News

Appeal for larger accommodation to reunite Ukrainian families fleeing war

Published

3 years ago

March 4, 2023

A YEAR on since the Russian invasion of Ukraine hundreds of refugees are still no closer to returning home but people in Pembrokeshire can continue to help.

There is a desperate need for larger host accommodation for families and women and children across our County, where residents have already made incredible efforts to help those escaping the war.

Housing is a difficult issue in Pembrokeshire, as in other areas of the country, but using host accommodation means extra pressure is not put on the private rental market.

In the county’s welcome centres, where Welsh Government sponsored people are initially housed, there are many families – mostly women and their children – needing a host placement.

There are also individuals separated from family members, who are housed in other areas, desperate to be reunited.

The Ukrainian Resettlement Team is urging anyone with larger properties, a second home, an annex, caravan on land, or even a large room where a mother and child or small family could share, to consider being a host.

There are currently more than 50 active hosts who have Ukrainian families living with them in Pembrokeshire, and who are entitled to up to £500 Welsh Government thank you payment a month, while their arrangement lasts.

One host, Jemma, said that “helping Ukrainians in this country makes me feel that I am helping Ukrainians in their own country.” And as the mother and child she has been hosting with partner Mark prepare to move to new accommodation to be reunited with another family member, Jemma* adds: “It surprises me how despite language difficulties it is possible to achieve a rapport and real friendship with our Ukrainian guests.”

Throughout their stay Pembrokeshire County Council’s resettlement team are on hand to support hosts and Ukrainians alike, together with colleagues in the voluntary sector.

The Ukrainian families that are already here are extremely grateful to their hosts for their kindness. Could you open your home or property to a Ukrainian family fleeing the war?

You can contact The Resettlement Team on: 01437 776301 or [email protected]
*Names changed to protect identity

News

Hakin motorist banned after driving 14 times over drug limit

Published

4 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A HAKIN motorist has been banned from driving for three years after being caught behind the wheel with cocaine and benzoylecgonine in his system.

Mark Briskham, 53, of Waterloo Square, Wellington Road, Hakin, was stopped by police on January 5 as he drove a Ford Kuga along Steynton Road, near Milford Haven.

Blood tests carried out at the police station showed he had 800mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system. The legal limit is 50mcg.

He also had 64mcg of cocaine in his system. The legal limit is 10mcg.

Briskham pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

Magistrates disqualified him from driving for three years, taking into account a previous drug-drive conviction from 2020.

He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.cr

Crime

Begelly man remanded over alleged May Day assault

Published

4 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been remanded in custody following an alleged May Day assault against a woman in Begelly.

Tomas Baker, 34, of Ty Dee, New Road, Begelly, is accused of assaulting the woman, causing actual bodily harm, at an undisclosed location in Begelly on May 1.

Baker appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week by video link from Swansea Prison.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

His trial will take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on June 22.

Crime

Waterston man denies child rape and sexual assault charges

Published

4 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A WATERSTON man has appeared before magistrates charged with 13 sexual offences against children, including three allegations of raping a girl under the age of 13.

Chaisee Price, 25, of Biggins Hill, Waterston, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

He faces three charges of raping a girl under 13, eight charges of sexually assaulting girls aged between five and eight, and two charges of intentionally inciting girls under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2014 and 2019.

Price denied all charges.

Because of the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and the case will now proceed to Swansea Crown Court on July 10.

Price was released on conditional bail.

The conditions include a daily electronically monitored curfew between 6:00pm and 6:00am, no contact with the prosecution witness, no unsupervised contact with children under 18, and a requirement to surrender his passport to police.