News
More than 2,600 Pembrokeshire council tenants in arrears
A QUESTION over concerns that Pembrokeshire County Council has “serious rental areas of more than £2m” saw members of the council hear that one person had a backlog of more than £18,000.
Merlin’s Bridge councillor John Cole, in a submitted question heard at the May 9 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, asked: “In the budget seminars. It was reported that the council has serious rental arrears that are over £2 million.”
In a three-pronged question to Cabinet Member for Housing Operations & Regulatory Services Cllr Michelle Bateman, he asked: “What amount of arrears are attributed to housing benefit not being passed on to the council by tenants?
“What is the highest, lowest and average amount of arrears owed and number of tenants in arrears?
“Would it not be prudent to have a clause in tenancy agreements that tenants agree that housing benefit rents are made directly to the council, thereby negating the arrears occurring in the first instance.”
Responding at the May meeting, Cllr Bateman said tenants did not receive housing benefit directly, unless transferred to universal credit, adding that, as of March 31, there were 2,618 tenants in arrears, the lowest owing one pence, the average £959.10, and the highest £18,058.16.
She told members the highest, which had skewed the average figures, was “a complex case involving a vulnerable individual”.
Members heard that 60 per cent of the rental arrears figures were under £500 owing.
Community
Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker
Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance
FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.
Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.






On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.
Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.
Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.
(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)









Community
Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation
SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.
Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.
In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.
Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.
Community
Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven
ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.
The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.
Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.
The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.

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