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Overcrowding plagues Pembrokeshire homes: Census reveals troubling housing crisis

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The 2021 census has exposed the distressing reality of almost 1,000 overcrowded households in Pembrokeshire, comprising 1.7% of all homes in the area. While overcrowding has often been attributed to sluggish housebuilding and surging rents across England and Wales, it is now a pressing concern in this idyllic Welsh county.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data underscores that 43,785 homes in Pembrokeshire, amounting to a staggering 78.9%, are classified as ‘under-occupied,’ indicating they possess unused rooms. The overcrowding assessment method takes into account the number of available rooms and whether they are adequate for the number of occupants.

Unsurprisingly, renters bear the brunt of this crisis, with a higher likelihood of residing in cramped conditions compared to homeowners. Social renters, in particular, grapple with a daunting 4.5% of overcrowded housing in Pembrokeshire.

Ben Twomey, the Chief Executive of the advocacy group Generation Rent, lamented the dire situation faced by private renters. He attributed the crisis to a dearth of housing construction and soaring rents, describing overcrowding as particularly stressful for families with children or older renters.

Alarming statistics reveal that around 530 households with dependent children in Pembrokeshire are grappling with insufficient living space, painting a grim picture of the housing situation. Wales at large faces a stark divide, as households led by individuals of black backgrounds report an alarming 11.9% overcrowding rate, a stark contrast to the 2.2% average among the general population. Furthermore, Muslim households are nearly seven times more likely to suffer from overcrowding.

Sam Tims, a senior economist at the New Economics Foundation, underscored the gravity of the issue, stating that every family deserves an affordable, comfortable home with access to essential amenities. Yet, over two-thirds of houses across the country remain underutilized, forcing more than a million households to endure homes that are too small for their needs. Tims also pointed out that a constrained welfare system exacerbates this crisis.

London emerged as the epicenter of overcrowded housing, overshadowing all other regions in England and Wales. The capital accounted for all the top 10 most crowded areas, with the exception of Slough, a London commuter town.

In a chorus of concern, both the New Economics Foundation and Generation Rent advocate for the construction of more social housing as the primary solution to address this pressing issue. The Pembrokeshire census revelations serve as a stark reminder that the housing crisis is far from over, necessitating urgent and comprehensive action to ensure that every household has access to safe and spacious living conditions.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

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