located at his home in Golwg y Castell, where he was arrested on suspicion of affray and taken to custody.

Mobile phone footage was gathered from people at the scene, and statements were taken from witnesses.

Cardigan Inspector Owen Williams said: “Thanks to the swift attendance of officers, there were a number of people present who were able to provide evidence to assist with our enquiries.
“Thomas also made a significant statement linking himself with the incident, and was charged within hours of being arrested.

“I hope the speed with which we carried out enquiries into this incident reassures people living in Maesyfelin, who were naturally very concerned by what had happened.”

Thomas was charged with threatening a person with a blade or sharply pointed article in a public place and appeared at Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 15 where he admitted the offence.

He will be sentenced on July 29 at Swansea Crown Court.

In relation to the murder, anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101 and quoting Op Reedham. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

‘Plan ahead this summer’, says Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council

Published

22 hours ago

July 23, 2021

Thomas Sinclair

THE FOLLOWING is a message from the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr David Simpson:

Hello everyone, I hope you are well and enjoying this lovely weather.

My key message this week is about planning ahead.

This week we have experienced very hot and sunny days and beaches have been full and everyone is enjoying the outdoors.

We are experiencing a high volume of visitors to the county which can at times add additional pressures on our services.

This week, for example, we have seen high demand for car parking spaces, beach clean ups, litter picking and toilet cleaning.

Due to the high footfall please consider where you are going and what you will do when you are there. Some coastal car parks on nice sunny days are filing by mid-morning.

We all also need to be patient when out and about. We are all working together to move forward after the lockdowns, businesses still have to work differently and some are struggling with staff shortages, so please be patient.

As many of us will be staying local for our time off why not consider doing a ‘not visited yet list’.

Consider places in Pembrokeshire you have not explored but would like to – make this the year you go to those places you have always wanted to go to but not had a chance.

Our front line teams are working hard to support our communities and ensure we deliver key services. I would ask for your support to help us to keep Pembrokeshire open and welcoming to all.

I’m aware of issues reported to us regarding litter being left on beaches and grass verges. Leaving litter behind is not acceptable – we have adequate litter bins out and about. Please help us keep Pembrokeshire clean.

Another issue being reported to us is fires being lit in the countryside and beauty spots while people eat and drink in the warm weather.

It goes without saying how dangerous a fire could be given the exceptionally dry weather we have had recently.

If you are thinking about lighting a fire while you are out I would just appeal to you to please think again. The potential consequences are just not worth it.

As you will know, this week we have had an Amber weather warning for heat, so just a gentle reminder to take care when out and about and please take care of your pets.

Our furry friends need extra attention in the heat. Please do not leave dogs unattended in cars and remember the walkways will be hot on their feet.

I’d like to finish this week by thanking everyone involved in our education teams and wish them all a well-deserved summer break.

I hope all our children enjoy the summer – the weather is definitely helping!

Stay safe everyone.

News

Devastated family’s tribute to ‘loving and devoted’ son

Published

2 days ago

July 22, 2021

Thomas Sinclair

THE FAMILY of the 37-year-old man who died in Cardigan in the early hours of Wednesday morning (Jul 21) have said he will be “hugely missed by all that loved him”.

John Bell, who lived in the town, was found on the road to Cardigan Bridge at around midnight.

His family has issued this statement: “We are devastated at the loss of John.

“He was a loving and devoted Son, Brother, Father and Uncle and he will be hugely missed by all that loved him.

“We ask for privacy at this time.”

John’s family is being supported by specially trained officers.

A 22-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder remains in police custody.

Detective Superintendent Paul Jones said: “Our thoughts go out to John’s family at this very difficult time.

“We are currently focussing our investigation in Golwg Y Castell and the road between there and Cardigan Bridge, where Mr Bell was located.

“We are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen or heard an altercation in that area during the evening of Tuesday, 20 July, particularly the latter part of the evening, after 10pm, before police attended at around midnight.”

Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org. Quote reference: DP-20210720-458.