News

Mixed experiences for local Persimmon buyers

Published

8 years ago

November 6, 2018

Tom Sinclair

Troubled play area: Persimmon and Pembrokeshire County Council are 'in discussion' about ownership

LAST WEEK, we reported on an unhappy new build owner who claims to have over 80 issues with their Persimmon property.

We asked homeowners on Martello Park if they were happy with their build and if they had experienced any issues which were similar to Mr Harris’.

We had many responses from homeowners who have bought a Persimmon property.

MIXED EXPERIENCES AT MARTELLO PARK

Many of those who contacted us said they were happy with their purchase.

Leanne Panton said: “We live in one of the firsts ones built; so about 4 years old now and we’ve had no problems at all. Absolutely fine.”

Barry Minshull also said he was happy with his purchase on the estate: “Very happy with our house any issues we may have had have been sorted within an acceptable time frame so we are very happy with our new build.”

Bridie Harrison also agreed: “We are very happy with our house in martello park. We have had no problems and nothing is too much if you ask someone to come give you a hand with something, and we have had the same people doing hobbles for us as well which have also been good work.”

However, one resident, who did not wish to be named, said Mr Harris’ experience was similar to hers.

The resident said: “They ignore emails and when you call. You leave messages but don’t get responses for weeks or months. I moved in December 2016 had over twenty faults.

“We had a leak in the bathroom that came through living room which ruined flooring. A carpenter put a nail through pipework when put on skirting boards. There was a faulty weld on pipes and fittings missing from the back of toilet which led to water coming all over bathroom floors gradually.

“Patio doors were not fixed correctly you could see outside through gaps. Drains were at 45 degree angles in the garden and above ground level. Wobbly slabs placed on exterior front and back. Cracks down walls to name the worst.

“I know neighbours in the same row have had many more issues too. For example, live electric cables dangling behind walls and not connected to sockets. Leaking showers etc.

“We have been in nearly two years and not all issues have been sorted. The site manager signed off the snagging list as complete even though it isn’t complete and we are not first he’s done this to.

“Persimmon customer care won’t answer emails or calls so have had to fork out money to sort issues ourselves or just live with the way it is.

“You have to look at the number of houses for sale on the estate that are not even three-years-old to know people are not happy. It’s disgraceful.

“I have heard of professional builders walking off-site as they are told they are too good at their work. They want speed not accuracy… complete shambles.”

PROBLEMS AT CLOVERFIELDS, MILFORD HAVEN

Persimmon has also come under scrutiny at their Cloverfields development in Milford Haven, where residents are disappointed by the lack of completion on the site.

An anonymous homeowner has told The Herald that the main road leading into the estate is still left unfinished despite living there for nearly five months.

Speaking to us, they said: “We were one of the last residents on the estate, purchasing our property back in June 2018, and yet the main road still remains unfinished.

“Five months later, the estate still resembles a building site, with building materials and metal fences still visible throughout the development yet there is no building work taking place.

“We were promised off-road parking, but we can’t use this as it is still blocked. Cars are parking anywhere they can which is causing massive issues and blocking some parts of the estate.”

Our source added that several attempts have been made to get a completion date for the outstanding work, however calls, emails and voicemails to the customer service team have not been answered.

When we presented these complaints to Persimmon Homes, a spokesperson said: “There has been a delay with finishing the roads and drainage at our Cloverfields development, which was in respect of ensuring the drainage works were passed by Welsh Water ahead of any surfacing works. We apologise for any inconvenience.

“We are pleased to report that a programme of works has been established with our groundworks contractor. Work is due to start at the end of November and finished by the Christmas break.”

Another controversy on the estate surrounds a play park, which has recently been boarded up.

Locals have been told that the park is inaccessible because of vandalism, but our source tells us that the ‘supposed vandalism’ is in fact just a broken swing.

They added: “There are rumours around the estate that the park has been boarded up in an attempt to remove it and take it to the However, Persimmon site in Pembroke to help them sell those houses.”

Persimmon said that they were in talks with Pembrokeshire County Council in regards to the play park in a statement to the Herald: “The play area at Cloverfields has been secured following a couple of instances of vandalism.

“There is currently a reluctance by Pembrokeshire County Council to adopt the play area. We are in discussions with the council about this and, when this happens, the park will be reopened and maintenance will fall within their remit.”

In response, Pembrokeshire County Council told us: “This play area is situated on a private housing estate.

“It is, therefore, the responsibility of the developer of the estate – not the local authority- to maintain the play area.”

Entertainment

Free waterfront cinema screening to celebrate start of school holidays

Published

15 hours ago

July 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FAMILIES are being invited to celebrate the start of the school holidays with a free outdoor screening of Disney-Pixar favourite Finding Nemo at Milford Waterfront.

The Torch Theatre will launch its 2026 Sunset Cinema season at Mackerel Quay on Friday, July 17, with the marina and Milford Haven Waterway providing the backdrop.

Sponsored by Milford Waterfront, the family screening will be shown on the Torch Theatre’s new outdoor LED cinema screen. Gates will open at 1pm, with the film beginning at 2.30pm.

Admission is free, although tickets should be booked in advance through the Torch Theatre.

The entertainment will continue into the evening with a screening of the 1980s classic Back to the Future at 7pm.

Tickets for the evening film can also be purchased through the Torch Theatre website. Audiences are encouraged to arrive from 6pm and bring their own chairs and blankets.

A selection of food and drink vendors will be available throughout the afternoon and evening.

Lucy Wonnacott, Head of Communications and Marketing at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Summer starts here. We’re delighted to kick off the Torch Theatre’s 2026 Sunset Cinema season and the school holidays with a free waterside screening of Finding Nemo.

“Then, as the sun goes down, film fans can buy tickets to join us for the ultimate time-travelling adventure, Back to the Future.

“There’s something special about watching a great film by the water, and we’re looking forward to welcoming families, friends and visitors for a day of cinema, community and summer memories at Milford Waterfront.”

Chelsey Gillard, from the Torch Theatre, added: “We’re incredibly pleased to be partnering with Milford Waterfront to offer this special Sunset Cinema screening completely free for our community.

“Watching Finding Nemo on Mackerel Quay is going to be absolutely magical. Bring a deckchair, gather the family and join Nemo, Dory and Marlin for an unforgettable adventure on the big screen.

“Let’s just hope Bruce the shark doesn’t decide to make an appearance. What a fantastic way to celebrate the end of term and kick off the summer holidays.”

Tickets for both screenings should be booked in advance through the Torch Theatre booking office.

Further details about events taking place at Milford Waterfront this summer can be found on the Milford Waterfront website.

Photo caption: Families can enjoy a free outdoor screening of Finding Nemo at Milford Waterfront on Friday, July 17.

Health

One in three Welsh adults self-medicate for anxiety or stress, survey suggests

Published

15 hours ago

July 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WALES has recorded the highest rate of self-medication for anxiety and stress of any UK region, according to a new healthcare survey.

The STADA Health Report 2026 found that 31 per cent of adults surveyed in Wales said they self-medicated to manage anxiety or stress.

That was almost six percentage points above the UK average of 25.2 per cent.

The report also found comparatively low levels of trust in artificial intelligence for healthcare, alongside concerns about access to services, ageing and the amount of health information people are expected to navigate.

Just 38.5 per cent of Welsh respondents said they would trust AI to make a health diagnosis, the lowest rate recorded among the UK regions surveyed and well below the national average of 52.3 per cent.

Fewer than half, 42.4 per cent, said they would consider having a health consultation using AI, compared with 49.5 per cent across the UK.

Satisfaction with the public healthcare system was also lower in Wales. Some 57.9 per cent of Welsh respondents said they were satisfied, compared with a UK average of 65.1 per cent.

The findings form part of an international study commissioned by pharmaceutical manufacturer STADA Thornton & Ross and carried out by market research company Human8 Consulting.

A total of 2,001 adults were surveyed in the UK during February and March 2026, as part of a wider study involving 19,514 respondents across 20 countries. The company has not stated in the press material how many of the UK participants were based in Wales.

Concerns about ageing and access to care

More than two-thirds of Welsh respondents, 66.8 per cent, said they feared becoming dependent on care as they grew older.

That compared with a UK average of 54.3 per cent.

More than half of those surveyed in Wales, 55.4 per cent, also said they felt overwhelmed by the amount of health information available, against 47.7 per cent nationally.

The report’s authors said the findings suggested that some people were increasingly relying on self-management when they felt unable to access timely professional support.

However, the term “self-medication” can cover a range of behaviours, including the use of non-prescription medicines, supplements or other substances without direct advice from a healthcare professional.

Craig Shaw, general manager for STADA UK, said: “When one in three adults say they are self-medicating for anxiety or stress, it suggests many people are looking for practical ways to manage their wellbeing, but may not always feel they have access to the support they need at the right time.

“While trust in AI health tools is lower in Wales than elsewhere in the UK, the data also reinforces the enduring importance of trusted, face-to-face healthcare.

“Community pharmacists are uniquely placed to provide accessible advice, reassurance and guidance, helping people make informed decisions about managing their health and knowing when additional support is needed.”

STADA Thornton & Ross manufactures healthcare products including Covonia, Cetraben, Hedrin, Savlon and Zoflora, as well as generic and specialist medicines.

Anyone experiencing anxiety or stress is advised to speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional before taking medication that has not been prescribed for them.

Entertainment

Ashmole & Co to sponsor Wales YFC dance competition at Royal Welsh

Published

16 hours ago

July 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ASHMOLE & CO, one of mid and west Wales’ largest bilingual accountancy firms, is delighted to be supporting Wales YFC by sponsoring its dance competition at this month’s Royal Welsh Show.

The firm has worked closely with the Welsh farming community since it was established in 1897 and remains deeply committed to the agricultural sector.

Many of Ashmole & Co’s partners and staff are past or present members of Wales YFC and have benefited personally and professionally from their involvement with the organisation.

Supporting the next generation of farmers and rural leaders is therefore of great importance to the firm.

The Royal Welsh Show is one of the highlights of the year for YFC members, with competitions including shearing, dancing, stock judging and flower arranging.

The dance competition sponsored by Ashmole & Co will take place on the main YFC stage on Tuesday, July 21, from 1pm.

Ceri Llwyd, a partner at Ashmole & Co’s Llandovery and Llandeilo offices, said: “As the auditor of Wales YFC, we understand the importance of this bilingual rural youth organisation in helping young people become successful farmers, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.

“It has been an honour to work with Wales YFC over many years. We have developed an excellent working relationship, and I very much hope this will continue for many years to come.

“We would like to wish everyone competing at the Royal Welsh Show the very best of luck and hope they enjoy the tremendous experience.

“I will be there on Tuesday to watch the competition and show my support.”

Wales YFC is a vibrant organisation that encourages young people to take responsibility and play an active role in their communities while developing their skills through a wide range of member-led programmes and activities.

The organisation has more than 5,000 members aged between 10 and 28, as well as thousands of supporters, volunteers, parents and friends.

Mared Rand Jones, chief executive of Wales YFC, said: “The Royal Welsh Show is the pinnacle of the year for YFC members, and we look forward to seeing them once again representing their counties and competing in a wide variety of competitions.

“Wales YFC will be showcasing the very best of its membership, and the public will be entertained throughout the four days of the show.

“We thank Ashmole & Co for its tremendous support. As a charity, we depend on generous sponsorship to provide activities and competitions for our members.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Wales YFC Centre during the show.”

The 2026 Royal Welsh Show will take place from Monday, July 20, to Thursday, July 23.

Widely regarded as one of the leading events in the British agricultural calendar, the show will feature four days of livestock and equine competitions, forestry, horticulture, crafts, countryside sports, shopping, food and drink, alongside a packed daily programme of entertainment, attractions and displays.