News

Property protection tips for householders in Pembrokeshire during Flood Action Week

Published

3 years ago

November 13, 2022

A TRADE body has drawn up a list of measures householders in Pembrokeshire can take to protect their homes against flooding, to mark Flood Action Week.

Run by the Environment Agency until 13 November, Flood Action Week encourages those who live in areas at risk of flooding to act now to protect their home, possessions and family.

Since 1998, the UK has seen six of the ten wettest years on record, and this year for the first time ever, three named storms in one week.

The Environment Agency says that one of the key messages coming from COP27, taking place in Egypt this week, is that we must plan and prepare for increasingly extreme events.

Steve Hodgson, chief executive of the Property Care Association, said “In Flood Action Week, the Environment Agency is urging people to take three simple steps, to check their flood risk online, to sign-up for flood warnings and to know what to do if flooding hits.

“To support the campaign, our tips suggest some measures that can be adopted in modern buildings, or during the recovery or refurbishment of older buildings, to provide degrees of resilience and protection from the effects of flood water.

“They can help alleviate a good deal of cost and emotion for those affected by flooding.

“For example, recovery works can be speeded up through moving all services, such as boilers and electrical sockets, high up on the wall. Also, kitchens which use materials such as marine ply or steel, can be cleaned, dried and reused.

“The fitting of a membrane to walls and floors, so flood water can run behind it to be collected in a sump/pump unit, rather than entering the property, is another effective measure.”

The ten measures suggested by the PCA to protect against flooding include:

Fitting a flood protection guard to doors or replacing doors completely with a flood resistant alternative. Garage door protection is also available.

Replacing standard airbricks with ‘self-closing’ alternatives.

Fitting a ‘non return valve’ to prevent sewage going back into the building.

Checking brickwork is in good condition and paint with a water-resistant solution.

Giving consideration to the fitting of a pump to evacuate water coming from beneath the building.

Replacing standard gypsum plaster with one of the alternative types that do not absorb or retain water.

Using ceramic or stone tiles with waterproof adhesive and grout.

Putting electric sockets higher up the wall (with the cabling coming down from the ceiling, rather than the standard lay-out from below).

Purchasing a pump or “puddle sucker” to remove water rapidly after flooding.

Replacing kitchens with one that can be cleaned, dried and reused, such as one made of marine ply or steel.

Members of the PCA’s Flood Protection Group can help householders introduce flood protection ensures to their homes. More details can be found at https://www.property-care.org/homeowners/advice/flood-protection

The PCA also has a video which demonstrates flood resilience work in action, which is available to view at http://bit.ly/1V4c00b.

It shows how homeowners affected by catastrophic flooding in 2007 called on PCA member expertise to ensure there was no repeat of the problem.”

Information on Flood Action Week can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/flood-action-week-households-urged-to-prepare-in-2022-year-of-extremes and how to plan ahead for flooding at https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/plan-ahead-for-flooding

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

4 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

5 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

6 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.