News

Cabinet member commits to improving broadband

Published

5 years ago

August 6, 2019

COUNTY COUNCIL Cabinet Member for Economy, Paul Miller, has pledged to improve Pembrokeshire’s digital connectivity so that it becomes the best in Wales.

And he’s willing to commit Council money in order to achieve the ambition.

Councillor Miller said he agreed with the recent statement by the new Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, that every household in the UK should have access to a full fibre broadband connection by 2025.

“Sitting on the very western tip of Wales it is obvious to anyone that we’re never going to be the best connected county in terms of road or rail – that we accept”, said Councillor Miller.

“We could, however, be the best digitally connected place in Wales, maybe even the UK. That’s our ambition.”

Councillor Miller said the issue was the scale of the challenge facing those trying to provide it.

He went on: “When I arrived behind the economic development desk in Pembrokeshire I quickly realised that there weren’t many things I could do, that would have as big an impact on the Pembrokeshire economy as dramatically improving our digital connectivity. I also realized that it was just too important to rely on someone else doing it for us.

“In Pembrokeshire right now 88 per cent of households and businesses have access to 30 Megabits per second (Mbps) – the EU’s definition of Superfast. That not terrible, actually, by UK standards but fewer than 6 per cent of premises have access to Ultrafast (100 Mbps) and 2.5 per cent of our households are still stuck with less than 2 Mbps.

“The story in a nutshell? If you are in a town or big village, broadband speeds are, for the most part, bearable but perhaps not for long. Just outside those areas and you are probably pulling your hair out.

“The economics of rural broadband mean that without intervention, providers aren’t going be doing much to improve that position anytime soon.

“Our challenge is how we intervene in a way that actually starts to fix the problem and in Pembrokeshire we have come up with a plan that we are convinced can make a difference.

“Step one: we’re going to intervene where we can easily do so.

“We’ve applied for funding under the Department for Culture Media and Sport’s (DCMS) Local Full Fibre Networks Programme (LFFN). We know the outcome of that application, but I cannot yet say. Let us assume though that we will be successful.

“That funding enables us, by 2021, to connect up a large number of public sector buildings – GP surgeries, libraries, leisure centres to full fibre broadband. It creates a great base from which suppliers will make full fibre connections available to the homes and businesses nearby.

“Step two: we have divided the county into eighty, loosely defined, project areas that cover the whole of Pembrokeshire We’ve invited providers to give us an indicative price to connect every property in those areas to full fibre.

“We’ve had some big numbers back, but, based on what we’ve seen so far, we believe it can be done.
“Step three: we’ve employed a team, funded by the Council, specifically to work with communities in those zones to draw down as many funding vouchers as possible.

“Vouchers are a UK and Welsh Government initiative that provides funding of up to £1,500 per household and £5,500 per business to support the build of fibre infrastructure.

”Step four: Cabinet will soon be considering a proposal to create a £2 million pot of Council funding to top-up the voucher money where it isn’t enough to complete a zone.

“£2 million will not be enough, but it’s a start. If the Prime Minister really wants to deliver by 2025, we will be looking to him for more. On top of that direct intervention, I am determined that we do everything in our power as a local authority to ‘get out of the way’ as we seek to have fibre provided across the County.

“Our property team have been tasked with ensuring we never refuse permission to broadband providers to use our land.

“Our highways team are exploring innovative ways of using the highways and footpaths criss-crossing Pembrokeshire to bring fibre cables to people’s front doors and our planning team are working out how we best ensure that all new development in Pembrokeshire incorporates a direct fibre connection.

“This is a big undertaking. It is going to require commitment from all levels of government but it can be done.

“I am making a start on getting the message out there – we are absolutely determined to deliver a step-change in digital connectivity in Pembrokeshire.

“I want our residents to know we are on the case. I want government to know that we are ready to get stuck in. I want business in Pembrokeshire to know that we are determined to get them better connected.

“And perhaps most importantly, I want businesses all over the UK to know, that there’s a dynamic, forward-thinking county on the tip of West Wales that’s getting itself connected and which is open for business.”

Charity

Set a New Year Challenge and explore Pembrokeshire for animals in 2025

Published

1 hour ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ANIMAL lovers in Pembrokeshire looking to set an exciting goal for 2025 can now sign up for the RSPCA’s fundraising challenges, including the iconic Tour of Pembrokeshire on 24 May 2025.

From scenic bike rides to adrenaline-fueled adventures, the RSPCA is encouraging participants to embrace a challenge that not only benefits their health but also helps animals in need.

Abi Mustard, Events Manager at the RSPCA, said: “If you’re looking for a unique challenge for the New Year, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers a perfect blend of stunning coastal views, physical endurance, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare.”

The Tour of Pembrokeshire is renowned for showcasing some of the most breathtaking routes in Wales, attracting cyclists of all abilities. Participants will navigate challenging climbs, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, all while raising crucial funds for the RSPCA’s work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals across Wales.

Abi added: “Every mile cycled and every pound raised makes a difference. You’ll not only experience the beauty of Pembrokeshire but also become part of a dedicated team working to stop animal cruelty and neglect.”

Why Join the RSPCA Tour of Pembrokeshire Challenge?

Personalised support from the RSPCA events team
RSPCA branded cycling jersey once fundraising reaches £50
Access to a dedicated events Facebook group for tips and encouragement
Cheering packs for family and friends on event day

More RSPCA Challenges Across Wales in 2025

Chepstow Half Marathon: 26 January
ABP Newport Wales Marathon: 13 April
Gower Peninsula Challenge: 19–20 July
Snowdon Triple: 18–19 August
Cardiff Half Marathon: 5 October

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a first-time fundraiser, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers an unforgettable experience with a purpose.

To sign up or request a fundraising pack, visit the RSPCA website today and start your journey towards making a difference—for yourself and for animals in need.

Together, let’s make 2025 a year of action, compassion, and achievement.

News

Police close Westfield Pill Bridge over concerns for person’s welfare

Published

1 hour ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FEARS for a person’s safety led police to close Westfield Pill Bridge, near Neyland.

The bridge, on the A477 between Honeyborough roundabout and the Cleddau Bridge, was shut for just over an hour, with drivers advised to seek alternative routes.

The incident took place on Friday evening and was concluded when the person was located safe and well.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a call for a concern for the welfare of an individual on Westfield Pill Bridge at around 7:30pm on Friday, December 20.

“The road was closed and reopened at around 8:40pm.

“The individual was located safe and well.”

This is not the first time such an incident has led to a bridge closure.

There have been several previous similar incidents, including on Friday, October 4, 2024, the Cleddau Bridge was closed for about an hour following a call reporting a welfare concern. The closure occurred at around 4:45pm, and the bridge reopened at 5:45pm.

The person involved was taken to the hospital for treatment.

In June, a multi–agency rescue operation unfolded at Neyland Marina after a youth jumped approximately 40 metres from Westfield Bridge into the water below.

Emergency services, including crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) stations in Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, and Carmarthen, were swiftly dispatched to the scene.

According to a spokesperson for MAWWFRS, members of the public were instrumental in rescuing the youth before the arrival of the emergency crews.

Charity

NatWest Cymru encourages customers in Wales to spread Christmas cheer

Published

1 hour ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NATWEST has introduced a new way for its customers to support Social Bite in the fight against homelessness this festive season.

Through its mobile app based MyRewards programme, customers can now easily donate their available Rewards (over £5) to buy someone experiencing homelessness a Christmas dinner with Social Bite. NatWest has also pledged to match all donations to any of its 16 MyRewards charities, including Social Bite, up to the value of £50 until 31st December, up to a total of £150,000.

The initiative comes as part of Social Bite’s ‘Festival of Kindness’ – an annual mission that aims to provide 300,000 meals, gifts, and essential items to people who are homeless and vulnerable this Christmas.

NatWest has previously worked with the Scottish charity to open a coffee outlet for colleagues and visitors in its Royal Bank HQ in the capital Edinburgh, as well as launching a public coffee shop at its site at 440 Strand, London.

Since the launch of Festival of Kindness in 2020, Social Bite has successfully distributed 1.1 million meals, gifts, and essentials to people who are homeless during the festive period.

Jessica Shipman, Chair, NatWest Cymru Regional Board, said: “Social Bite makes a positive difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The festive season often brings into focus the hardship so many face every day.

“We know that people want to help but don’t know how. We’re excited to support Social Bite’s inspiring ‘Festival of Kindness’ initiative, giving our customers a way to gift a homeless person a warm meal.

“We encourage everyone to join in and help make the festive season a little brighter for the most vulnerable in our society.”

Josh Littlejohn MBE, Founder of Social Bite, added: “Social Bite is proud to have had the support of NatWest for a number of years, and together, we’ve made great strides to help people break the cycle of homelessness.

“For many of us, Christmas is a period where we look forward to spending time with friends, family and loved ones. However, the reality is very different for people without a place to call home over the festive season. With homelessness rising across the UK, it’s more important than ever that we do what we can to help people affected by homelessness and food poverty.

“A big thank you to all the wonderful NatWest customers who chose to donate their rewards to Social Bite. Your contribution will make a real difference to someone in need, including a hot meal with all the trimmings in loving company on Christmas Day.”

To find out more about NatWest’s MyRewards and the other charities which are being supported, please visit: https://personal.secure1.natwest.com/app/MyRewards

Information on Social Bite’s Festival can be found: https://www.social-bite.co.uk/