News
Police operation follows ‘violent threats’
DYFED-POWYS POLICE responded to the reports of an incident involving threats of violence against a woman with a baby at Marble Hall, Milford Haven, last Friday night.
Several patrol cars and the force helicopter were deployed. The police said: “A female was walking along the road when she was approached by a male who she felt acted in a threatening manner.”
Initially, local sources had told The Herald that a 19-year-old male has been arrested in the North Road area, but the police have told The Herald that the male ran off. He is described as white, in his late teens and about 5 foot 9 inches tall. He was wearing jeans and a grey hoodie over a black jumper.
The staff inside the Tamarind Indian Takeaway said when they initially heard commotion they didn’t venture outside to see what was going on. However, the police entered the shop and requested that a woman with a very small baby be allowed to stay in the premises for her safety. She was accompanied by another man.
The Tamarind Takeaway owner, Mr Ronnie Ali, told The Herald: “The woman with a baby was taking shelter in my shop for about an hour, while there was police activity outside. She came to the shop shouting ‘help help’, she was holding a baby who looked around nine weeks old.”
Mr. Ali said: “At one point we locked the doors so that a man making threats could not get to the woman.”
“It was the busiest part of my shift so I was trying to deal with this at the same time as making sure that all the customers still got their food on time. There were so many police cars outside,” he added.
A group of several teenagers in Marble Hall Road told our reporter the names of the individual involved, but until this has been confirmed by police we cannot release further details. The name of the alleged assailant was also given to The Herald by the staff at the Tamarind.
Early reports had suggested that a suspected stabbing had taken place, but this has now been ruled out by police.
The police have confirmed that no one was injured, and no one was taken to hospital.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has seen the male as described is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.
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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