News
Council announces major boost to Council housing stock in Haverfordwest
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has bought 46 former Ministry of Defence (MoD) properties on the outskirts of Haverfordwest, to be used as Council housing.
The three-bedroomed houses at the Cashfields Estate were purchased using a Land and Buildings Development Grant from Welsh Government, which was gratefully received to assist with the acquisition of these properties.
Eight properties already had tenants, which means that 38 properties will be let, in small batches, over the next few months.
Cllr Michelle Bateman, Cabinet Member for Housing Operations and Regulatory Services, said it was the first significant acquisition of Council housing for more than a generation.
“We are very proud indeed to announce this purchase,” she said. “The properties will be a hugely welcomed addition to our housing stock and provide much needed three bed accommodation for those currently on the Choice Homes waiting list.”
All properties are currently being brought up to Welsh Housing Quality Standards and will be allocated via Pembrokeshire County Council’s Choice Homes weekly list when they are ready to be occupied.
The acquisition will help to reduce the homelessness pressures on the Council, which increased sharply as a result of the pandemic. It will also help reduce the numbers now waiting on Choice Homes Register for social housing.
August 11th marked a significant day for the Council when they handed over the keys to the first two households.
The first householder, who had been homeless for over a year and was in temporary accommodation with the Council, said: “I’m over the moon. The house is lovely, perfect for me and the kids. It is so nice and so private, and a really good size. I feel safe and at peace here.”
The second household, Shaun and Ceri Bevington, became homeless following a family bereavement and have resided in temporary accommodation for the past six months. They said they were very happy.
“This is an absolutely positive move for us,” they said. “There’s plenty of space for the kids and the family can settle and put down roots.
“The house is twice as much as we expected. We never imagined it to be like this. The location is beautiful and it feels quiet and safe. Everything is fantastic here, we absolutely love this place.”
Cllr Jon Harvey, Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Delivery, said: “The acquisition of 46 properties at the Cashfields Estate is a welcome addition to the Council’s housing stock and is allied to Pembrokeshire County Council’s ambitious new council house building programme which will see the construction and delivery of much needed new energy efficient properties over the coming years.”
The Council is also continuing to purchase houses where required in order to maximise the numbers of council houses due to the acute shortage of social and affordable homes in the county.
- Anyone interested in the Cashfields Estate properties or any of the new builds in the Council’s development programme should complete a housing application form to join the housing register.
- Please email [email protected] or call 01437 764551 for an application form.
- If applicants are already on the housing register, they don’t need to do anything else at this stage.
- When the Cashfields Estate and other properties are nearing completion, they will appear on the weekly Choice Homes advert and will be allocated in line with the Choice Homes Allocations Policy.
- If you have any queries please contact the Housing Customer Liaison Team via email on [email protected]
- Please like the Pembrokeshire County Council Housing Services Facebook page for updates on all developments https://www.facebook.com/PCCHousing
Pictured above:
Pictured at the Cashfields Estate are (left to right): Cllr Michelle Bateman, Shaun and Ceri Bevington, and Julie Askew and Martin Peake from the Council’s Housing team.
Crime
Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest
A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.
Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.
The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.
During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”
The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.
Community
Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop
ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.
Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.
A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”
Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.
Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.
Community
Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market
MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.
The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.
There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.
If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.
Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!
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