Community

Charities warn older people about insulating lofts with spray foam

Published

9 months ago

February 10, 2024

THE WALES Against Scams Partnership (WASP) is urging older and other vulnerable people to seek advice before agreeing to insulate their lofts with spray foam following a spate of rogue traders misleading older people worried about soaring energy bills.

The Partnership warns that while spray foam is legal, it is only appropriate in specific and limited circumstances and should only be applied by specialists. It should never be marketed as a quick fix solution to loft insulation problems as improper use can cause structural damage and make it very difficult to sell a property, as mortgage lenders are becoming increasingly cautious about spray foam.

Age Cymru’s policy officer Sam Young, who heads WASP, says “We understand that many older people are worried about how they are going to pay their fuel bills this winter and as a result may be even more vulnerable to rogue traders.

“Previous studies have shown that older people are the most likely age group to be targeted by scammers, with data from National Trading Standards showing that 85% of victims of doorstep scams are over 65.

“In all situations we would urge older people to seek expert advice first and then make sure they’re claiming all their entitlements.

“However, millions of pounds worth of support, including £200m worth of Pension Credit, go unclaimed in Wales each year.

“Age Cymru publishes a free guide called More Money in Your Pocket that offers information about a range of benefits and how to go about claiming them.”

Care & Repair Cymru, also a WASP member, provides home safety improvements for their clients. From their work in the community, they found:

One client paid more than £4,000 for spray foam loft insulation that was sold by a doorstep trader. The clients were older people with various health problems, including sight and hearing loss and would have appeared vulnerable to the rogue trader.

Another older client was persuaded to pay a £2,000 deposit for spray foam. Their family stopped the work from going ahead.
One rogue trader claimed that a UK Government grant would cover most of the work, and that the client would ‘only’ have to pay £2,500 for installation.
An older client bought spray foam loft insulation for £3,500 and found they were unable to sell their house as a result. It cost £2,000 to remove the foam before the house could be put back on the market. However, the house was off the market for two months and during that time property value had dropped by £15,000.

Care & Repair Cymru’s chief executive Chris Jones says “Making your home more energy efficient is still important for your health, your finances, and the climate. However, we would urge people to be cautious and to do lots of research before going ahead with spray foam insulation work.

“Some local authorities have trusted trader lists, while they all should be able to advise on housing and environmental health queries.

“Trading Standards will have lists of approved traders under their ‘Buy with Confidence’ service while local Care & Repair Cymru branches will be able to offer advice on reliable contractors working in their areas.”

Tony Neate, chief executive officer at Get Safe Online added “Although traditionally you think of rogue builders approaching you on your doorstep, it’s also important not to be conned by online adverts. “Before you commit, make sure you do your homework. Check that the builder is reputable by looking at reviews and ensure your mortgage provider agrees with any alterations you’re thinking of doing.”

If you want to talk to someone directly about benefits and entitlements, and any of the issues raised in this news release call Age Cymru on 0300 303 44 98 (charged at a local rate) Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm. You may also email [email protected] or visit www.agecymru.org.uk/cost-of-living.

Community

Pembs Agricultural Society’s Christmas Fair expands to an all-weekend event

Published

5 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY’S Christmas Fair will be an all-weekend event next month. The Christmas shopping extravaganza is all set to take place on Saturday, 14 December as well as Sunday, 15 December.

The Parkhouse building on the Haverfordwest Showground will be transformed into a Christmas paradise. There will be even more stalls this year with a wide variety of quality local businesses exhibiting as well as festive music, Santa in his Grotto and an outdoor food court.

Judith Roach and Emma Thomas, the event organisers, said, “We are excited to be able to announce that our Christmas Fair will be on for two days rather than just one this year. We continue to build on the success of last year’s event with twice the opportunities to attend and even more stallholders. It will be the perfect start to the festive season as the Parkhouse Building will be transformed into a one-stop-shop for those preparing for Christmas.”

The Fair will be open from 10am until 4pm and admission is free. Visitors will find unique gifts, handmade decorations, art and beautiful homeware. Some of the county’s very best food and drink producers will also have stalls to give visitors the opportunity to stock up on all their festive treats. From decadent chocolate brownies, fudge, festive spirits to Welsh cheeses, there’s something to tantalise everyone’s tastebuds. There will also be a range of outlets for ‘on the go’ eating and drinking.

One special guest at the event will be everyone’s favourite bearded gentleman in red – Santa will be taking time out from his busy schedule to attend the event. There will be a charge of £3 per child to visit Santa and all proceeds will go directly to Sandy Bear charity to support their work. Each child will receive a small gift from Santa as part of their visit. Parents can book in advance via the website: www.sandybear.co.uk/santa

Adam Thorne, Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s President is looking forward to the festive event. He said, “The Society would like to thank Judith and Emma for all the hours they have put in, voluntarily, to organise the two-day Christmas event. We’re delighted to be able to offer visitors the opportunity to do all their Christmas shopping whilst enjoying the festive atmosphere.”

Follow Pembrokeshire County Show’s Christmas Fair event page on Facebook for a full list of stallholders in the run up to the event.

Community

Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire

Published

16 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD returns to Pembrokeshire in 2026, and organisers have named the officials who will steer this major cultural event over the next year and a half.

With the artistic and local committees already established, meetings to finalise competitions and adjudicators are underway to ensure the List of Competitions is ready by spring. Committee members have also been voting over the past weeks to elect key officials for the Executive Committee.

John Davies, former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, has been appointed Chair of the Executive Committee. Known for his deep connection to Pembrokeshire and extensive experience with national organisations, Davies aims to make the Eisteddfod a true community event, welcoming involvement from all corners of the region.

Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, takes on the role of Deputy Chair (Strategy). With a strong passion for Welsh culture and language, Jones brings a wealth of experience working with local communities, visitors, and volunteers across three counties.

Deputy Chair (Culture) is Carys Ifan, Director of Canolfan Egin and a seasoned cultural organiser. Based in Llangrannog and originally from Llandudoch, Ifan has led numerous artistic and community projects across the region.

Cris Tomos, a community development veteran with over 30 years of experience, will lead the 2026 Eisteddfod Local Fund. Working with PLANED, a community development charity, Tomos has supported countless community enterprises and co-operatives in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.

Non Davies, recently elected as Executive Committee Secretary, brings extensive cultural management expertise as Ceredigion County Council’s Corporate Manager for Culture. Having chaired the Cardigan Local Fund Committee for the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod, Davies is well-versed in managing cultural projects.

National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said: “We’re looking forward to working with John and the team over the next few months as we prepare for the 2026 Eisteddfod.

“There’s almost a quarter of a century since the Eisteddfod was last held in Pembrokeshire, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to the area. 2026 is an important year for us as we celebrate 850 years since the first Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan Castle in 1176.

“We’re looking forward to working in a new way within a catchment area which includes parts of another two counties, which is, of course, a chance to work with local people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire again.”

Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the sale of competition prizes and opportunities to donate the Crown and the Chair.

The National Eisteddfod will be held in Llantood from August 1–8, 2026.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”