Damaged airbeds transformed into washbags and wallets through eco-partnership

AN AWARD-WINNING glamping company based in Pembrokeshire is taking bold steps to become more sustainable—thanks to support from Business Wales.

Nights Under Canvas, a family-run business specialising in luxury tent hire for weddings, festivals, corporate events and staycations, has introduced a range of eco-friendly initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact.

The company signed up to Business Wales’ Green Growth Pledge, a Welsh Government-backed scheme that helps businesses adopt more sustainable practices. With guidance from Business Wales Decarbonisation Adviser Sarah Gore, the company has implemented greener transport methods, improved waste management, and prioritised local sourcing.

One of its latest sustainability initiatives involves repurposing damaged airbeds into unique merchandise. The project sees Nights Under Canvas partner with Ecoast, a Saundersfoot-based retailer of recycled goods, and British upcycling brand Recycling Rachel. The result is a new range of washbags, wallets, purses and bumbags—made from salvaged materials and sold in-store.

Owner Steven Bradley said: “I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the environment, so improving our sustainability efforts was a key priority. Sarah’s support has been invaluable—we’re thrilled to be reducing waste and giving old materials a new life for our customers.”

Business Wales also helped Steven enhance the company’s online presence, offering digital support and training in website design, SEO, and social media strategy to help the business reach new audiences.

Sarah Gore praised the business’ efforts: “Steven’s passion for sustainability has been evident from day one. He’s constantly looking for new ways to reduce environmental impact, and Nights Under Canvas is a shining example of green growth in action.”

Business Wales is funded by the Welsh Government. For free support and advice, visit www.businesswales.gov.wales or call 03000 6 03000. Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg – we welcome calls in Welsh.

Up to £200 per child available for uniforms, shoes and school supplies

FAMILIES in Pembrokeshire are being encouraged to check whether they are eligible for financial support with the cost of school essentials, as part of a Welsh Government scheme.

Welsh Labour Members of the Senedd, Eluned Morgan and Joyce Watson, are promoting the School Essentials Grant, which offers up to £200 per child to help with items such as school uniforms, shoes, bags and learning materials.

Eluned Morgan MS said:
“As families continue to face cost-of-living pressures, it’s reassuring to know that help is available to ensure every child has access to the clothing, books and equipment they need. Welsh Labour will always prioritise supporting those most in need.”

The grant, introduced by the Welsh Labour Government in 2018, has already provided over £62million to more than 170,000 families across Wales in the past two years.

Joyce Watson MS added:
“This funding continues to be a vital source of support for families here in Pembrokeshire. I’d urge anyone who thinks they may be eligible to visit gov.wales/school-essentials-grant-help-school-costs or contact me directly on 0300 200 7093, or Eluned on 0300 200 7264.”

Eligible families can receive £125 per child per year. Children entering year 7 may qualify for £200 due to the increased cost of starting secondary school. All looked-after children are automatically entitled to the grant.

Applications for this year’s grant are now open and will close on 31 May 2026.

Over 1,200 liability orders issued in a single day at record-breaking hearing

MORE than 1,200 Pembrokeshire households were hit with court orders on Monday (July 7) for non-payment of council tax, The Pembrokeshire Herald can reveal.

At Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, a total of 1,270 liability orders were granted to Pembrokeshire County Council in a single session – according to a justice source this is the most ever in a single day. The court heard complaints relating to 1,500 defendants — one of the largest mass enforcement actions ever.

With an estimated 48,200 homes in Pembrokeshire, the figures suggest that more than 1 in every 40 households faced court action for unpaid council tax on the same day.

Court records show:

• 1,270 orders were granted,
• 142 cases were withdrawn, and
• 85 accounts were marked as paid before the hearing.

The council was represented by officer Dafydd Thomas, who gave evidence under oath. The session was conducted under Regulation 34 of the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992.

Enforcement action expected

A liability order gives the council the legal power to take further steps to recover the debt, including:

• Deducting money from wages or benefits,
• Placing charging orders on property, or
• Passing the case to bailiffs (enforcement agents).

The Herald has already reported on recent enforcement activity in Milford Haven, where vulnerable residents say they were threatened with forced entry by bailiffs — something that is not permitted under council tax law unless a specific legal process has been followed.

Council tax arrears at record levels

The court hearing follows recent Welsh Government figures revealing that council tax arrears across Wales now stand at £263 million, a 139% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Pembrokeshire County Council was owed £8.75 million in unpaid council tax as of March 2025 — up from £8.38 million the previous year.

Finance Minister Mark Drakeford recently described current enforcement rules as “too aggressive” and confirmed that the Welsh Government is consulting on proposals to extend the period before court action from two weeks to two months.

Pembrokeshire County Council have been contacted for comment.

Bailiff powers — know your rights

Council tax is a priority debt, meaning non-payment can lead to court action and enforcement — but residents still have rights.

Bailiffs cannot break into a home to collect council tax unless they’ve previously been inside and signed a Controlled Goods Agreement. They cannot force entry on a first visit and must not enter if a vulnerable person is home alone.

If you are struggling to pay or have been contacted by a bailiff, you can:

• Contact Pembrokeshire County Council directly to arrange a payment plan.
• Ask about the Council Tax Reduction Scheme or discounts such as single person discount.
• Get free help from Citizens Advice, StepChange, or National Debtline.
• If you are vulnerable, request that the council recall the case and apply its vulnerability policy.

If you have received a court summons or have been contacted by an enforcement agent, The Pembrokeshire Herald would like to hear from you.
Contact the newsroom at [email protected]