Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently pledged to end rough sleeping, by announcing action to offer everyone who needs it a route off the streets by Christmas - but despite the County Council recently awarding a £2.94 million contract aimed at preventing homelessness across Pembrokeshire, more and more people seem to be out in the cold in 2026, including some on the streets of the seaside town of Tenby.
Pembrokeshire County Council has forged an alliance with The Wallich, granting the charity a monumental four-year contract to spearhead the Homelessness Prevention Service.
This transformative partnership, was set in motion on August 1 and enduring until July 31, 2030.
The Wallich is already championing the cause in Pembrokeshire with their street homelessness team based in Haverfordwest, delivering vital support to those engulfed by homelessness.
Their team of specialists work to engage with people sleeping rough or living a street-based lifestyle to take the first step out of homelessness.
The team also travels across Pembrokeshire to work with people – wherever they are.
Tenby’s picturesque harbour and beaches have once again attracted thousands of visitors this summer season, but concealed not too hidden away from these beauty spots are a handful of rough sleepers.
One such person has been living nearby the North Walk zig-zags (on an area that used to be home to a seaside amusement arcade many years ago) for over a year now; whilst more tents in recent months have popped-up in Paxton’s Gardens below Crackwell Street.
County Councillor for Tenby’s North ward, Cllr Michael Williams has asked PCC as to what help has been offered to anyone in need of specialist assistance, and what efforts being made to find suitable short-term accommodation for them.
“I am concerned about the number of individuals who are rough sleeping in the Tenby area, some of whom have been in place for several months,” stated Cllr Williams.
“We now have three tents established in Paxton’s Gardens with another having established what appears to be a permanent home above the North Walk.
“I understand that these individuals need assistance, and I am told that the appropriate departments have been involved, but the concerns of those who reside close by don't appear to have been offered any help.
“The authority has the legal powers to move on other encampments such as caravans, and I don't see why that legislation can't be enacted on this occasion.
“Once again, our community appears to be being let down by the authorities that we used to be able to expect to help.”
A spokesperson for the Local Authority stated: “Pembrokeshire County Council’s Housing Service is aware of three rough sleepers in the Tenby area, and engagement and support is being provided via our rough sleeper outreach service through the Wallich.
“They have all been visited recently and the Wallich will continue to monitor and provide support, feeding back information to the homeless service on an ongoing basis.
“Where required and appropriate, appropriate accommodation and support options have been, and will continue to be offered.”
Anyone in need of support, can contact The Wallich at: thewallich.com
PATH [Pembrokeshire Action for The Homeless] is the leading homelessness charity in Pembrokeshire, which can be reached at: www.pathpembrokeshire.co.uk
You can also contact www.homelesspembrokeshire.co.uk - another charity that offers support.
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