News

Ogi scraps price hikes for customers helping to ease the pressure on household spending

Published

3 years ago

February 16, 2023

OGI, Wales’s leading alternative network provider (altnet), has today revealed plans to freeze prices – including this April’s mid-contract rise – until at least March 2024.

While millions of households are bracing themselves for price increases across their utility services this Spring, Ogi will ‘buck the trend’ and scrap this year’s annual price rise for existing customers, while continuing to offer its 6-months free deal to new home-users, all in a bid to help ease the pressure on rising household bills.

The Wales-based broadband provider, which reduced its overall package prices by 10% in response to the cost-of-living last year, is guaranteeing no new service price rises – for new and existing home customers – until the next review in 2024.

This follows on from the package of support for staff launched at the end of 2022, including financial planning advice and workshops, and a cost-of-living salary top up scheme accessed by around two-thirds of staff.

The popularity of full fibre broadband has gained momentum in recent years, with home and business customers increasingly looking for faster, more reliable connections. Ogi’s ultrafast fibre to the door (FTTP) services offer just that, and with its Gigabit-capable speeds, the provider has gained a reputation for excellent customer service in its first 18-months.

Chief Revenue officer, Sally-Anne Skinner, said: “We’re all feeling the squeeze right now – and it’s simply not the time to be adding onto already stretched household budgets.

“We know that people are facing so much pressure at the moment – and we’re not immune to it either. But right now it feels more important than ever that we give customers some reassurance, and help them balance the books, without the worry of price rises over the next year.”

Chief Executive Officer, Ben Allwright, added: “It’s not a decision taken lightly; as a business we continue to feel the pressures of rising energy and staffing costs, as well as the rising prices of raw materials throughout our supply chain. But this is about doing what we think is right for our customers and – in the long run – what is right for our growing business.

“As a critical utility provider, we’re proud to be in a position to support Welsh customers in this way, bringing a world-class service that has the potential to make a big difference to people at home and at work.”

Business owner and home customer from Haverfordwest, Martin Davies, said: “Work doesn’t end when I get home. I’m constantly on the internet, so a really good connection is important to me.

“Having an ultrafast connection gives me that added confidence I’ll get things done; and now, knowing the price isn’t going to go up this year is a huge relief – it’s almost like a digital caffeine kick at the end of the day.”

Broadband providers typically increase prices at the beginning of a new tax year based on the Consumer Pricing Index (CPI) rate announced in January, plus a discretionary percentage. This commitment from Ogi means no price rises for existing customers this year [2023], with a sector-leading 6-month free broadband and voice service offering for new home customers making the next-generation technology accessible to more people.

Education

Haverfordwest High closes early after heat raises safety concerns

Published

20 minutes ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST VC HIGH SCHOOL has closed early today after extreme heat affected wall-mounted soundproofing boards around the building.

The school said several of the boards, including some positioned at height, could become unsafe and fall from the walls.

Pupils were initially moved to safe areas and placed under supervision while the situation was assessed by the school’s site management team and Pembrokeshire County Council maintenance officers.

Following discussions, a decision was made to close the school early so the boards could be removed safely.

School buses were due to arrive at 1.15pm to transport pupils who normally travel home by bus. Children attending a trip at Scolton Manor were expected to return to the school by 1pm.

Parents and carers who usually collect their children were asked to do so from 1.30pm.

Pupils who normally walk home were only permitted to leave after receiving parental permission. Parents could provide permission by sending their child a text message to show their form tutor or by contacting the school reception.

The school said it expected the affected boards to be removed today, allowing the school to reopen as normal tomorrow, Tuesday, July 14.

Parents will be updated through ParentMail if the work cannot be completed as planned.

Entertainment

Open-air theatre brings mystery and musical adventure to Carew Castle

Published

2 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SUMMER evenings at Carew Castle will be filled with mystery, music and family entertainment as two much-loved stories are brought to life in the historic castle grounds.

Audiences are being invited to pack a picnic, bring a rug or low-backed chair and enjoy professional touring theatre in one of Pembrokeshire’s most atmospheric settings.

Hot drinks and ice creams will also be available during the performances.

The first of this summer’s open-air productions takes place on Thursday, July 30, when the critically acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company presents a new adaptation of Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Featuring live music, audience interaction and inventive theatrical comedy, the production follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate the deadly secret behind the Baskerville family curse.

Suitable for all ages, although parental guidance is advised, the show promises an evening of suspense, mayhem and laughter.

The entertainment continues on Tuesday, August 4, when Immersion Theatre brings its trademark energy to a musical adaptation of The Jungle Book.

Packed with original songs, audience participation and larger-than-life characters, the production follows Mowgli, Baloo and Bagheera on a fast-paced jungle adventure.

The story features cheeky monkeys, a slithering snake and the fearsome tiger Shere Khan.

Recommended for children aged four and above, the show promises a funny, exciting and entertaining evening for the whole family.

Daisy Hughes, manager of Carew Castle, said: “What works so well about outdoor theatre at Carew Castle is the relaxed, sociable feel of it.

“People can bring a picnic, settle in with family and friends, and enjoy professional touring theatre without the formality of a traditional auditorium.

“This year’s productions offer two very different experiences, from the suspense and humour of Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles to the colour, music and energy of The Jungle Book.

“They are exactly the kind of performances that work beautifully outdoors, with plenty for families and theatre fans to enjoy.”

Gates will open at 5.30pm for Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles, with the performance beginning at 6.30pm.

The show will run for approximately two hours, including an interval.

For The Jungle Book, gates will open at 4.45pm and the performance will begin at 5.30pm.

The show has an approximate running time of one hour and 25 minutes, with an interval between acts.

Tickets cost £16 for adults and £12 for children aged between three and 16.

A family ticket, covering two adults and two children or three adults and one child, costs £50.

Booking is essential through the Carew Castle website.

Tickets are non-refundable and performances will go ahead in wet weather. Visitors are advised to wear warm, waterproof clothing and bring a torch.

Caption: Live theatre returns to Carew Castle this summer, bringing stories, songs and suspense to the historic grounds.

Crime

Operation Lion returns to tackle summer antisocial behaviour in Tenby

Published

2 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A JOINT policing operation aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour in Tenby and across Pembrokeshire will return during the busy summer holiday period.

Operation Lion brings together Transport for Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police and British Transport Police to provide an increased visible presence in the area as visitor numbers rise.

The annual operation, first launched in 2015, will run throughout the six-week school summer holidays, with dedicated patrols every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

British Transport Police officers will patrol Tenby and the surrounding area, working alongside Dyfed-Powys Police to respond to incidents and reassure residents, businesses and visitors.

Transport for Wales security teams will also patrol train services between Tenby and Pembroke Dock, while additional cover will be provided on the final service to Carmarthen.

The operation aims to reduce antisocial behaviour, public disorder and vandalism, while improving public safety through a visible police and security presence.

Organisers say the initiative has helped reduce summer incidents in previous years and has received positive feedback from businesses and communities in Tenby.

Transport for Wales security manager Simon Turton said: “We’re proud to once again support Operation Lion alongside our colleagues from British Transport Police and Dyfed-Powys Police.

“This initiative is a great example of partnership working in action. Through a proactive, community-focused approach, we have helped reduce antisocial behaviour in Tenby and across Pembrokeshire over the years, and we are committed to building on that success again this summer.

“Our aim is simple: to ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy everything these fantastic areas have to offer in a safe and welcoming environment.”