News

Second homes money boost for affordable housing scheme

Published

3 years ago

May 25, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

£100,000 from Pembrokeshire’s second homes council tax premium funds have been awarded to a community group to help provide affordable housing.

Members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, at their May meeting, considered a business case made by Nolton & Roch Community Land Trust for financial support to purchase a parcel of land.

A report for members said: “The [Trust] has requested funding from the council towards the purchase of a parcel of land for affordable housing. The Second Home Council Tax Premium may be used by the council to assist with community led Housing developments to increase the supply of affordable housing.”

Members heard a suitable plot – whittled down from an initial six – had been identified, which could accommodate up to 19 homes, the Trust working in partnership with ateb Housing Association.

“Through this partnership, it is anticipated that ateb will seek a Social Housing Grant towards the cost of the build,” members heard.

In its application, Nolton and Roch community Land Trust said the landowner had agreed to the sale of the land at “a very attractive price”.

It said the cost of meeting Welsh Government requirements for energy performance standards, and a hope of building zero-carbon houses, had led to the hopes of financial support from the county council to purchase the site.

It added: “We also request sufficient funding to engage a buildings design consultant who can support our CLT during the project. Although enthusiastic and reasonably technically competent our Board does not possess sufficient expertise to understand fully the industry-specific technicalities nor the detailed legislation.

“An experienced consultant will help to ensure that our expectations are realistic, that our viewpoint is properly heard and understood and, importantly, it will help us to keep track of the project and oversee progress.”

It was recommended that £100,000, plus up to £10,000 towards legal fees, be allocated towards acquisition of land.

Cabinet members unanimously supported the recommendation, Councillor Neil Prior – who moved approval – praising the role of the Trust in “taking on the initiative”.

He was backed by Councillor Michelle Bateman, who said: “We know there’s a housing crisis in Pembrokeshire, it’s really good to see a pro-active group coming forward.”

Cllr Bateman said she hoped to see similar proposals in other areas: “It’s not the solution to our housing crisis, but it’s a small part.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

10 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

10 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

11 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.