SOCIAL or affordable housing in Pembrokeshire is one of the key challenges which the local authority is currently having to negotiate. But with over 8,000 people currently on the ‘choice housing’ selection process, the local authority’s task is a tough one.

The answer, according to property analyst Tom Rees, is staring Pembrokeshire firmly in the face. There are currently no fewer than 750 empty properties scattered throughout the county, with many located in the towns which are most in need – Haverfordwest and Milford Haven.

“We have a huge number of redundant properties in our county town alone, many of which are Grade II listed,” Tom Rees told The Pembrokeshire Herald.

“By talking to the landlords and integrating with the prospective developers, we can begin thinking outside the box and devise restoration plans which will enhance the buildings but, most importantly, will also provide accommodation and commercial opportunities for the benefit of local people.

“The aim is to generate as much interest and awareness as possible and develop these buildings in a sensitive, architecturally sound way which will not only boost the towns’ heritage but which will also help address so many of our social and housing issues.”

Properties which Tom has already helped regenerate include the Old Snooker Hall in Haverfordwest and the town’s magnificent Wesleyan Chapel which has blighted Barn Street with its unsightly decay for many years. After extensive consultations with the planning authorities and their respective developers, both buildings will now house a number of social residential flats.

“Millions of pounds are currently being invested in Haverfordwest, yet throughout the town we’re seeing so many buildings with enormous potential being left to rot,” he said.

“My aim is to get Haverfordwest back to where it deserves to be by entering into conversation with the landlords and the developers on how this can be achieved.

“There are currently around 750 empty units in Pembrokeshire alone, and 90% of these are salvageable. The local authority is definitely on the same page as me and is doing as much as it can with compulsory purchases, but this process can be lengthy.

“This is why it’s important to start thinking outside the box and devise solutions to how these properties can be salvaged and put, once again, to good use.”

Tom’s initial discussions take place with the landlords.

“It’s important they understand how their property has reached whatever state it’s in and subsequently decide on the way forward. This can either be with a cash sale or entering into a joint venture.

“Around 99% of the properties in Haverfordwest High Street are owned by a few big landowners, so naturally considering the various ways forward can result in some tricky conversations.”

One way in which Tom seeks to alleviate the issue is by enhancing each property’s portfolio, particularly if the landlord is considering retirement.

“So many big time developers are being driven by how many new properties they can fit into a particular field, which isn’t remedying the social housing issues that are confronting Pembrokeshire,” continued Tom.

“Latest figures confirm that there are over 5,000 households on Pembrokeshire’s social housing waiting list, which has increased by more than 50% since 2018, so surely by renovating all those empty problems, this figure could be reduced considerably. And given their size, many of our empty buildings can accommodate up to 15 people”

The Wesleyan Chapel project was first started by its previous owner following planning consent in 2014 but is now undergoing fresh listed building consent applications with the local authority.

“So not only will the town now have new, much needed accommodation, but it will also have a beautiful looking building which will help improve the heritage of Haverfordwest,” said Tom. “And all these important architectural elements are being done correctly, such as the lead flashing, the slate roof, the correct windows and the proper woodwork, with the result that the chapel is being brought back to its former glory,”

A native of Llangwm, Tom trained as a commercial pilot, securing a job with Aer Lingus after a trial flight at Haverfordwest airfield when he was 16,

“I obviously enjoyed it because from then on I had two or three jobs to finance my flying lessons and got my full private pilot’s licence when I was 18.”

But the covid pandemic and its subsequent reduction in commercial flights brought him back to Pembrokeshire where he began taking an interest in property and set up Williams Property Investment.

“This is why I’m trying to do as much as I can to save some of the wonderful properties around us here in Pembrokeshire,” he said. “The solution to our housing shortage isn’t to build more houses. It’s to look around at what we already have and ensure everything is done to salvage them and bring them back to serve our towns and our county as they were originally intended.”

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY is a time for reflection and remembrance. It allows us to honour those who suffered and renew our commitment to combating hatred and prejudice in all its forms.

Reflecting on the day, Welsh Conservative Leader Darren Millar MS, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day serves as a solemn reminder of the unimaginable suffering endured by millions during the Holocaust. It is a day to honour the memory of those who were murdered and to reflect on the persecution faced by Jewish people, Gypsies, Roma, disabled individuals, and members of the LGBT community.

“By hearing the voices of survivors and acknowledging this dark chapter in history, we strengthen our commitment to building a world that rejects hate and discrimination in all its forms.

“Eighty years after the liberation of the concentration camps, I urge everyone in Wales to take time today to reflect on these lessons, stand firmly against antisemitism, and challenge racism wherever it persists.”

Also Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Equalities, Dr. Altaf Hussain MS, said:“We cannot forget the unimaginable horrors that millions of people faced during the Holocaust. Tragically, the scourge of genocide continues to plague humanity.

“The millions of Jews, Roma, disabled individuals, and members of the LGBT community persecuted by this evil regime deserve to have their stories preserved as a timeless lesson for us all.

“It has been eighty years since the liberation of the concentration camps and now more than ever we must deeply reflect on the powerful accounts shared with us by the remaining survivors. May their bravery and commitment to speaking out against the horrors committed during the Holocaust continue to inspire the change we need, so that we may all live in society that is fully respectful of people’s religion, race, gender and sexual orientation.”

Young talent prepares to shine
THE TORCH YOUTH THEATRE is gearing up to present Ravers, a vibrant and light-hearted new play that explores the world through the eyes of socially awkward teenagers. Part of the National Theatre Connections programme, Ravers promises to deliver a heartfelt and hilarious performance this March.

What is ‘Ravers’ about?
The play follows Ali, a determined teenager on a mission to host the ultimate rave for outcasts, affectionately dubbed “Neeks” (Nerds and Geeks). But there’s a catch: Ali has never been to a rave before. With no drugs, no drinking, and nothing wilder than hand-holding, this dry rave could either become the highlight of their lives or a complete disaster. For the Neeks, it’s about more than just music and dancing—it’s about finding comfort in being themselves and forging new friendships.

One cast member, aged 16, explained: “It’s about today’s generation of outcasts coming together to find solidarity and comfort in being themselves.”

Months in the making
The youth theatre members have been hard at work on the production since September under the guidance of Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth & Community. The group will debut the play at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven from Thursday, March 6 to Saturday, March 8, before taking it to Aberystwyth Arts Centre in April.

Reflecting on the experience, one young actor shared: “Rehearsals are loud but enjoyable, always introducing us to new skills in performing arts while being a safe space to laugh and connect with each other.” Another added: “I never thought I’d get the opportunity to work with the National Theatre.”

A collaboration with a visionary playwright
Ravers was penned by the prolific playwright Rikki Beadle-Blair, MBE, whose remarkable career spans over 40 plays, films, and TV series. Known for his vibrant storytelling, Beadle-Blair’s works often delve into themes of identity and belonging.

Tim Howe, the production director, expressed his enthusiasm: “The Connections programme celebrates emerging talent across the UK. We’re thrilled to perform Rikki Beadle-Blair’s play, which promises a fun-filled, bop-tastic evening at the theatre.”

Event details
Ravers will run at the Torch Theatre from Thursday, March 6, to Saturday, March 8, with performances starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are £10 for adults and £8 for concessions.

Content warnings:
The play includes depictions of underage drinking, moderate language, themes of anxiety, and references to the loss of a parent.

Whether you’re a fan of theatre, an advocate for youth talent, or simply looking for an evening of laughs and heartfelt moments, Ravers is a show not to be missed.