News

Credit union’s shock closure

Published

11 years ago

March 20, 2015

THE CLOSURE of the Haven Credit Union on Tuesday March 3, is a severe blow to those who depended upon its services whether as investors or borrowers. A statement by Chair of the Board of Trustees, Ted Sangster, disclosed that the credit union has been seeking a partner with which to merge for the last twelve months. Those efforts to preserve the union in some form have, however, come to nothing. Savings with the credit union are protected and it is anticipated that savers will have their money returned to them, in full, in around a fortnight’s time. Mr Sangster’s told The Herald: “As our statement reads, we have taken this decision only after long and serious consideration of the alternatives. The rules on Credit Union reserves have recently changed. That was not a determining factor in our decision, but it was something we took on board.” Mr Sangster continued: “We explored the possibility for merging with another credit union, but we were unable to reach an agreement. The board therefore took a principled decision. We could have carried on for another three to six months and then had the regulator step in.

That would have created uncertainty for our members and it the board decided not to let that happen. The board decided that it was better to arrange matters so that our members could be dealt with in a fair and orderly way. It was a painful decision, but it was the right one.”

After extending his thanks to the statutory bodies which have assisted the credit union, Mr Sangster paid tribute to the union’s volunteers and staff: “The board wishes to thank all those staff and volunteers who have worked on behalf of the credit union to provide this much valued service to the people of Pembrokeshire over the past 22 years. Many people have been helped and supported by their unstinting work for which again, our heartfelt thanks.”

Paul Brindley the appointed administrator said: “It’s a real disappointment that Haven Credit Union should be forced to close as there is a very real and necessary demand for their services. Members can be assured that their savings are safe. They will be paid back in full within the next two weeks.”

A spokesperson from Pembrokeshire County Council said: “We are disappointed to learn of the closure of the Haven Credit Union (HCU) but respect the board’s decision to discontinue the business. HCU was a professionally-run organisation offering a valuable service to the local community.”

They continued: “The council has been pleased to be associated with HCU over the years and has offered support wherever possible. This has included facilitating payroll deductions for council employees who were customers of HCU.”

The spokesperson added: “Over the past several months, the council has been supporting HCU to mediate a merger with other credit unions but unfortunately this has not proved possible.”

What is a credit union?

Credit unions are member-owned financial cooperatives operated for the purpose of promoting thrift, providing credit and other financial services to their members.

Credit unions in the UK now offer a wide range of services to their members; including current accounts, payroll deductions, standing orders and insurance. The UK Government has endeavoured to encourage the expansion of credit unions’ operations in order to stop people relying on high-interest door-step loans and loan sharks. A few credit unions now offer services more akin to a mainstream bank (such as the provision of ATM cards).

In 2013 the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, launched a Church of England plan to support credit unions, to combat the rise of UK payday lenders charging extremely high interest rates.

Despite the moves to encourage people to use credit unions, the number of credit unions has tumbled over the last ten years. In 2004 there were 565 credit unions in the UK. Following the closure of the Haven Credit Union, there are around 370.

There remain two credit unions operating in Pembrokeshire, The West Wales Credit Union, in Fishguard and the Save Easy Credit Union in High Street, Haverfordwest.

Community

Weather presenter spotted filming in Pembrokeshire

Published

41 minutes ago

March 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A WELL-KNOWN Welsh weather presenter was spotted in Pembrokeshire as he filmed scenes for a new series celebrating the county’s coastline.

Derek Brockway, who has been a familiar face on BBC Wales since 1995, was in St Davids recently working on another instalment of his popular walking series along the Pembrokeshire Coast.

Local resident Thomas Tudor said it was “lovely” to meet the broadcaster during filming, posing for a photograph alongside his mother, Beryl Tudor, and sister, Bethan Thomas Price.

Brockway, who is based at BBC Cymru Wales in Cardiff, is widely known not only for his weather forecasts across television, radio and online, but also for his programmes showcasing Wales’ landscapes and coastal paths.

The latest filming in St Davids is expected to form part of an upcoming series highlighting the natural beauty and walking routes of Pembrokeshire, an area long regarded as one of the jewels in Wales’ tourism crown.

Ministry of Defence

Defence families in Wales to save up to £6,000 under new childcare scheme

Published

1 hour ago

March 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MAJOR new childcare support scheme for Armed Forces families will be rolled out across Wales from September 2026, the UK Government has announced.

The initiative is expected to save eligible families up to £6,000 per child each year, providing a significant boost to household finances amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

The scheme will be delivered through the Ministry of Defence’s existing Early Years childcare reimbursement system and will bring Wales in line with the level of support already available to forces families in England.

Today, 19/03/2026 The Secretary of State for Defence John Healey visited Dreghorn Barracks, Edinburgh, home to 3rd Battalion the Rifles. He met with families to launch a new scheme for Defence Families in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Ministers say the move is part of a wider effort to improve recruitment and retention in the Armed Forces, with childcare costs identified as a key pressure affecting morale.

The new support will cover children from nine months old until they reach three years of age in Wales and Scotland, and up to four years old in Northern Ireland.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP announced the scheme during a visit to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh.

He said: “Our Armed Forces families are at the heart of our nation’s security. As the demands on defence increase, it is right that we step up our support for those who serve.

“This offer will ensure more military families get the childcare support they need, wherever they are posted.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens added: “Service families in Wales make huge sacrifices and deserve the best possible support.

“They contribute not only to our national security but also to the Welsh economy. This scheme delivers meaningful help with the cost of childcare.”

The scheme will reimburse the difference in early years childcare costs for eligible working families. To qualify, both parents must be in employment and meet the income thresholds required for a Tax-Free Childcare account.

Hundreds of families across Wales are expected to benefit.

The announcement forms part of a broader package of support introduced since July 2024, including improved military housing, the largest Armed Forces pay rise in two decades, and plans to strengthen the Armed Forces Covenant in law.

Further details will be provided in the coming months, with families encouraged to begin considering childcare arrangements ahead of the scheme’s launch.

Community

Broad Haven volunteers secure ‘national asset’ status for nature reserve

Published

1 hour ago

March 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A SMALL stretch of woodland and former opencast coal mine has been transformed into a nationally recognised biodiversity site, in a major first for Wales.

The Slash Pond Community Nature Reserve has been awarded ‘Naturfa’ status, becoming the first community-managed site in Wales to receive the designation.

The recognition, confirmed by Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, classifies the reserve as an “Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measure” (OECM). This means the volunteer-led work of the Support the Boardwalk group will now contribute directly to Wales’ 30×30 target – the global commitment to protect 30% of land, freshwater and sea for nature by 2030.

In a further boost, the site has also been included in the National Forest for Wales, recognising its role in strengthening a connected network of woodlands and habitats across the country.

Once a simple local walkway, the Slash Pond has developed into a thriving wildlife haven. The reserve now supports a wide range of species, including critically endangered European eels, otters, ten species of bat, and more than fifty species of birds, alongside diverse aquatic plants and insects.

Huw Irranca-Davies said: “These special places are a testament to the care and dedication of people working on the ground – securing a legacy for future generations. Nature can only thrive where habitats are resilient, protected and effectively managed.”

The new status is expected to unlock future funding opportunities, supporting long-term plans for maintaining the boardwalk, monitoring biodiversity and water quality, installing new signage, and expanding environmental education work with Broad Haven Primary School and the wider Havens community.

Andy Drumm, a volunteer with Support the Boardwalk, said: “We’ve always known how special the Slash Pond is, but this recognition puts it firmly on the map as a national asset. It’s a tribute to years of hard work and shows that local communities can lead the way in tackling the nature crisis.”

To mark the achievement, a Spring Family Fun Day will take place on Friday (May 9) from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Slash Pond car park.

The event will feature guided nature walks, pond dipping, a wildlife treasure trail, live music, and family activities including crafts and face painting. The official unveiling of the Naturfa certificate and new reserve branding will also take place, alongside the launch of a new book, From Culm to Calm: A History of the Slash Pond by local author David Meanwell.

Karen Riggs, a long-time volunteer, said: “This achievement belongs to everyone in Broad Haven who has supported the site over the years. We’re not just celebrating a new title – we’re celebrating what our community has built together.”

The day will also see the installation of new benches at the observation decks and the launch of a floating island habitat to support wildfowl and other bird species. Visitors will also be invited to share feedback on plans for an improved picnic area designed to withstand local flooding.

Naturfa is a Welsh Government initiative recognising areas outside traditional protected sites, such as SSSIs, that are managed in ways which deliver long-term benefits for biodiversity.

The Slash Pond Community Nature Reserve is managed by the Support the Boardwalk group in partnership with The Havens Community Council, and is maintained entirely by volunteers.

Further information and updates are available via the Support the Boardwalk Facebook page.