News

Pensioner fights for PIP

Published

9 years ago

October 14, 2016

Flo Jones: Relies on constant oxygen supply

A LOCAL pensioner who has to wheel around an oxygen cylinder wherever she goes has had her Personal Independence Payment (P.I.P) slashed from £450 to just £87 a month.

Flo Jones (68), of Neyland, appeared in court on Wednesday last week (Oct 5) as part of a tribunal to appeal her P.I.P being drastically cut; her appeal was refused.

Having suffered from Bronchitis since childhood, Flo was forced to undergo an operation in 1977 which involved the removal of half of her left lung.

In 2006, she experienced further set back after being diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (C.O.P.D). It was around this time that her pneumonia became considerably worse. Flo also suffers from arthritis in her shoulders.

P.I.P is a new scheme brought in by the government to replace the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) scheme. Flo had previously received a higher rate of DLA for over 25 years.

Describing her ability to undergo day-to-day tasks as ‘minimal’, Flo has to regularly stop to rest when she does attempt to leave the house, while household chores such as cleaning and ironing are off bounds entirely.

Flo, who has never smoked, said: “I just want to put it out there that I’m fighting for what I’m entitled to.”

Support for Flo on social media has been widespread since her appearance in court last week.

Speaking of the tribunal, Flo said: “The doctor was trying to catch me out, asking what painkillers I take.”

Flo said the doctor likely knew that the only form of painkiller she is able to take is paracetamol.

Spending most of the day by herself, Flo no longer has the option of a carer after being downgraded to ‘medium mobility’ on the new P.I.P scheme.

She said: “My husband works full-time and when he gets home, he helps me.”

Flo was born in June 1948. If she had been born just two months earlier in April, she would have been exempt from re-assessment.

Speaking about the possibility of appealing again, Flo said: “I don’t think I’d have the strength to do it; six months I’ve had to go through this.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.