Community

Community take-over of local shop inspires Senedd member

Published

2 years ago

February 19, 2023

THE STORY of how a small Pembrokeshire town clubbed together to save a community shop has inspired one Senedd Member to visit to hear more about how the enterprise works.

Eluned Morgan called by to meet with directors and volunteers to hear about the scale of the task and their ambitious plans for the future.

Last year, a fundraising scheme supported by Cris Tomos of PLANED, finally raised enough cash to purchase Harvard’s hardware store which has traded on Newport’s East Street since 1840.

The project has received international attention, with a German TV crew the latest in a series of media outlets keen to hear how Newport has taken a stand to preserving a local asset against the backdrop of second home ownership, an aging population and online sales and next day delivery.

Eluned said: “Especially in our villages and towns, small shops have and continue to play an important role in the fabric of local life and contribute positively to the wellbeing of our communities.

“Harvard’s community hardware store is a great example of how community action and the share scheme is inspiring other communities to purchase other local assets, like pubs which can also be a focal point where little other social space exists.”

“We know that by shopping locally, the pound in our pocket works harder by supporting local jobs and strengthening the local economy. I wish Harvard’s every success for the future, with continued support, this community owned business will go from strength to strength and act as a beacon to others in these difficult economic times.”

Cris Tomos the Community Assets Coordinator at PLANED who is also a committee member with Siop Harvard’s noted: “ t has been a great team effort to raise the money to ensure that Harvard’s hardware store remains open, there was a real threat that the doors would shut and all the stock and fixtures sold, with another empty retail space disappearing.”

“The community shares model has worked really well and the business plan outlines that community investors will receive an annual 3% dividend with a planned tax relief of 30% being claimed by qualifying investors in year one.”

Chris Morgan the company secretary confirmed “We have raised over £450,000 from investors near and far. Keeping the shop open was the major driver to ensure that future generations can enjoy the experience of a local community run ironmongers shop.

“We are told that this is the first community owned hardware shop in the whole of the UK and it is a tribute to the local people of Newport for ensuring this important asset has been saved from closure.”

Photo: (indoors) Pictured are (L-R) Jane Thomas, Chris Morgan, Ros McGarry, John Harries, Cris Tomos and Eluned Morgan MS.

Community

Dredging work takes place at Tenby harbour

Published

6 hours ago

March 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TENBY HARBOUR and North Beach users are being asked to be aware of heavy moving machinery as dredging work is carried out.

Sand will be removed from the mouth of the Harbour and deposited at the north end of the beach. The work will not affect vessel movements at the Harbour.

The work started on Monday and will continue to Thursday, March 13.

Tenby Harbourmaster Chris Salisbury said a licence for the dredging is in place.

“We ask that the public please keep clear of the operating area and that dogs are kept on a lead during this time,” Chris added.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “I’m grateful to our officers for the work being undertaken at Tenby Harbour – this dredging is essential for the operation of Tenby Harbour.

“The timing of the work has been governed by the tide and the dates represented the last opportunity for the work to be carried out before the boats are placed back in the water.”

Community

Planning a VE Day street party? Don’t forget to apply for a road closure

Published

8 hours ago

March 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ARE you planning a street party to celebrate the 80^th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day this May?

If so, please ensure you apply for a temporary road closure to Pembrokeshire County Council’s traffic team by March 24th.

There are four days of celebration planned for the UK from May 5^th to 8^th including military processions, flypast, concerts and a special service at Westminster Abbey.

Communities are also invited to come together to celebrate this historic occasion and the Council will waive road closure application fee. Costs associated with any required Traffic Management would be payable by applicants.

The Council will be collating all successful temporary road closure applications into one order

To allow time for processing, applications must be received by Monday, March 24th.

In order to consider a road closure application, please provide:

· Name of applicant

· Contact details – email address, full address and telephone number

· Location of event – this would need to be residential street/close/estate and not a main arterial route

· Date (specify May 5th, 6^th, 7^th or 8^th) and times of the proposed event

· Plan – please provide a plan or sketch of where you wish to hold the event

All temporary road closure applications must be sent to [email protected] by March 24th at the latest.

Requests will be assessed for suitability before permission is granted.

Information will then be provided on how to proceed, clear signage will be required for closures of the Public Highway. A traffic management company would be required to advise on what is necessary and to supply at the applicant’s expense.

Please note an application should only be submitted where the event is requested to take place on the highway.

Applicants are kindly asked to liaise with their local town or community council before submitting to ensure there is no duplication of applications.

Events ‘off road’ on grassed areas, village greens, play parks etc. would need the landowners’ permission.

Community

Sign up now and join Spring Clean Cymru 2025: March 21– April 6

Published

8 hours ago

March 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

COMMUNITIES across Wales are invited to join Spring Clean Cymru 2025 and help pick up the litter that pollutes our neighbourhoods, beaches and parks.

The 2024 event saw 5,000 volunteers take part in 700 events across Wales. Keep Wales Tidy hopes to beat that in 2025, making this year the most successful spring clean yet.

Families, friends, community groups, schools, businesses and individuals can get involved between Friday 21 March and Sunday 6 April 2025.

Participants can register their own event – such as litter picking their street, local park, beach or other beauty spot – or sign up to join an organised clean-up on the Keep Wales Tidy website.

Spring Clean Cymru is part of the Great British Spring Clean, run in England by Keep Britain Tidy and in Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Every single piece of litter collected and safely disposed of makes a difference in protecting the environment in Wales, whether you pick up one bag or 100.

This year Spring Clean Cymru will kick off with a World Record Attempt. Keep Wales Tidy, and other likeminded organisations are partnering with leading environmentalist Kate Strong and freshwater expert Dr Numair Masud to break a new Guinness World Record for Most Participants in a River Clean-up (at Multiple Locations). The attempt will begin in locations along the River Taff, including Merthyr Tydfil, Pontypridd and Cardiff’s Taff Embankment from the stroke of midday on Friday 21 March.

Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive Owen Derbyshire said: “Every year we are inspired and humbled by the thousands of people across Wales who take part in Spring Clean Cymru and give their time to make a cleaner Wales for everyone. Our message this year is #LoveWhereYouLive and we really see that in the commitment of those who take part.

“In an ideal world, there would be no need for people to spend time litter picking, but we are continually grateful to everyone who does so, making their local communities and beauty spots cleaner and safer for everyone.”

He added: “Litter picking is a great way of coming together as a community, getting active outdoors, and benefitting your health and wellbeing. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never taken part before – all the information you need is on our website. Every single piece of litter picked up makes a difference and we’d love for you to join us in looking after and protecting the environment in Wales.”

You can register or search for a Spring Clean event near you on the Keep Wales Tidy website: www.keepwalestidy.cymru