MILFORD Haven town council has donated £1,400 to help groups and clubs put on a great Christmas for the people of the town.

Receiving a share of the council’s festive funding pot this year is Christmas Together – which organises a Christmas Day lunch and party for people who would otherwise spend the day alone.

Also receiving £400 is Milford Haven Market, which plans to put on extra entertainment and activities every Saturday leading up to Christmas. This will include face painting, hog roasts, fairground rides, and visits from Father Christmas.

Speaking at a meeting of full council on Monday, Cllr John Cole voiced concerns over the market receiving the money, as it received £3,000 from the council in July, to help set the market up.

But Cllr Rhys Sinnett said the figure was a “small price to pay for what for many people will not be the best Christmas” following massive job cuts at the Murco site.

Receiving £100 each will be the Salvation Army, Darby and Joan Club, Haven Over-60s Club, the National Federation of Retirement Pensioners’ Association, Hakin Pensioners’ Club and RVS Hubberston and Hakin Luncheon Club.

Last year, 12 local charities and groups benefitted from an early Christmas present from the council, and councillors have expressed dismay that more groups did not come forward this year, despite notices in the local news, on the council’s website, and on the Town Hall noticeboard.

To be eligible for funding, applicants have to be based in Milford Haven, or primarily work with local residents.

All requests must be for an event connected with Christmas, and be ‘for the benefit of the people of the town’.