News
Carmarthenshire County Council starts on £2million road resurfacing programme
CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is sending £2m this year in improving road surfaces, it has been announced this week.
Resurfacing works are planned at various locations across the county of Carmarthenshire, having commenced on 12 August and through to the end of October. In total around 23 individual sections of road will be resurfaced in the coming months.
This programme of resurfacing is in addition to a significant programme of preventative surface treatment, which is now almost complete, restoring surface condition, sealing cracks and improving skid resistance. Whilst we can’t treat every road, the combined improvements will provide safer and improved journeys for Carmarthenshire’s road users.
All schemes will be notified in advance with advance notice signs erected at each location, and full details of traffic management proposals published on Causeway one.network. Several locations will require full road closures to safely carry out the works, however these closures will be highlighted well in advance, and in coordination with transport operators and emergency services. Where necessary the works will be carried out during off-peak hours with road closures and diversions typically in operation from 7:00pm.
Motorists are urged to take extra care and where possible plan journeys to avoid these areas whilst these essential works are being carried out. Emergency access and access to business premises will be maintained during the works as far as possible.
We will continue to minimise the impact on road users by careful planning however some disruption cannot be avoided. We thank you for your patience and cooperation during the works.
Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services – Cllr Edward Thomas said: “Transportation and highways play a key role in supporting and sustaining our communities to be healthy, safe and prosperous. It is well documented that the significant financial strain upon all public sector organisations have a great impact upon on our services to our residents, however, I am pleased that we have been able to invest £2million, through the capital investment programme this year to improve road surfaces in Carmarthenshire.”
Business
Milford Haven: Wales’ energy hub embraces green transformation
ONCE synonymous with oil and gas, Milford Haven is now poised to lead Wales into a cleaner, greener future—powered by hydrogen.
Green energy pioneer Haush Ltd has chosen Milford Haven as the location for its new UK headquarters, marking a significant step towards establishing the area as a hub for hydrogen innovation. The company’s ambitious plans aim to decarbonise land, sea, and air transport, while also exporting green hydrogen to Europe.
Backed by the Welsh Government through the HYBRID SBRI Hydrogen Port Re-Fuelling Project (HyPR), Haush’s initiative will kick off immediately. The HyPR project supports trials to accelerate hydrogen production and create refuelling solutions for both onshore and offshore vessels. A key part of this effort is designing a permanent hydrogen refuelling infrastructure at the Port of Milford Haven, unlocking its potential as a green energy leader.
For over 65 years, Milford Haven has been a cornerstone of the UK’s oil and gas sector, processing 20% of the nation’s oil and gas. Now, this latest investment signals the beginning of a transformative shift toward renewable energy.
Welsh Government Economy, Energy, and Planning Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Evans, welcomed the move, saying:
“Jobs and green growth are a priority for this Welsh Government, so I am delighted that Haush has chosen Milford Haven as the base for its new UK headquarters. The company’s ambitious growth plans align perfectly with our aspirations to see Wales become a global leader in renewable energy generation.”
Milford Haven’s journey from oil and gas to hydrogen innovation could set a blueprint for green energy transformation in the UK and beyond.
News
Council Tax Premium set to increase for long-term empty properties
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has approved a significant change to the council tax premium on long-term empty properties, aiming to address housing shortages and community impacts.
Starting April 1, 2025, a single premium rate of 300 per cent will be applied to all properties that have been empty for two years or more. This replaces the previous system of incremental increases.
Councillor Joshua Beynon, cabinet member for corporate finance and efficiencies, said:
“The premium is in place to encourage the return of properties into use as much-needed homes in Pembrokeshire and to reduce the impact of empty homes on the communities around them.”
Details of the premium
The premium is an addition to the standard council tax charge and applies across all three elements:
- Pembrokeshire County Council
- Police and Crime Commissioner
- Town and Community Councils
Exemptions and discounts
Property owners undergoing renovations can apply for a council tax exemption if their property requires major repair works or structural alterations. This exemption allows the property to be tax-free for up to 12 months.
If the exemption has already been granted, owners may apply for a discretionary discount, which can be awarded up to the value of the long-term empty property premium. However, the standard council tax charge remains payable in these cases.
Applicants must provide written details of the required works, supported by photographic evidence. Each application is assessed on its individual merits, and the discretionary discount is typically limited to a maximum of 12 months.
National Empty Homes Grant Scheme
Pembrokeshire County Council is also taking part in the National Empty Homes Grant Scheme, which offers grants of up to £25,000 to owners of eligible empty properties. This funding aims to bring more properties back into use and alleviate housing pressures in the county.
For more information about the grant, visit the National Empty Homes Grant website.
To apply for a council tax discount, contact Revenue Services via:
- Email: revenue.services@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
- Post: Revenue Services, County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP
News
Heavenly Host of Angels Event at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church
THE HEAVENLY HOST OF ANGELS will be open at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, this weekend, offering a warm and welcoming space for all.
When:
- Saturday, January 11: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
- Sunday, January 12: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
- Monday, January 13: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Entry is free, and children will receive glow sticks to add to the magical atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to hunt for your angel or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, all are welcome to drop in.
Donations in aid of Wales Air Ambulance are optional and much appreciated.
Additionally, on Sunday, January 12, a special Mass at 9:30am will celebrate the Second Sunday of Epiphany and the Baptism of Christ.
Come along and experience this beautiful event – “Come and See.”
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