News

Plaid calls for extension of Rural Fuel Duty Relief to aid Pembrokeshire drivers

Published

4 years ago

March 10, 2022

PLAID CYMRU politicians have urged the UK Government to extend the Rural Fuel Duty Relief scheme to rural areas of Wales to help mitigate pressures on Pembrokeshire commuters.

Currently, Wales is the most car-dependent nation in the UK due to poor public transport investment, with areas of rural Wales, including Pembrokeshire particularly volatile to the rocketing price of fuel, which have already seen UK petrol prices surging to over 170p per litre in many areas.

With costs escalating, Cefin Campbell MS, Plaid Cymru Senedd Member for Mid & West Wales has supported calls short term measures must include extending the rural fuel duty relief scheme to Wales, to alleviate some of the pressure on households.

Currently, the Rural Fuel Duty Relief allows retailers to claim back up to 5p per litre duty relief on unleaded petrol and diesel, and pass on the savings to customers, covering 17 areas of England and Scotland, including parts of the Highlands, Argyll and Bute, Northumberland, Cumbria, Devon and North Yorkshire. No areas of Wales are currently eligible for the scheme.

Earlier this week, Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader, Liz Saville Roberts MP challenged the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Kwasi Kwarteng MP to extend the scheme to Wales. Responding, Mr Kwarteng said that it was not his decision to take but that he would speak to Government colleagues.

Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Mid & West Wales said:

“Starved of public transport investment, Pembrokeshire is amongst one of the most car dependent areas in the UK, and residents are already feeling the pinch at the pump from surging fuel prices.

In Pembrokeshire alone, around 15% of households already live in fuel poverty, and the surge in cost of living, together with energy and fuels costs is disproportionately affecting residents.

With fuel prices ballooning, I have no doubt the UK Government should look to consider short-term measures, such as extending the Rural Fuel Duty Relief Scheme – already in place in many rural regions of Scotland and England – to ensure at least some level of support to rural residents at the challenging time.”

Liz Saville Roberts, Plaid Cymru Member of Parliament for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, added: “Ending our dependence on Russian fossil fuels is crucial to punish Putin for his illegal attacks on a peaceful neighbour. But with nearly half of Welsh SMEs located in rural areas and Wales the most car-dependent nation in the UK for commuting, we urgently need tailored support to provide relief from rising off-grid energy bills and fuel prices.

“The cost-of-living crisis is already hitting our communities hard. It is crucial that the UK Government takes every possible step to mitigate the impact on those most exposed to rising prices.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.