Community

Tips for householders in Pembrokeshire to tackle flooding

Published

2 years ago

January 11, 2024

HOUSEHOLDERS in Pembrokeshire dealing with the aftermath of Storm Henk can take steps to protect their homes from future flood events, says a national trade body.

The Property Care Association says that unsettled weather patterns being seen year on year mean flood resilience is becoming paramount for many householders across the region.

More than 600 Flood Warnings were in put place due to Storm Henk – with hundreds of properties affected by flooding and thousands left without power including parts of London.

Flood resilience measures are solutions that can make properties better withstand flood events.

James Berry, Deputy CEO of the Property Care Association, said: “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 distress 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.”

Suggested tips by the PCA to protect against flooding include:

Knowing your future flood risk. Use tools such as the Environment Agency’s flood risk checker
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 consider painting with a water-resistant solution
Seal all gaps around outside pipes or wires coming through the brickwork. Prevent water entering through the drilled holes
Consider fitting a pump to evacuate water coming from beneath the building
Replacing standard gypsum plaster with an alternative that does 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 Prevention and Protection Group can help householders introduce flood protection measures 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 called on PCA member expertise to ensure there was no repeat of the problem.

Information on how to plan ahead for flooding at https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/plan-ahead-for-flooding

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

18 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

18 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).