Community

Tenby rally part of huge nationwide response to the rise of far-right extremism

Published

3 months ago

August 10, 2024

THE UNITY RALLY in Tenby on Saturday (Aug 10), was part of a nationwide response to the alarming rise of far-right extremism, which has been increasingly visible in the UK over recent weeks. Organised by West Wales Stand Up to Racism (SUTR), the rally in Tenby joined more than 50 similar demonstrations across the country, forming part of a national day of protest against racism and fascism.

Across the UK, thousands responded to the call to “stop the far-right,” with large crowds gathering in major cities and towns, including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast. These protests were a direct reaction to more than a week of violent far-right riots that had gripped various parts of the country, sparked by the horrific knife attack in Southport that claimed the lives of three young girls.

In London, up to 5,000 anti-racist protesters assembled outside the headquarters of Reform UK, where they accused its leader, Nigel Farage, of “spreading racism” and inciting violence. This demonstration then moved to Whitehall, where protesters loudly chanted “refugees are welcome here,” underscoring the inclusive message of the day’s protests. The rally was part of a broader pushback against the far-right, which has attempted to exploit the Southport tragedy to fuel anti-immigrant sentiment.

***In Cardiff the police were ready but hardly any anti-immigration protestors turned up (Pic: Facebook)***

Similarly, in Belfast, up to 15,000 people took to the streets for an anti-racism rally organised by United Against Racism, where protesters carried placards with messages supporting migrant rights and opposing racism. Demonstrators chanted, “When migrants’ rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back,” highlighting the solidarity felt across the nation.

Throughout the day, anti-racist protesters far outnumbered the far-right in every location. In some places, like Tenby, Cardiff, and Edinburgh, far-right protesters failed to show up at all, a testament to the strength of the anti-racist mobilisation. Where they did appear, such as in Newcastle, they were significantly outnumbered and outvoiced by counter-protesters.

The national mobilisation saw rallies in cities such as Glasgow, where up to 3,000 people gathered in George Square, and Manchester, where a similar number assembled in Piccadilly Gardens. The demonstrations were a clear message that communities across the UK are united against the spread of far-right ideologies.

***Thousands gather for the counter protest in London on Saturday (Pic: Sky News)***

In the wake of these events, Stand Up to Racism co-convenor Weyman Bennett remarked, “Today shows we can turn the tide against the far-right and the racists. Up and down the country, people have come together, organised, and marched to send a clear message: the far-right aren’t welcome. We won’t let them attack Muslims, migrants, and refugees. Our message is one of hope, solidarity, and unity.”

This wave of anti-racist demonstrations comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer cancelled his planned family holiday to stay in the UK, overseeing the government’s response to the unrest. Starmer, who has urged the police to remain on “high alert,” highlighted the need for continued vigilance to ensure public safety in the face of potential far-right threats.

As the protests unfolded peacefully and with a strong show of unity, it became evident that the far-right’s attempts to incite division were met with overwhelming resistance from communities across the UK. This national day of action not only reaffirmed the country’s commitment to inclusivity and tolerance but also sent a powerful message that hate and fascism will not go unchallenged in Britain.

Cover image: Gareth Davies/Herald

Community

Rent in Pembrokeshire rises 7% over past year

Published

18 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Design Team

NEW figures reveal that private rental costs in Pembrokeshire have climbed by 7% in the past year, with the average monthly rent reaching £625 in October. This is a significant increase from £582 a year earlier and represents a 22% rise over the past five years, where the average rent was estimated at £511.

The data, collected by Rent Officers Wales as part of the Housing and Regeneration Division, highlights growing pressure on tenants amidst rising costs. The collection aims to cover approximately 15% of the rental market by gathering data from landlords and letting agents.

Across Wales, the average monthly rent has risen 8% year-on-year to £766. Cardiff recorded the highest rental cost in the country at £1,062 per month, while Powys had the lowest at £556.

Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, commented on the challenges faced by renters in a press statement sent to The Pembrokeshire Herald. She said: “Getting good news about your rent is about as common as discovering your housemates have washed up for you, or your landlord suggesting you get a dog. For many, the only way out of the endless cycle of rising costs is to buy, but that’s far easier said than done when rents absorb so much of your income.”

The situation is compounded by a lack of available rental properties. Nathan Emerson, chief executive at Propertymark, explained: “As we continue to see further increases in rental prices across the UK, our members emphasize the lack of rental stock versus an ever-growing number of tenants. Selling up or turning to the short-term letting market has become a more attractive option for landlords due to challenging legislative changes and increased financial liabilities.”

Breakdown of Rental Costs in Pembrokeshire

The figures show a range of costs depending on property type and size in Pembrokeshire:

– A one-bedroom property: £462 per month

– A two-bedroom property: £576 per month

– A three-bedroom property: £732 per month

– Homes with four or more bedrooms: £934 per month

By property type:

– Detached houses: £768 per month

– Semi-detached houses: £653 per month

– Terraced houses: £629 per month

– Flats or maisonettes: £521 per month

In October, the average rent for private properties across Great Britain stood at £1,307 per month—up 9% compared to the same period last year. This equates to an increase of £105 per month.

As landlords adapt to changing regulations and financial pressures, the shortage of rental properties continues to push prices higher, creating further challenges for tenants across Pembrokeshire and beyond.

Climate

Pembrokeshire group plans for larger community wind turbine

Published

22 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A NORTH Pembrokeshire group which has raised more than £76,000 from its community wind turbine for local projects is hoping to expand with a bigger turbine.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Abergwaun Community Turbine Ltd, through agent Machynlleth-based Dulas Ltd is hoping to get permission for a larger turbine to replace the existing Abergwaun Community Turbine.

The proposed turbine, in a pasture field at Trebover Farm, to the south of Fishguard, would be 67m tall, the existing 2015 one being 45 metres.

In supporting statements, parent company Transition Bro Gwaun said: “The Community Climate Fund (CCF) is the mechanism by which Transition Bro Gwaun (TBG) is fulfilling our ambition of funding projects in Fishguard, Goodwick and across North Pembrokeshire, using income from the community wind turbine.

“The core themes for grants are climate change mitigation and adaptation, enhancement of biodiversity and improvements to community resilience through promotion of community engagement and resource sharing.”

In 2015, TBG raised its 50 per cent share of capital funding for the project by means of loans from 28 local individuals and four community groups, contributing a total of £286,500, the other 50 per cent contributed by landowners Parc-y-Morfa Farms Ltd.

The statement added: “Profit generated by sale of electricity from the turbine is split 50:50 between TBG and Parcy-Morfa Farms Ltd through the jointly owned trading arm, Abergwaun Community Turbine. By the end of 2022, all loans had been repaid, allowing the launch of TBG’s Community Climate Fund. This year we have awarded our third round of grants bringing the total amount granted to £76,036.”

In 2022, £15,274 was awarded to seven projects, including Fishguard Sports AFC to install solar panels on their clubhouse as part of their Tregroes Park development, Ysgol Bro Gwaun for their Increasing Biodiversity and Bees project, and Nevern Valley Veg / Llysiau Cwm Nyfer to install a solar powered vegetable irrigation scheme.

In 2023, £39,85 was made available for seven projects, including Sea Trust Wales to part fund the installation of solar panels on the Ocean Lab roof and to produce a display on solar technology, Letterston Memorial Hall to part fund the installation of an air source heat pump heating system, and Fishguard and Goodwick Rugby Club to install solar panels on their clubhouse.

2024 awards of £20,917 were made to six projects, including Theatr Gwaun to insulate their loft to reduce heating loss, Parc Cerrig Growers for developing a rainwater harvesting system with a pond to irrigate their allotments, Caerhys Organic Community Agriculture for an electric cargo bike for delivering organic vegetables in the Fishguard and St Davids areas, and Nevern Valley Veg to develop wildlife ponds and rainwater harvesting for food production.

The supporting documentation concludes: “The repowering of the existing turbine at Trebover would require a limited increase in turbine size which would result in a very limited change in landscape and visual effects in comparison to the existing Trebover turbine.”

The application will be considered by planners at a later date.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.