Fourth annual run raises donations for Tenby charity

SAUNDERSFOOT Runners have once again demonstrated the strength of local community spirit after hosting their fourth annual Food Bank Run in aid of The James Criddle Foundation, a Tenby-based food bank.

The popular event attracted a strong turnout of runners and walkers of all abilities, with participants gathering at Wiseman’s Bridge on Sunday morning. Although early rain threatened to dampen proceedings, the weather cleared just in time for the 10:00am start, with even a hint of sunshine greeting those taking part.

Undeterred by puddles along the Heritage Trail towards Pleasant Valley, participants completed multiple laps of the route, collecting discs which were later exchanged for raffle tickets. Alongside generous food donations, the raffle helped further boost support for the Foundation’s work helping local families.

Organisers paid special tribute to Wiseman’s Bridge Inn for once again providing shelter before and after the event, ensuring donations stayed dry and offering much-appreciated refreshments to participants afterwards.

The James Criddle Foundation was established in 2022 in memory of James Criddle, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident while living in Bali. His mother, Rachael, one of the Foundation’s organisers, said the event continues to reflect his legacy.

“James would have been so proud of what has been achieved in his name,” she said. “We love working with Saundersfoot Runners on the annual Food Bank Run — they are one of our biggest supporters and their support means such a lot to local families, particularly at this difficult time of year.”

The Food Bank Run concept was originally created by Sarah Don through her running club in Fareham, Hampshire, as a way to collect donations for a local food bank. Following its success, the initiative grew into a national — and later international — movement in 2023, after a Facebook group encouraged clubs across the UK and beyond to organise similar events for their own communities.

Organisers say details of the 2027 Saundersfoot event will be announced on the Saundersfoot Runners Facebook page in due course.

RESIDENTS across several south Pembrokeshire communities have reported encounters with a suspicious cold-calling van, prompting warnings for householders to remain vigilant.

Reports shared on local community groups describe a man arriving uninvited at homes in areas including Llanteg, Pembroke Dock, Penally, St Florence and Saundersfoot over recent days.

One resident in Llanteg said she saw the driver get out of the van and head towards the rear of her property before being challenged. She said he claimed he was looking for homes with large gardens to sell items from the van, before leaving quickly when questioned.

The incident has been reported to Dyfed-Powys Police. Other residents have since reported sightings of what is believed to be the same vehicle, including along Hopsill Lane in Saundersfoot.

Some householders alleged the driver offered discounted garden furniture or plants, sometimes claiming he was working locally for hotels or venues and needed to sell surplus stock before returning to England.

The vehicle is described as carrying branding for “Greengrove Garden Centre,” which appears to correspond to a company registered in Cranleigh, Surrey in 2024.

A website linked to the business advertises teak garden furniture and lists a mobile contact number, but contains limited information about any physical retail premises. The Herald has contacted the company for comment.

There is currently no suggestion that the registered company itself is involved in any criminal activity, and it is not known whether the vehicle seen locally is legitimately connected to the business.

At this stage there is also no confirmation that any criminal offences have taken place. However, police and trading standards authorities regularly advise residents to be cautious of unexpected doorstep sellers, particularly where individuals attempt to access private areas of a property or use persuasive sales tactics.

Residents are advised not to allow unknown callers into their homes or gardens, to verify businesses independently, and to report suspicious behaviour via 101, or 999 in an emergency. Quote police reference number DP-20260219-148.

Anyone with information, dashcam footage or vehicle registration details is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police quoting the reference number.

Photo caption: Residents shared images of the van on social media after reports of cold-calling across south Pembrokeshire (Pic: Facebook).

Audit Wales warns incoming government will face major housing challenges as concerns raised ahead of Senedd election

WALES is unlikely to meet its flagship affordable housing target despite significant progress, auditors have warned in a new update published this week.

Audit Wales said the Welsh Government and housing sector had improved delivery and transparency since concerns were first raised in 2024. However, the latest projections suggest the commitment to deliver 20,000 affordable homes during the current Senedd term will still fall short.

The warning comes just months before the Senedd election in May, with housing expected to be a major political battleground across Wales.

The Welsh Government originally pledged to build 20,000 new low-carbon social homes for rent between 2021 and 2026. But rising construction costs, economic pressures and delivery challenges have slowed progress.

Auditors previously estimated that without significant additional investment, only between around 15,800 and 16,700 homes could be completed by the deadline — well below the target. Affordable housing – Eng

While the follow-up review found “significant progress” across the sector and improvements in how the Welsh Government reports performance, it also highlighted ongoing risks and funding pressures.

The report said the next Welsh Government — regardless of which party forms it after the election — will inherit a range of unresolved challenges, including funding gaps, planning constraints and the need for a longer-term housing strategy.

Housing shortages remain a major issue across Wales, with growing numbers of households in temporary accommodation and rising demand for affordable homes.

The Welsh Government has previously argued that global inflation, supply chain disruption and higher interest rates have pushed up construction costs beyond original forecasts, while opposition parties have criticised delivery rates.

Auditors acknowledged that many of the pressures affecting housing delivery were outside the Welsh Government’s direct control, including the economic aftermath of the pandemic and the impact of the war in Ukraine on construction costs.

However, they also warned that difficult decisions remain about funding priorities and delivery models if ministers are to get closer to the target before 2026.

The update also highlighted broader issues facing the housing system, including shortages of planning capacity, environmental regulations affecting development sites and uncertainty over long-term investment beyond the current programme.

Housing is expected to feature prominently in the Senedd election campaign, with parties already outlining competing proposals on social housing supply, planning reform and support for renters.