Community

Call to stay safe and respect the countryside

Published

5 years ago

April 14, 2020

With more people using countryside paths and walks for exercise
during coronavirus restrictions, a call has gone out for walkers to stay
safe and respect landowners’ privacy and business.

The joint message comes from Pembrokeshire County Council and
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Pembrokeshire has some of the most beautiful countryside in Wales
and is fantastic to explore on foot.

And with exercise close to home part of the permitted reasons to
leave lockdown, paths and walks are increasingly busy.

Walkers are advised to only access footpaths from their doorstep and
be aware that when using Countryside Rights of Way that you are
crossing private land.

At this time of year the countryside is a busy place, lambing is in full
swing and field preparation for new crops is underway.
Those using the paths are asked to follow and observe any advisory
signs or temporary diversions you may come across.

Please note that routes are normally unrestricted, but under the
present situation there may be some routes that aren’t available, such
as closures to part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

Please be particularly vigilant and respectful when using paths that
are in the curtilage of private residences or pass through Farm Yards
and adhere with “social distancing” at all times.

Please follow this advice:

Wherever possible restrict use to footpaths accessible within
your neighbourhood – if possible do not drive to the
countryside to walk.

Follow any diversion signs provided by landowner.

• Remember social distancing. Keep 2m distance from anyone
and use wide areas to pass each other safely.

• Plan your walk – try to avoid busy times of day when many
other people may be walking, and if possible, don`t use the
same route every day.

• Respect landowners as they may be self-isolating or have
vulnerable people living with them.

• Ensure dogs are kept on a short lead, but beware of livestock
as they may chase your dog.

• Do not let your dog come in contact with other people.

• Clean up after your dog – do not leave dog fouling bags
behind.

• Ensure gates are not left open allowing livestock to escape.

• Keep to the line of the path, do not allow your dog to run free.

• Respect the property and business you are passing through.

• Keep away from livestock

• As part of good personal hygiene always wash your hands
after visiting the countryside.

It is also worth remembering that when walking or running on roads
where there is no pavement, you should face on-coming traffic and
wear highly visible clothing.

Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of the Park Authority said: “This
guidance will protect the public and any livestock they may encounter
while out walking. It will also prevent additional calls upon emergency
services, who are already working at capacity, from having to respond
to issues such as trespass, lost dogs, sheep worrying and livestock
escaping from fields.

“We are encouraged by the response of the vast majority of the public
in following Government advice to stay at home and only access the
outdoors from their doorsteps. It is important for those people who do
have walking opportunities on their doorsteps to take note of the
advice provided when out walking.”

Full details of the Coast Path closures can be found on the Authority’s
website at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales.

Community

Internet outage for two villages after exchange box destroyed

Published

6 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS of Clunderwen and Llandissilio have been left without internet access following the destruction of an Openreach exchange box just outside Llandissilio village.

The incident occurred yesterday (Nov 23) when the box was reportedly demolished by a vehicle. The damage has resulted in a complete loss of internet services for the two villages, with repairs expected to take at least a couple of days.

Local residents have expressed frustration over the disruption, as the outage affects home businesses, remote workers, and households relying on internet connectivity for day-to-day tasks.

Openreach engineers have cordoned off the site, and work is ongoing to assess the extent of the damage. A spokesperson for Openreach has been contacted for comment but had not responded by the time of publication.

The vehicle involved in the incident has not yet been identified. Anyone with information about the collision is urged to contact the local police.

With repair timelines unclear, affected residents have called for increased communication from service providers to manage expectations during the outage.

“Bringing the community back online is a priority,” a local resident said. “We’re hoping Openreach can resolve the issue quickly and ensure it doesn’t happen again in future.”

Community

Kick off the festive season in style at the Riverside Winter Fair

Published

13 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

GET ready to immerse yourself in a winter wonderland as Haverfordwest hosts its inaugural Riverside Winter Fair on Saturday, November 30th.

This free, family-friendly event promises a day of festive cheer with food, arts, crafts, games, music, and a big dose of community spirit.

The festivities will kick off at 11am with the opening of Haverhub’s Winter Market. Visitors can browse a variety of stalls 11am to 5pm, offering unique gifts, crafts, and delicious food.

Alongside the market, Haverfordwest’s Business Circle are hosting a “Taste of Pembrokeshire” food and drink market on Castle Square 11am to 5pm, offering a delicious selection of local produce.

For families with younger children, Fair Play will be hosting a Board Game Sketch Fest at the Edge Youth Centre / Picton Centre from 11am to 5pm. This event will feature a variety of games, activities, and art projects, providing a fun and engaging experience for children of all ages.

At 12noon children from Haverfordwest’s primary schools will be showing off banners they’ve been making as part of a community arts project, telling the story of the history of their school’s ward area.

They will take part in a vibrant parade led by the South Wales Police Band, marching through the town centre from Swan Square to the Old Quay. Join us at 11:45am on Swan Square to join the parade!

Once the parade reaches the Old Quay, the real fun begins. The main stage will host a variety of performances throughout the day from 12-5pm and Bristol Trader will be hosting an outdoor BBQ and bar for revellers.

Entertainment on the main stage will include a brand-new cantata performed by Fenton School’s children’s choir, the Cantabile Singers of Pembrokeshire, the County Orchestra and the South Wales Police Brass Band.

This captivating performance will tell the story of Haverfordwest’s rich history, drawing inspiration from recent archaeological discoveries.

Following the cantata, local band Sorted will take to the stage, delivering a high-energy performance of Ska and Two-Tone classics. Their energetic and breakneck live sets are guaranteed to get you up on your feet and skanking.

And for the grand finale Pure West Radio Riverside Shopping Haverfordwest will be hosting its annual Christmas Lights Switch On event. The celebrations begin at 12noon, leading up to the grand moment when the town’s Christmas lights illuminate at 6pm. As the town illuminates with festive lights, a spectacular fireworks display will light up the night sky.

For those seeking thrills, there will be fairground rides to enjoy. Thrill-seekers of all ages can experience the excitement of the various rides.

To add to the magic, Santa Claus will be making a special appearance, along with Sparkle the Elf and Friends a Giant Snow Globe and Bouncy Castle!

Artists Neil Musson and Jono Retallick will also be launching their model hot air balloon, a floating gallery and homage to the people of Haverfordwest. Find them floating through the town throughout the day.

The Riverside Winter Fair is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of community spirit. Local businesses and volunteers coming together to create a memorable experience for everyone.

Visit the website and sign up to the mailing list for full information delivered to your inbox ahead of the big day: www.riversidewinterfair.co.uk

Programme of events

11am-5pm Winter Market @ Haverhub

11am-5pm Taste of Pembrokeshire food and drink market @ Castle Square

11am-5pm Board Game Sketch Fest @ Picton Centre

11:45am Banner Parade assembles with South Wales Police Brass Band @ Swan Square

12noon Children’s Banner Parade from Swan Square to Old Quay

12:10pm Entertainment on Main Stage @ Old Quay

12-5pm BBQ and outdoor bar @ The Bristol Trader

12-6pm Family fun & Entertainment, Pure West Radio @ Riverside shopping Centre

6pm Switch on of the lights and fireworks display.

Community

Rent in Pembrokeshire rises 7% over past year

Published

3 days ago

November 22, 2024

Design Team

NEW figures reveal that private rental costs in Pembrokeshire have climbed by 7% in the past year, with the average monthly rent reaching £625 in October. This is a significant increase from £582 a year earlier and represents a 22% rise over the past five years, where the average rent was estimated at £511.

The data, collected by Rent Officers Wales as part of the Housing and Regeneration Division, highlights growing pressure on tenants amidst rising costs. The collection aims to cover approximately 15% of the rental market by gathering data from landlords and letting agents.

Across Wales, the average monthly rent has risen 8% year-on-year to £766. Cardiff recorded the highest rental cost in the country at £1,062 per month, while Powys had the lowest at £556.

Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, commented on the challenges faced by renters in a press statement sent to The Pembrokeshire Herald. She said: “Getting good news about your rent is about as common as discovering your housemates have washed up for you, or your landlord suggesting you get a dog. For many, the only way out of the endless cycle of rising costs is to buy, but that’s far easier said than done when rents absorb so much of your income.”

The situation is compounded by a lack of available rental properties. Nathan Emerson, chief executive at Propertymark, explained: “As we continue to see further increases in rental prices across the UK, our members emphasize the lack of rental stock versus an ever-growing number of tenants. Selling up or turning to the short-term letting market has become a more attractive option for landlords due to challenging legislative changes and increased financial liabilities.”

Breakdown of Rental Costs in Pembrokeshire

The figures show a range of costs depending on property type and size in Pembrokeshire:

– A one-bedroom property: £462 per month

– A two-bedroom property: £576 per month

– A three-bedroom property: £732 per month

– Homes with four or more bedrooms: £934 per month

By property type:

– Detached houses: £768 per month

– Semi-detached houses: £653 per month

– Terraced houses: £629 per month

– Flats or maisonettes: £521 per month

In October, the average rent for private properties across Great Britain stood at £1,307 per month—up 9% compared to the same period last year. This equates to an increase of £105 per month.

As landlords adapt to changing regulations and financial pressures, the shortage of rental properties continues to push prices higher, creating further challenges for tenants across Pembrokeshire and beyond.