Community

Charities warn older people about insulating lofts with spray foam

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2024

THE WALES Against Scams Partnership (WASP) is urging older and other vulnerable people to seek advice before agreeing to insulate their lofts with spray foam following a spate of rogue traders misleading older people worried about soaring energy bills.

The Partnership warns that while spray foam is legal, it is only appropriate in specific and limited circumstances and should only be applied by specialists. It should never be marketed as a quick fix solution to loft insulation problems as improper use can cause structural damage and make it very difficult to sell a property, as mortgage lenders are becoming increasingly cautious about spray foam.

Age Cymru’s policy officer Sam Young, who heads WASP, says “We understand that many older people are worried about how they are going to pay their fuel bills this winter and as a result may be even more vulnerable to rogue traders.

“Previous studies have shown that older people are the most likely age group to be targeted by scammers, with data from National Trading Standards showing that 85% of victims of doorstep scams are over 65.

“In all situations we would urge older people to seek expert advice first and then make sure they’re claiming all their entitlements.

“However, millions of pounds worth of support, including £200m worth of Pension Credit, go unclaimed in Wales each year.

“Age Cymru publishes a free guide called More Money in Your Pocket that offers information about a range of benefits and how to go about claiming them.”

Care & Repair Cymru, also a WASP member, provides home safety improvements for their clients. From their work in the community, they found:

One client paid more than £4,000 for spray foam loft insulation that was sold by a doorstep trader. The clients were older people with various health problems, including sight and hearing loss and would have appeared vulnerable to the rogue trader.

Another older client was persuaded to pay a £2,000 deposit for spray foam. Their family stopped the work from going ahead.
One rogue trader claimed that a UK Government grant would cover most of the work, and that the client would ‘only’ have to pay £2,500 for installation.
An older client bought spray foam loft insulation for £3,500 and found they were unable to sell their house as a result. It cost £2,000 to remove the foam before the house could be put back on the market. However, the house was off the market for two months and during that time property value had dropped by £15,000.

Care & Repair Cymru’s chief executive Chris Jones says “Making your home more energy efficient is still important for your health, your finances, and the climate. However, we would urge people to be cautious and to do lots of research before going ahead with spray foam insulation work.

“Some local authorities have trusted trader lists, while they all should be able to advise on housing and environmental health queries.

“Trading Standards will have lists of approved traders under their ‘Buy with Confidence’ service while local Care & Repair Cymru branches will be able to offer advice on reliable contractors working in their areas.”

Tony Neate, chief executive officer at Get Safe Online added “Although traditionally you think of rogue builders approaching you on your doorstep, it’s also important not to be conned by online adverts. “Before you commit, make sure you do your homework. Check that the builder is reputable by looking at reviews and ensure your mortgage provider agrees with any alterations you’re thinking of doing.”

If you want to talk to someone directly about benefits and entitlements, and any of the issues raised in this news release call Age Cymru on 0300 303 44 98 (charged at a local rate) Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm. You may also email [email protected] or visit www.agecymru.org.uk/cost-of-living.

Community

Youth hub coming to Pembrokeshire – but location still unknown

Published

37 minutes ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New support service confirmed for young people, but exact site yet to be revealed

A NEW youth hub is set to open in Pembrokeshire as part of a major UK Government rollout aimed at helping young people into work — but officials have not yet confirmed where it will be based.

The hub is one of 12 new sites announced across Wales, designed to support 16 to 24-year-olds with access to jobs, training, mental health services and housing advice under one roof.

The Department for Work and Pensions said the hubs will bring together Jobcentre Plus, local authorities, employers and training providers to help young people who are not currently in education, employment or training.

However, while Pembrokeshire has been named as a location, no further detail has been provided on which town or building will host the service.

The Herald understands that such hubs are often based in or alongside existing Jobcentre Plus offices or council-run facilities, but at this stage no confirmation has been given for Pembrokeshire.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “Today marks a major boost for young people across Wales.

“We are delivering support in every region, connecting young people with employers and meeting them where they are so they can take the first step into work.”

The announcement also includes plans to hand more control over employment support funding to the Welsh Government, with £20 million already allocated to pilot schemes aimed at tackling economic inactivity.

Minister for Skills Jack Sargeant said the move would allow programmes to be tailored to local communities.

“Decisions about getting people back into work are made by those who know their communities best,” he said.

The new hubs form part of a wider UK-wide plan to ensure every area has access to a Youth Hub, amid concerns about rising numbers of young people not in work or education.

Further details, including the exact location of the Pembrokeshire hub and when it will open, are expected to be announced at a later date.

Business

Tenby sailing club works approved by national park

Published

18 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for works to Tenby’s listed building sailing club to improve energy efficiency for the community organisation has been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Harrison Richards of Tenby Sailing Club sought permission for replacing 24 timber windows at the Grade-II-listed Tenby Sailing Club, Penniless Cove Hill, with new Accoya timber double-glazed units.

The application added: “An energy survey conducted by Dragon Energy Consultants highlighted the existing single glazing and rotten window frames as a significant contributor to the club’s energy consumption.

“Tenby Sailing Club is a community organisation which seeks to organise activities year-round but faces significant energy costs being housed in a historic building. The current windows are beyond repair, with cracked glazing, decay, water ingress, and poor energy efficiency.

“The two windows at balcony level are not included, as they were previously replaced and remain in good condition. All new units will replicate the existing profiles, dimensions, glazing patterns, and overall appearance, ensuring no visual change to the building’s character.

“The neighbouring three-storey harbour stores occupied by Tenby Sea Cadets have previously replaced the building’s windows with double glazing. This like-for-like replacement in appearance will improve durability, weather resistance, and thermal performance while preserving the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building.”

An officer report recommending approval said: “The Sailing Club was built as a warehouse c. 1825, abutting the C17 sluice. Originally wine stores, it was later used by the local fishermen for stores and is now the home to Tenby Sailing Club, established in 1936.”

It said no adverse comments to the proposals had been received.

It added: “The proposal is to replace the majority (24 total) of windows in painted timber, double-glazed with face-mounted glazing bars of traditional scale and profile. Whilst a modern practice of glazing, the proposal involves no loss of historic fabric, provides an obvious visual improvement and addresses concerns as to heating costs.”

It finished: “The scheme is considered to be in keeping with the character of the listed building, and its setting in terms of design and form. As such, the application can be supported subject to conditions.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.

Community

Fire tears through Carmarthenshire property as police launch appeal

Published

21 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Residents evacuated after early morning blaze on Lady Street, Kidwelly

A MAJOR emergency response was launched in Kidwelly in the early hours of Tuesday (Mar 24) after a fire broke out at a three-storey terraced property on Lady Street.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to the scene at 4:06am, with multiple appliances attending from Kidwelly, Pontiets, Llanelli, Morriston, Tumble, Carmarthen and Port Talbot.

The fire was located on the third floor of the building, with dramatic scenes as flames could be seen through an upstairs window while firefighters worked from ladders and an aerial platform to bring the blaze under control.

Eight breathing apparatus sets were deployed, alongside two hose reel jets, two 45mm hoses, thermal imaging cameras and other specialist equipment. Additional support came from water bowser units and an aerial ladder platform from Morriston.

Several neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution, while other residents were advised to remain indoors during the incident.

Crews remained at the scene for several hours, finally leaving at 1:45pm after ensuring the fire was fully extinguished and surrounding buildings were safe. Firefighters also carried out reassurance visits, offering safety advice to nearby residents.

Lady Street remains closed, with access to a number of properties still restricted due to safety concerns.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed the cause of the fire is currently being treated as unexplained and have launched an appeal for information.

A spokesperson said anyone who may have CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage between 11:00pm on Monday (Mar 23) and 4:00am on Tuesday (Mar 24) should come forward.