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5,346 empty homes: Pembrokeshire’s growing empty property crisis

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In the wake of an alarming 5.1% hike in UK rents in the last 12 months and a spiralling demand for homes, recent findings shed light on a concerning number of vacant properties dotted across the nation. Despite the fierce battle for housing, a surprising total of 760,821 properties remain uninhabited in England, Scotland, and Wales.

In a recent study conducted by Alan Boswell Landlord Building Insurance, the hotspots for such vacant properties have been mapped out. Pembrokeshire sadly is third in the ranking of regions with the most unoccupied homes.

Pembrokeshire boasts 4,331 empty properties for every 100,000 inhabitants, translating to a total of 5,346 deserted homes. The area, renowned for its captivating beauty and heritage, has seen a significant portion (74%) of its vacant properties belonging to individuals who own them as second or holiday homes. Such trends have not only prevented locals from securing a property in their hometown but have also inflated the median property price to £153,402.

Leading the list is Gwynedd in north-west Wales, recording an astounding 5,286 vacant properties per 100k residents. The surge in holiday homes in this picturesque county means a staggering 77% of these vacant homes are seldom occupied. In second place stands Argyll and Bute, offering stunning historical vistas but housing 4,887 empty homes for every 100k people.

Though the full dataset reveals a broader issue spanning the entire country, the spotlight today is on Pembrokeshire’s concerning position in this list. The influx of holiday homeowners has undeniably impacted the local housing market, leaving an imprint that might require immediate attention.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

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