Local roots.

Full statement

Community heart. Ready to serve.

My name is Claire Francis Boswell, and Pembroke Dock is my home.

I was raised on Bellevue Terrace, better known to many as Tregenna’s Hill. I grew up with my family as one of five daughters. Our wonderful parents worked full time instilling within me a strong work ethic, good values and compassion. Like many young people, I later left Pembroke Dock to gain work and build a career outside my hometown — but my plan was always to return to help give back to our community what I thrived within as a child.

I went on to enjoy a successful, professional career of twenty-five years. My husband and I also ran a business together for several years, gaining valuable experience in people, organisation, communication, problem-solving and getting things done.

Eight years ago, I returned home to Pembroke Dock, and I was proud to live once again back in Market Ward. Since then, I have dedicated my time, energy and passion to working with local people and supporting the community I love, throughout Pembroke Dock.

I have endeavoured to work, collaborate with, and hands on support many local organisations and community groups, including Pater Hall Community Trust, Pembrokeshire Pride, Pennar Hall, Town Council, The Memorial Park, neighbourhood police team, Friends of Pembroke Pool, London Road Management Company and many others across our town.

I am still an active volunteer and voice within The Pater Hall and was proud to assist in facilitating the commencement of the Warm Rooms five years ago alongside a true force of nature captured by fellow Trustees. The several Warm Rooms across Pembroke Dock have provided a welcoming, safe and supportive space for local people, and I continue to work within them because I believe strongly in practical community support, especially for those who may feel isolated, vulnerable or in need of company. These spaces are ideal venues for sign posting to other organisations where further, specialist help is required or simply a friendly shoulder to lean on.

I work closely with local shopkeepers and businesses, helping to advertise and promote what they do. Local businesses are the backbone of our town, and I believe they deserve encouragement, visibility and support wherever possible. I feel we must protect the traditional town whilst assisting organic growth into new areas of retail for our town’s future generations.

I am also active in tackling issues that affect the everyday lives of residents. This includes raising concerns around antisocial behaviour, particularly dangerous car driving, and working to highlight the impact it has on our streets and communities. I have also worked to help keep our streets cleaner by drawing attention to dog fouling, supporting initiatives and raising public awareness of the issue.

I pride myself on being known to be a local, approachable, passionate and professional person. I care deeply about people. I actively listen. I have genuine empathy. Most importantly, I am a proactive doer — not someone who simply talks about what needs to be done and plays a game of words.

My husband and I are now retired from our working careers, which gives me the time, flexibility and commitment needed to serve Market Ward, Pembroke Dock.

Standing to become County Councillor for Market Ward, as an Independent candidate is a matter of great pride for me. In many ways, I feel I have come full circle — from being a young girl growing up in Market Ward, to now having the opportunity to serve the very community that helped shaped me and my values.

I have great respect for those who have served Market Ward before me, especially Brian Hall, who represented and supported Market Ward for the past three decades.

Brian has always been a familiar face to me from visiting the VG shop and garage in Pennar when I was a child to sitting alongside him in Town Council. I have my own, very strong shoes to stand in going forward.

What I stand for- I will work for a Market Ward, not an individual party, that is listened to, cared for and represented with honesty, integrity, energy and polite determination.

A strong local voice-Making sure residents’ concerns are heard clearly and acted upon wherever possible.

Community care and practical support- Supporting places such as our Youth Clubs, Community Halls, Warm Rooms, and the many, many Community groups that help bring people together. Our diverse and busy Market Ward needs to support all the generations within it and be inclusive to all our varied needs. Traditional and modern can align to benefit all. Community cohesion is the key!

Cleaner, safer streets- Working to tackle dog fouling, dangerous driving and antisocial behaviour, while encouraging pride in our local environment. I have walked these streets from being a child to an adult, with family and childhood friends to PCSOS and colleague’s.

Local businesses and shopkeepers- Helping promote and support the businesses that serve our community and keep our town active. Encouraging new ventures whilst taking learnings from the experienced.

Community pride- Supporting the residents, volunteers, groups and organisations who work hard to make Pembroke Dock a better place.

Approachable representation- I will continue to be highly visible, active, available and willing to listen — whether the issue is big or small to you.

Respect for Pembroke Dock’s past and belief in its future.

Honouring our wonderful history and people of our town while working positively for the years ahead. We all accept change and we know it needs to happen but, it should to be in a collaborative and informed manner.

My promise- I have worked quietly but passionately in the background for Pembroke Dock since returning home and I will continue to do so.

I am not standing for a title. I am standing because I genuinely care.

I care about Market Ward. I passionately care about Pembroke Dock. This is my town; this is our town. Our families, friends and neighbours are people that I care about.

It would be the greatest of honours if local people placed their trust in me. In return, I promise to continue to give my time, my energy and my passion to representing Market Ward with commitment, honesty and pride.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.