RESIDENTS across several south Pembrokeshire communities have reported encounters with a suspicious cold-calling van, prompting warnings for householders to remain vigilant.

Reports shared on local community groups describe a man arriving uninvited at homes in areas including Llanteg, Pembroke Dock, Penally, St Florence and Saundersfoot over recent days.

One resident in Llanteg said she saw the driver get out of the van and head towards the rear of her property before being challenged. She said he claimed he was looking for homes with large gardens to sell items from the van, before leaving quickly when questioned.

The incident has been reported to Dyfed-Powys Police. Other residents have since reported sightings of what is believed to be the same vehicle, including along Hopsill Lane in Saundersfoot.

Some householders alleged the driver offered discounted garden furniture or plants, sometimes claiming he was working locally for hotels or venues and needed to sell surplus stock before returning to England.

The vehicle is described as carrying branding for “Greengrove Garden Centre,” which appears to correspond to a company registered in Cranleigh, Surrey in 2024.

A website linked to the business advertises teak garden furniture and lists a mobile contact number, but contains limited information about any physical retail premises. The Herald has contacted the company for comment.

There is currently no suggestion that the registered company itself is involved in any criminal activity, and it is not known whether the vehicle seen locally is legitimately connected to the business.

At this stage there is also no confirmation that any criminal offences have taken place. However, police and trading standards authorities regularly advise residents to be cautious of unexpected doorstep sellers, particularly where individuals attempt to access private areas of a property or use persuasive sales tactics.

Residents are advised not to allow unknown callers into their homes or gardens, to verify businesses independently, and to report suspicious behaviour via 101, or 999 in an emergency. Quote police reference number DP-20260219-148.

Anyone with information, dashcam footage or vehicle registration details is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police quoting the reference number.

Photo caption: Residents shared images of the van on social media after reports of cold-calling across south Pembrokeshire (Pic: Facebook).

Audit Wales warns incoming government will face major housing challenges as concerns raised ahead of Senedd election

WALES is unlikely to meet its flagship affordable housing target despite significant progress, auditors have warned in a new update published this week.

Audit Wales said the Welsh Government and housing sector had improved delivery and transparency since concerns were first raised in 2024. However, the latest projections suggest the commitment to deliver 20,000 affordable homes during the current Senedd term will still fall short.

The warning comes just months before the Senedd election in May, with housing expected to be a major political battleground across Wales.

The Welsh Government originally pledged to build 20,000 new low-carbon social homes for rent between 2021 and 2026. But rising construction costs, economic pressures and delivery challenges have slowed progress.

Auditors previously estimated that without significant additional investment, only between around 15,800 and 16,700 homes could be completed by the deadline — well below the target. Affordable housing – Eng

While the follow-up review found “significant progress” across the sector and improvements in how the Welsh Government reports performance, it also highlighted ongoing risks and funding pressures.

The report said the next Welsh Government — regardless of which party forms it after the election — will inherit a range of unresolved challenges, including funding gaps, planning constraints and the need for a longer-term housing strategy.

Housing shortages remain a major issue across Wales, with growing numbers of households in temporary accommodation and rising demand for affordable homes.

The Welsh Government has previously argued that global inflation, supply chain disruption and higher interest rates have pushed up construction costs beyond original forecasts, while opposition parties have criticised delivery rates.

Auditors acknowledged that many of the pressures affecting housing delivery were outside the Welsh Government’s direct control, including the economic aftermath of the pandemic and the impact of the war in Ukraine on construction costs.

However, they also warned that difficult decisions remain about funding priorities and delivery models if ministers are to get closer to the target before 2026.

The update also highlighted broader issues facing the housing system, including shortages of planning capacity, environmental regulations affecting development sites and uncertainty over long-term investment beyond the current programme.

Housing is expected to feature prominently in the Senedd election campaign, with parties already outlining competing proposals on social housing supply, planning reform and support for renters.

Welsh wild wine producer to represent West Wales at London celebration

A LLANDOVERY-based wild wine producer will bring a taste of the Welsh countryside to the heart of London as part of a major St David’s Day food showcase at the iconic Spitalfields Market.

Mydflower, known for its naturally crafted lightly sparkling wines, will take part in the consumer event over the St David’s Day weekend on Saturday (Feb 28) and Sunday (Mar 1). The showcase will feature more than a dozen Welsh food and drink producers and aims to highlight Wales’ growing reputation as a modern food nation producing world-class products.

The company’s distinctive wines are made using spring water from the Brecon Beacons alongside locally sourced botanicals and berries. The brand focuses on rediscovering centuries-old recipes inspired by the wild landscapes of Wales, producing natural raspberry and elderflower wines with a fresh, lightly sparkling finish.

David Ruttle, co-founder of Mydflower, said: “St David’s Day is a brilliant opportunity to celebrate Welsh culture in the heart of London, and we’re proud to be part of it with Mydflower. Our wild wines are made using pure Welsh spring water from the Brecon Beacons, traditionally foraged fruits and flowers, and Champagne yeast, creating something lighter, fresher, and naturally sparkling.

“Events like this are a chance to share our story, introduce more people to a new kind of premium Welsh drink, and bring a taste of the wild Welsh landscape to a wider audience.”

Spitalfields Market — one of London’s most historic trading destinations — has built a strong reputation for showcasing high-quality produce, making it an ideal venue to promote Welsh food and drink to new audiences. Visitors over the weekend will be invited to explore a range of products reflecting the quality, character and ambition of contemporary Wales, from heritage-inspired favourites to innovative modern brands.

Celebrating St David’s Day through food

The event forms part of a wider St David’s Day programme organised by Food & Drink Wales, the Welsh Government’s food division, which supports the sector while also using food and drink as a way to express national identity, creativity and pride.

Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, said: “St David’s Day is the perfect moment to celebrate the exceptional quality and creativity of Welsh food and drink producers. From award-winning charcuterie to innovative craft spirits, the businesses showcasing at Spitalfields represent the very best of what Wales has to offer.

“Our food and drink sector is built on strong foundations — protected geographical status, sustainable farming practices and generations of skilled production. But it is also a sector that continues to evolve, with producers combining their heritage with fresh ideas and ambitious growth plans.

“Events like this are vital for connecting Welsh businesses with new markets and demonstrating to buyers across the UK that Wales is a modern food nation with products that can compete at the highest level.”