News
Affordable homes strategy to be developed for Pembrokeshire
CABINET members have agreed to publish an affordable homes strategy for Pembrokeshire.
Councillor David Lloyd had submitted a notice of motion in November 2020, calling for the strategy to be developed as ‘a matter of urgency’.
In his supporting statement, Cllr Lloyd said that he had seen many streets in St Davids ‘hollowed out by local homes becoming second homes or holiday lets’.
Speaking at Cabinet on Monday, February 15, he added that he was greatly encouraged that work was already underway looking at this issue.
“If we are to protect our communities and keep them cohesive, we have got to take radical action”, Cllr Lloyd added.
Cabinet member for Housing, Cllr Michelle Bateman said that the situation had been brought into sharper focus since November and that they had seen the impact that covid-19 has had on house prices.
She added that work is ongoing but added that it was ‘good to have it out in the public’.
Cllr Jon Harvey said it was very important in the context of many areas in Pembrokeshire and said setting up a task and finish group would be a ‘good move’.
He added that there was also an opportunity to lobby the Welsh Government over the use classes order whereby houses could be listed as a primary or secondary residence.
Finance cabinet member, Cllr Bob Kilmister added that there was a possibility of increasing second homes council tax which could bring extra support.
“We do have a major crisis for people in the coastal communities and it is incumbent on us to find a way around this”, he said. “Housing is the most important issue there is in many respects because if you haven’t got a decent home you haven’t got a start in life.”
Cllr Cris Tomos highlighted that a speaker at the last council meeting had said how concerned they were that rural and coastal communities were seeing more and more second homes.
He added: “The whole composition of communities is changing as less and less local people have houses, so then the whole resilience and composite of communities is changing. So it is important that we do have houses for local people so communities can thrive.”
The recommendation was unanimously supported by the Cabinet.
The Leader, Cllr David Simpson added that Cllr Lloyd could see that Cabinet was fully behind what he is trying to do and said they would move forward in a way that would benefit all of Pembrokeshire.
Cllr Lloyd concluded that the early work that is ongoing confirmed the talent the council has got to deliver this project.
It is hoped that the strategy will be ready to be published by September 2021.
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
Community
Water supply disruption in Hakin, Milford Haven due to burst pipe
RESIDENTS of Hakin in Milford Haven may be facing water supply issues after a burst water main was discovered in the area. Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has confirmed the incident, which has occurred on their network, and is likely to affect the water pressure or result in a complete cut-off.
The company issued a notification at 11:53 AM today (May 2), detailing the problem and advising local residents of possible low water pressure or a lack of water supply until the issue is resolved. The affected post code is SA73 3AB, where the burst pipe was located.
The status of the repair work is currently at ‘Stage 1 – Investigation’, with both the estimated start and completion of the repair set for today, May 2nd, 2024. Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has apologised for any inconvenience caused by the incident and urges residents to check their website for updates.
Local authorities and emergency services are coordinating to minimise the disruption and ensure that residents have access to alternative water supplies if necessary.
Residents can stay informed by visiting the Dwr Cymru Welsh Water digital service portal or by subscribing to updates from the utility provider. The company has also provided a link for those wishing to unsubscribe from notifications, ensuring that only those directly affected or interested receive the latest updates.
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