News
Pembrokeshire business advice – Covid-19
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has issued a range of information and advice for local businesses in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Cllr David Simpson, Council Leader, said: “We know that many businesses are worried about the future. Please find below guidance and links to current information that you may find useful for your business and continuity. We will ensure that we update you as and when we have further helpful information.”
The following extract is taken from the Business Wales Website.
‘The Welsh Government has announced a package of support worth more than £1.4bn for small businesses to help them during the coronavirus outbreak.
‘Shops, leisure and hospitality businesses with a rateable value of £51,000 or less will receive 100% business rates relief and pubs with a rateable value of between £51,000 and £100,000 will receive a £5,000 reduction on their bill.
‘Expanding on this support a new package providing in 2020/21, retail, leisure and hospitality businesses in Wales with one year business rates relief and a grant of £25,000 for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses with a rateable value of between £12,001 and £51,000.
‘It also provides a £10,000 grant to all businesses eligible for Small Business Rates Relief with a rateable value of £12,000 or less’.
Businesses that qualify for this support will not need to do anything to apply for this scheme. This will be administered through the Business Rates system. You do not need to contact your Local Authority about this, you will receive information in due course.
The Welsh Government is exploring ways of supporting businesses who do not qualify for this scheme. Details of this support will be added to the Business Wales website once confirmed.’
Cllr David Simpson added: “For businesses located in Pembrokeshire that get rate relief please be informed that we will amend your bills shortly and will not be expecting a payment from you. You can therefore disregard any demands that have been sent to you.
“We are also looking into how we can process grants for any businesses that fall outside of this category and hope to be able to inform you on this as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, many banks are offering zero interest overdraft and loan facilities in the knowledge that funding from Government is forthcoming. We suggest therefore that you contact your bank for immediate support.
“We would also like to hear from businesses that have no rateable value in order that we can understand how much support is required. You can contact us on this via email at [email protected] ”
Further advice can also be found on the Business Wales Website: https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice https://businesswales.gov.wales/news-and-blogs/news/emergency-support-businesses-hit-coronavirus
In terms of Department for Work and Pensions support for employers, here is a useful link (via GOV.UK) https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-support-for-employees-benefit-claimants-and-businesses?utm_source=37472ed5-c0b4-4625-8801-549259dc908d&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate
Visit Wales provide some specific advice for tourism businesses regarding the situation. Please view: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKWALES/bulletins/280805d
We should all help protect ourselves and our communities by following Public Health Wales advice https://phw.nhs.wales/coronavirus
We are also starting to see banks such as Lloyds Banking Group offer packages of support. For more information, please view https://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/globalassets/documents/media/press-releases/lloyds-banking-group/2020/covid-19-support-for-businesses.pdf
HMRC has issued a helpline for businesses concerned about being able to pay your tax due to COVID-19. Access this dedicated helpline on 0800 0159 559. HMRC can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
If you are a business in Pembrokeshire renting one of the Council’s properties and are struggling to pay your rent, please get in touch with the Council’s Property Team by emailing [email protected] or via 01437 775874.
All the information above is also available on the Council’s website at https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/business-advice-and-support
Community
Appeal for information on war-time friend as US veteran turns 99
AN American WWII veteran, who was once stationed in Haverfordwest during 1944, is reaching out over international waters to reconnect with the family of a long-lost friend,.
At the remarkable age of 99, John Jecovich, seeks assistance from local residents to uncover any information regarding Jean Young, a friend he made during his service in the town. The quest to find Jean or her descendants comes as the D-Day celebrations approach, adding a poignant note to this year’s commemorations.
Jean-Marc Bordeaux, a representative of the Jecovich family, explained that Mr. Jecovich’s memory of his time in Haverfordwest and his friendship with Ms. Young remains strong. According to Mr. Jecovich, Jean was around 24 or 25 years old in 1944, while he was just 19. “John recalls that Jean’s father might have been a mayor or manager of the town, and she worked at an office with him on what he believes was East Essex Street,” Mr. Bordeaux shared.
The appeal stretches beyond local boundaries, aiming to touch anyone who might remember the Young family or have records that could shed light on their whereabouts. The family has also provided a contact number in the United States and a link to a YouTube channel featuring Mr. Jecovich, to help Pembrokeshire locals get a personal glimpse of the man behind the appeal.
“This is more than a search; it’s a call to our sense of community and historical camaraderie,” said Mr. Bordeaux, expressing hope that Pembrokeshire’s residents will embrace the opportunity to aid this venerable veteran. “We believe that with the help of the local media and the community’s collective memory, we can piece together Jean’s story and, hopefully, reconnect Mr. Jecovich with his friend’s family.”
The Jecovich family eagerly awaits any information that can be provided by the people of Haverfordwest, as they hold on to the hope of a meaningful reunion, be it through memories or family connections.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact The Herald.
This story not only celebrates a longstanding friendship forged in wartime but also underscores the lasting bonds that such experiences can create.
Community
Pembrokeshire County Council’s Resettlement and Migration Team needs you…
IT is just over two years since the invasion of Ukraine, and the situation has not improved enough to allow families to return and rebuild their lives and homes.
We are reaching out again to the people of Pembrokeshire, to come forward and provide homes for Ukraine families and support us to help the Wales Nation of Sanctuary efforts for refugees.
It is known there is a lack of affordable accommodation in Pembrokeshire and we do not want to place additional pressures on this sector. This is why it is vitally important for us to use hosting arrangements to support Ukrainian families.
Pembrokeshire County Council has an impressive 52 hosts, who continue to provide an immense level of kindness and support to 113 Ukraine people.
The Ukraine families are extremely grateful to be able to seek sanctuary, build a life and to continue to provide for their families until it is safe to return home.
One person being hosted in Pembrokeshire said: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the UK government, the local community of Pembrokeshire, and my lovely hosts for their support and assistance in this difficult time for Ukrainians.
“The local council always provides all the support I need and helps me solve various problems.
“It should be noted that I am very lucky with my hosts, I feel safe in their home, and they are always happy to give advice and help. They are more than hosts to me, they have become my friends.”
Another added: “Thank you for always being in touch, always ready to help me and my children. We are happy to have received such support in your country.”
The UK and Welsh Government have extended the Homes for Ukraine scheme, and our team are looking for additional hosts to come forward, who can open their hearts and homes to offer a safe place for Ukraine families to live.
Under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, hosts are entitled to a £500 tax free thank you payment for each month a Ukraine person lives with them.
There is a need for larger accommodation to home reunited families and more accommodation of two bedrooms or more is sought. If this is near any of Pembrokeshire’s towns or with access to transport networks that would be desirable.
If you feel that you, could open your homes, to a Ukraine family please contact 01437 776301 or [email protected] and the team will provide you with more information and explain the support that is given to our hosts in order to build a strong hosting relationship.
Many of our hosts have been providing a home for a year or more and the Council recently held an event for our hosts as a thank you for their continued support. We asked them for feedback and received some lovely comments:
“It is so vital to be able to contact people from the county council to seek help or advice when needed. We have found that the team in Pembrokeshire make themselves available, provide help when needed. A good team who seem to work well together”.
Another added: “We are very pleased to be able to help out, our guests are charming and hardworking… the support we had from Pembrokeshire was amazing.”
Community
Locals’ concern as St Davids scout hut threatened with demolition
THERE is widespread concern over the future of St David’s Scout Hut in Ffynnon Wen, which faces potential closure and demolition.
Built in 1992 through public donations and local craftsmanship, the hut has served as a vital community hub. Despite being a cherished venue for numerous groups and events, its future is now uncertain as the Scouts can no longer manage the facility.
The hut, situated on land owned by Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC), was offered to St David’s City Council by the Scouts in an effort to save it from demolition.
A generous offer of a 125-year rent-free land lease from PCC accompanies this proposal. The Scout association expressed hope that, should scouting resume in St Davids, the group would be welcomed back under the same terms currently extended to other community groups.
The urgency of the situation brought together over 70 locals for a fundraising coffee morning at the hut, raising £312. The event underscored the community’s strong desire to preserve this facility, with attendees expressing enthusiastic support for its continued use.
The city council is expected to meet soon to decide whether to accept the building and lease the land. Vicky Swales, representing the Scout Hut Supporters Group, highlighted the importance of the hut for activities involving adults with learning disabilities, praising its accessibility and the benefits it provides to participants.
County Councillor Bethan Price reflected on the gathering, noting the community’s strong connection to the hut and their collective determination to save it. Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, Henry Tufnell, also voiced support, stressing the importance of such community spaces in tourist-heavy areas like St Davids.
Residents are encouraged to show their support by signing a petition, joining a dedicated Facebook group, and contributing to a crowdfunding initiative aimed at securing the hut’s future.
You can view/sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/SaveOurScoutHut and join the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/327075857010593/. There is also a crowdfunding page to support the campaign here: https://gofund.me/bea77036
-
News24 hours ago
Police investigating after woman found dead on beach near Pennar
-
News1 day ago
Police discover body in search for Luke Stephenson, 19
-
Crime2 days ago
Llandissilio man accused of making hundreds of child abuse images
-
News22 hours ago
Councillors block Milford Haven boxing event – promoter to appeal
-
Business6 days ago
Largest Welsh port appoints communications and marketing director
-
Business2 days ago
Lidl GB eyes Pembroke Dock for new larger supermarket
-
News2 days ago
Search efforts continue for missing teenager Luke Stephenson
-
News4 days ago
‘Honest’ caravan site owner ran site ‘under the radar’ for 20 years