News
Association threatens action against blogger


Pentlepoir development: A Mill Bay Homes project
ROYTSTON JONES, the blogger who has published a series of exposés regarding Welsh local government and housing policy on his blog jacothenorth.net, has been threatened with legal action by Pembrokeshire Housing Group and its subsidiary Mill Bay Homes.
The threat follows a series of posts on Mr Jones’s bog referring to the status of Mill Bay Homes and an allegation that there was something amiss in its constitution and relationship with the other members of Pembrokeshire Housing Group, which includes the Pembrokeshire Housing Association.
In addition, Mr Jones made a post alleging impropriety in a property transaction and a further allegation that the construction of a property had caused damage to a neighbouring home. Mill Bay Homes has denied both allegations and says they are without foundation.
The offending posts have been removed from jacothenorth.net.
The jacothenorth blog has been a goad to housing associations in Wales, which Royston Jones has claimed are not delivering the housing Wales needs and which are too often concerned with developments which have little to do with the delivery of their original objectives.
On Wednesday (Jun 8) Herald Deputy Editor Jon Coles met with Pembrokeshire Housing Group Chief Executive Peter Maggs to clarify those questions raised by Royston Jones regarding the relationship between Mill Bay Homes and Pembrokeshire Housing Association.
Peter Maggs told our reporter: “The Pembrokeshire Housing Group is made up of three organisations. Those are Pembrokeshire Housing Association, West Wales Care and Repair, and Mill Bay Homes.
“Pembrokeshire Housing Association has provided around 2,500 affordable homes to rent as a Registered Social Landlord (RSL). It has built properties that range from 1 bedroomed flats to 4 bedroomed houses.
“Pembrokeshire Housing Association is the parent of the group. It is an independent not for profit organisation, which means that any surpluses generated can only be applied within the business, for example to build new homes.
“West Wales Care and Repair, before we took on Ceredigion it Pembrokeshire Care and Repair, is also an RSL. It is also charitable and provides housing support for the elderly and disabled – not only to Housing Association tenants – to enable them to remain in their own homes.
“Mill Bay Homes is not founded on charitable purposes. It was originally registered as Pembrokeshire Housing 2000 Ltd in 1998 but remained dormant until 2012, when it was renamed Mill Bay Homes Ltd.
“Mill Bay Homes competes with other developers in terms of price and quality, but the significant difference is that it is a business with a social purpose. The surpluses it generates are covenanted back to Pembrokeshire Housing Association and applied to fulfil the charitable objects of the Housing Association; namely, the provision of affordable social housing to rent.”
We asked whether Mill Bay Homes itself was a provider of affordable housing.
“No. Mill Bay Homes in itself does not provide what might be defined as ‘affordable housing’. It does not provide affordable rented accommodation, as does Pembrokeshire Housing. Its slogan is ‘Affordable Prices, Quality Living’, but it has to compete in the open market. Some of its properties may be defined as affordable homes under Section 106 planning agreements.
“In simple terms, within the Pembrokeshire Housing Group there are three distinct ‘businesses’, if I may use the general sense of the word: Pembrokeshire Housing Association – charitable; West Wales Care and Repair – charitable; Mill Bay Homes – builds and sells properties onto the market.”
Bearing the surpluses generated by Mill Bay Homes, if any, we asked how those were applied.
Peter Maggs said: “Those surpluses go straight back to the parent, Pembrokeshire Housing Association, which applies them for the construction of affordable homes to rent and the acquisition of land for the construction of affordable homes. Any surpluses are not used for the commercial purposes of Mill Bay Homes.”
Regarding the controversy involving the jacothenorth blog, we asked why Mill Bay Homes was set up.
“It was a reaction to the crash and the austerity programme followed by Government.” Peter Maggs told us, “It was activated as a way to generate additional funding. There was a restriction in the Social Housing Grant, which Housing Associations use along with private mortgages, to build their new properties.
“We saw it as a mechanism as addressing areas of housing need which Pembrokeshire Housing, as a charitable organisation could not address, and to be an opportunity to generate additional income to supplement the reduced availability of grant from the Welsh Government.
“All three parts of the Pembrokeshire Housing Group are regulated by the Welsh Government, and before we activated Mill Bay Homes we checked with the Welsh Government whether the activities of Mill Bay Homes would be lawful and within its powers. We were given the all clear.
“Our first two projects as Mill Bay Homes targeted first time buyers and older home buyers, who might be looking to downsize.”
So, had the project been successful in resolving the issues presented by the reduction in the Social Housing Grant?
“Yes. Returns take some time to come through. We have to buy the land, build the properties, sell the properties. It made a small surplus ahead of the schedule in its business plan – which is challenging – and in 2015/16 will deliver a surplus of over £1m to Pembrokeshire Housing to supplement the Social Housing Grant and invest in affordable housing.”
As the surplus would appear to be a substantial enhancement to the Social Housing Grant, we asked what effect that would have on the amount of social housing investment made by the Housing Association.
“The amount of Social Housing Grant from the Welsh Government has been £1.5m per year, and is forecasted to remain the same for the next two years. You can see how valuable Mill Bay Homes is to the delivery of affordable rented accommodation in Pembrokeshire.
“The target is to deliver £1m of surplus for each of the next five years.”
In his latest post, Royston Jones has said he is seeking further clarification of Mill Bay Homes’s returns to the Financial Conduct Authority and continues to illustrate the pitfalls of public money being confused with enterprises for private profit.
He continues: ‘I am not for one minute suggesting that this is the sort of thing that happens between Pembrokeshire Housing and Mill Bay Homes, I merely use it as a warning of the kind of problems that can arise when a publicly-funded body sets up subsidiaries or ‘trading arms’.’
Charity
Tenby Round Table donates £2,336 to Paul Sartori Foundation

THE PAUL SARTORI FOUNDATION, Pembrokeshire’s hospice-at-home charity, has received a donation of £2,336 from Tenby Round Table, funding the purchase of two specialised Minuet 2 hospital-style beds to enhance patient comfort at home.
Representatives from the Tenby Round Table visited Paul Sartori House on Tuesday (Mar 4) to meet the team and see how their donation is making a difference. The charity’s Equipment Loan Team demonstrated the new beds, highlighting their benefits for end-of-life patients wishing to spend their final days at home.
Amanda Elmes, Equipment Assistant, and Mark Bunyan, Equipment Technician, explained how the beds provide essential support, with families expressing deep gratitude for their availability, even if used for just a short period.
Will Davies, Chairman of Tenby Round Table, said: “The decision to donate was unanimous because we all strongly believe in the invaluable service Paul Sartori provides to families in need.”
Joost Geertman, past president of Tenby Round Table, shared a personal connection, having recently accessed the charity’s services for a family member. He said: “It’s heartening to see how Paul Sartori supports people at the most critical times of their lives. I know firsthand the difference it makes to families locally.”
The Paul Sartori Equipment Loan Service plays a crucial role in supporting end-of-life patients across Pembrokeshire. In 2023/24, the team delivered over 1,700 items of equipment—an average of 32 per week—including beds, wheelchairs, commodes, chairs, and mattresses, all provided at no cost.
Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Facilitator, emphasised the importance of donations in sustaining their work. She said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Tenby Round Table. We rely heavily on donations and grants to continue complementing statutory services. Beds are among the most important items we loan, offering comfort and support when it is most needed.”
The Paul Sartori Foundation provides a range of services beyond equipment loans, including home nursing care, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, physiotherapy, advance care planning, and training. The charity also operates a 24-hour advice line, available seven days a week, with a standby service for those not yet requiring hands-on care.
Entertainment
Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival returns to Pembrey

THE WELSH Motorsport & Supercar Festival is set to return to Pembrey Circuit on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with backing from The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers.
The Trade Centre Wales, the country’s largest used car supermarket, operates from sites in Abercynon and Neath, offering thousands of vehicles. Iconic Auctioneers, a globally recognised auction house, specialises in classic and modern supercars, competition vehicles, and automobilia.

Last year’s inaugural event drew 6,000 fans to the ‘Home of Welsh Motorsport,’ granting visitors unprecedented access to paddocks, supercar zones, motorsport displays, pit garages, and live-action demonstrations. The 2025 edition promises an even bigger spectacle, with more historic Formula 1 cars, rare motorsport machinery, and high-profile motorsport personalities. A headline theme will be announced soon.

Fan experience will be a priority, with improvements based on feedback from last year. Additional car parks within Pembrey will ease entry, a new food village will offer a wider selection, and more seating and improved signage will enhance the visitor experience.

Mark Bailey, founder of The Trade Centre Wales, said: “As a company founded in Wales, we are immensely proud to support the Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival at Pembrey Circuit. This event allows us to give back to the local community and connect with passionate motorsport fans.”

Iconic Auctioneers classic car specialist Arwel Richards added: “Last year’s festival was a phenomenal success, proving that motorsport and supercar enthusiasts exist in their thousands beyond the M4. We’re excited to be involved.”
Pembrey Circuit Manager Phil Davies said: “Having The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers as partners strengthens the event, and they will be showcasing some never-before-seen cars. We aim to build on last year’s success to make this year’s festival even bigger and better.”
Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival
Pembrey Circuit, Sunday, September 21, 2025
Tickets: £22 in advance / Children 15 and under FREE
More information: pembreycircuit.co.uk/event/welsh-motorsport-supercar-festival
BARC (Pembrey) Ltd., Pembrey Circuit, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0HZ
Community
Dog owner speaks out after attack in Pembroke Dock

THE OWNER of an American Bulldog involved in a dog attack in Pembroke Dock has expressed his distress over the incident, calling it a “massive accident” and an “isolated incident.”
A video circulating on social media shows the dog, named Bobo, attacking another dog, a golden retriever named Bailey, on Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, on Tuesday (Mar 12). The footage shows passers-by attempting to intervene, with some appearing to strike Bobo in an effort to separate the animals.
Bailey’s owner, Julie Jenkins, later confirmed that her pet had suffered wounds to his body, including an ear injury requiring staples.

‘A complete accident’
Mikey Newman, Bobo’s owner, said he was devastated by what had happened and had since reached out to Ms Jenkins to offer an apology and cover all vet bills.
“I feel absolutely distraught about the whole thing,” Mr Newman said. “I don’t blame anybody but myself.”
He explained that Bobo, a rescue dog still undergoing training, escaped after being startled by a falling broom while waiting to be harnessed at the door of his home.
“He was sitting just inside my doorway, waiting patiently for me to secure his harness,” he said. “A brush I use to clean my yard fell forward and smacked into him, which made him bolt. He’s never allowed out on his own, and when walked, he’s always on his lead.”
Mr Newman chased after Bobo and arrived just as the fight broke out. He stated that he immediately intervened, pinning Bobo down in an attempt to stop the attack.
“The moment I jumped on him, he started to let go and calm down,” he explained. “But people reacted in fear, and both Bobo and I were hit in the process. I was kicked and punched in the ribs while trying to secure him.”
Ongoing training and backlash
Mr Newman emphasised that Bobo has never shown aggression towards people and described him as a “cuddle bug” who loves people and is extremely loyal to his family.
“Bobo is absolutely no danger to people or children,” he said. “There were lots of people around, and he didn’t attack any of them. He is still an adolescent and in training. He even saved my daughter’s life when an intruder broke into her house.”
Since the video was shared online, Mr Newman has faced significant backlash, with some people calling for Bobo to be put down. He expressed frustration that people were jumping to conclusions without understanding the full context of the incident.
“It’s alarming that so many people are vilifying Bobo,” he said. “They see a big dog, they hear the yelps, and they react without first trying to get the facts.”
Community protection notice issued
Mr Newman confirmed that he had contacted the police regarding the incident and that authorities had now issued a Community Protection Warning Notice. This means Bobo must be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public.
“This will not happen again,” he said. “I take full responsibility for what happened, but I will not hurt my dog or have him put down. This was not his fault, and I have already taken steps to ensure it never happens again.”
The police have not indicated that any further action will be taken against Mr Newman or Bobo.
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