News

Councillor ‘right’ to question chairmanship

Published

11 years ago

February 24, 2015

Are you a lawyer? Audit Chair Peter Jones asked Cllr Williams

THE WALES AUDIT OFFICE has determined that Cllr Jacob Williams was right to question whether Cllr Mike James could chair the December meeting of the Audit Committee.

Lay member and Chair, Peter Jones did not attend December’s meeting of the key Council committee and Vice Chair Mike James stood in for him. Legal advice from the Acting Head of Legal Services, Claire Incledon, was that Cllr James could chair the meeting in Mr Jones’ absence, despite being a member of the ruling group. The relevant rules state no member of the ruling group can chair the Audit Committee.

Cllr Williams questioned Ms Incledon’s advice at the time and at Thursday’s (Feb 5) meeting of the Audit Committee the Wales Audit Office said that his assertion that Cllr James’ membership of the IPPG debarred him from chairing the committee was correct.

In the interim period since December, the Council sought advice from Bristol barrister Simon Morgan, of St John’s Chambers. Acting Head of Legal Services, Claire Incledon, declined to go through the report prepared for the committee members and asked for questions straight away.

Cllr Jacob Williams asked that the legal advisor take them through the report. but that was not supported.

Richard Harris from the Wales Audit Office said: “We’ve seen the legal advice that has been given to the council, we haven’t taken legal advice. We have spoken to the Welsh Government; In terms of the letter of the law we think that the process does need to be refined.

“The Welsh Government have spoken to us and they’re looking at the guidance they provided and from what they are saying it is not clear. Their view was that the person who chaired the meeting shouldn’t be part of the ruling group.

“The Welsh Government are going to look at it again, there are three other counties across Wales who are in the same position and they will try and clarify the guidance they put forward”.

Chairman Peter Jones said: “It’s not as good as it should be, it needs improvement and that is in hand”.

Claire Incledon said: “I welcome the challenge from Cllr Williams. It has brought this to our attention, I have given my interpretation on the law and that’s also been supported by this advice from the council and as the WAO has explained has enabled us to see that there are matters lacking in regards to the implementation and the wording used with regards to the 2011 measure. It needs addressing and leaves us in a position with regards to the recommendations in the report whether we want to seek steps as suggested or waiting for the outcome of the update”.

Cllr Jacob Williams said: “I am disappointed with what’s happened here. The Local Government Measure is clearly designed to prevent a member of a ruling group from chairing a committee.

“We would all agree that this is the committee but under this lawyer’s external opinion that is not the case, he says this is not a committee, it’s a meeting of the committee. You or I wouldn’t make that distinction. It’s a wacko distinction, in my view, because when Cllr James sat in the chair at the start of the December meeting, I was aware of the measure which intended committees not to be chaired by members of the ruling group. I raised an objection and Ms Incledon’s view was that the rule requiring the meeting to be chaired by a non-ruling group member only applied to you chair, Mr Jones, as the appointed chair and that it didn’t apply to anybody else.

“I find it interesting that Mrs Incledon would come today and say that her view was supported, because that isn’t what the external barrister says. The external barrister says that rule didn’t apply to Councillor James because he was not chairing the committee, he was only chairing a meeting of it. That, to me, is bizarre: I don’t accept that this is a loophole because the measure also says that if, for instance, myself or Cllr Woodham had not been there, a member of the ruling group could chair the meeting if there were no other alternatives, but a member of the executive group could not under any circumstance. The reason for this is that the Welsh Government, when they made this legislation, wanted to drive a wedge between the executive and this important committee.

“I also find it a bit of a concern that Mr Harding said that the rule doesn’t apply to Cllr James. I find it concerning that Mr Harding couldn’t understand the intention of the measure and I don’t think that’s good enough.

“The external barrister makes five points, only one of which is now relevant, and that’s whether there is a distinction between chairing the committee and chairing the meeting. He finds that there is a distinction to be made. I don’t think there is a distinction to be made. ‘It is my view that the chairing of the meeting is very different from the chairing of a committee’, that’s what he says, I cannot believe that. Basically the council has gone to this barrister and he’s provided a report to back up the internal lawyers who said that I was wrong to raise this. I am pleased that the Wales Audit Office recognises I was exactly right.

“This is an easy way out in my view and the external barrister provided a wacko report”.

Chairman Peter Jones then questioned whether Cllr Williams was a qualified lawyer.

Cllr Williams said he wasn’t but went on to say: “On this occasion I have been vindicated and I was entirely right”.

Cllr John Allen-Mirehouse leapt to the officers’ defence, claiming: “The guidelines are ambiguous and the interpretation we received from our legal adviser at the time was in fact legally accurate. It was on this advice that the committee voted.”

Using his own extensive legal experience, Cllr Mirehouse continued: “If the guidelines change in the future that will not affect the legality of that decision we took that day. The committee was properly constituted, under the law with legal advice.

Graciously acknowledging Cllr Williams’ contribution to highlighting the issue, the Hundleton representative concluded: “He raises a good point that the measure is ambiguous. The Welsh Government have said they are going to re-draft it. I can see what he is saying that the legislation is ambiguous but that was not the law”.

Chairman Peter Jones added: “We are where we are; the committee took advice and acted on that in good faith.”

Ignoring the findings of the Wales Audit Office, he concluded: “The advice was supported and my advice to this committee is that we should await the outcome of the ongoing deliberations and then we will revisit the issue”.

It was not clear whether Mr Jones’ advice was intended as legal advice to the Committee members.

Mr Jones’ proposal was supported by his former client Cllr John Allen-Mirehouse and by Council Chair Tom Richards; Cllrs Guy Woodham and Jacob Williams voted against it.

Entertainment

Plan your journey to Eisteddfod y Garreg Las

Published

14 hours ago

July 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THOUSANDS of visitors are expected to travel to Eisteddfod y Garreg Las from communities across Wales and beyond.

Whether you are arriving by car, bus, train, coach or taxi, planning your journey in advance will help ensure you reach the Maes safely and in good time.

Travelling by car

Drivers should follow the yellow ‘Eisteddfod’ signs, which will direct traffic to the Maes and the free visitor car parks.

The Eisteddfod site at Llantwd is situated a few miles south of Cardigan.

From Fishguard

Follow the A487 north through Newport and continue towards the Maes entrance, following the yellow Eisteddfod signs as you approach the site.

From Narberth or Carmarthen

Leave the A40 at the Penblewin roundabout and take the A478 towards Cardigan.

Continue to the junction with the B4332 at Postgwyn, turn left and travel west for approximately two miles. Follow the Eisteddfod signs, which will direct traffic north from the B4332 before reaching Eglwyswrw.

From Crymych and Boncath

Travel to the junction of the B4332 and A478 at Postgwyn, then continue west and follow the Eisteddfod signs.

From Cardigan and the north

Travel south from Cardigan and follow the yellow Eisteddfod signs to the Maes.

Visitors should use the designated free car parks and must not park on the roadside. Parking restrictions will be in place around the site.

Travelling by bus

Additional bus services will make it easier for visitors to leave the car at home during the Eisteddfod.

TrawsCymru T5

The TrawsCymru T5 service will take passengers directly to the Maes at Llantwd, with regular services operating between Haverfordwest and Cardigan via Fishguard and Newport.

More frequent buses and late-evening services will operate between Fishguard and Cardigan throughout Eisteddfod week.

Service 430

The 430 bus provides a link between Narberth and Cardigan via Crymych.

Thanks to support from Pembrokeshire County Council, the service will operate every day during the Eisteddfod, with all journeys running to and from Narberth.

An additional late-evening bus will leave directly from the Maes at 11.15pm. Passengers travelling onwards will need to change at Cardigan.

The special T5 and 430 timetables can be downloaded from:

https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/bus-routes-and-timetables/planned-bus-service-changes

Travel is free for passengers with an All-Wales Concessionary Bus Pass.

Young people aged 21 and under can travel for £1 per journey, with a maximum daily fare of £3. Passengers aged between 16 and 21 will need a MyTravelPass.

Special Eisteddfod fares are also available from Transport for Wales:

https://traws.cymru/en/catch-the-t5-bus-straight-to-the-eisteddfod

Free shuttle from Cardigan

Visitors can also use Bws yr Arglwydd Rhys, a free shuttle bus operating between Finch Square in Cardigan and the Maes.

The service will run every hour, on the hour, from 7am until midnight.

Travelling by train

Transport for Wales will operate regular free shuttle buses between Carmarthen railway station and the Maes.

Further information about rail services is available at:

https://tfw.wales/ways-to-travel

Visitors can also plan their journeys through Traveline Cymru:

https://www.traveline.cymru

Special coach excursions

Several operators are organising dedicated trips to the Eisteddfod.

Jones Login

Jones Login will operate excursions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The coach will leave Carmarthen at 7.35am, with pick-up points in St Clears, Whitland, Penblewin, Narberth and along the A478.

Information and booking:

https://www.joneslogin.co.uk/Tour/Eisteddfod-Genedlaethol-Cymru

Windy Corner Coaches

Windy Corner Coaches will operate trips on Monday and Friday, as well as a special excursion on the first Saturday for the Super Furry Animals concert.

Information and booking:

https://windycornercoaches.co.uk/day-trips

Midway Motors

Midway Motors will operate services to the Maes every day throughout the Eisteddfod.

The daytime service will depart from:

Tegryn at 10am
Llanfyrnach at 10.05am
Hermon at 10.10am
Crymych at 10.15am
Blaenffos at 10.20am
Boncath at 10.25am
Eglwyswrw at 10.35am

The return journey will leave the Maes at 6pm.

An evening service will also operate, departing from:

Tegryn at 5.15pm
Llanfyrnach at 5.20pm
Hermon at 5.25pm
Crymych at 5.30pm
Blaenffos at 5.40pm
Boncath at 5.45pm
Eglwyswrw at 5.50pm

The evening return journey will leave the Maes at 11pm.

Fares are £5 for adults and £1 for children.

To book, call 01239 831267.

Travelling by taxi

Local taxi and private-hire firms serving the Maes include:

Kyle’s Taxis, H J Taxis Ltd, Tony’s Taxis, Fishguard Taxis, Morgans Private Hire, Letterston Taxi Service, Frank’s Cabs and St David’s Taxis, A2B Minibuses and Taxis, H&S Cab Service, Robins Taxis and Home James.

Visitors are advised to book taxis and coach seats in advance, particularly for late-evening journeys and major Eisteddfod events.

Entertainment

From Sinatra to Bublé as The Story of Swing comes to Milford Haven

Published

15 hours ago

July 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSIC lovers are invited to take a journey through the golden age of swing when SOS Big Band – The Story of Swing arrives at the Torch Theatre this August.

Presented by award-winning vocalist and world-class trumpet player Gareth John, alongside the acclaimed SOS Big Band, the show celebrates decades of iconic swing and big band music.

Audiences can expect much-loved classics made famous by Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr, as well as more modern hits associated with Michael Bublé, Robbie Williams, Matt Goss, Paul Anka and Harry Connick Jr.

Renowned for his showmanship and passion for the genre, Gareth brings a natural warmth and energy to the stage, building an easy rapport with audiences wherever he performs.

During his career, he has shared the stage with a number of household names, including The Beautiful South and The Specials.

The production has already received enthusiastic reviews during its tour, with one audience member at the Core Theatre in Solihull describing it as “a brilliant show”.

SOS Big Band – The Story of Swing will be performed at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, on Saturday, August 1, at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £28.50 and can be booked through the Torch Theatre website or by calling the box office on 01646 695267.

News

Pembrokeshire ‘left behind’ as top-quality 5G reaches just one in 100 premises

Published

15 hours ago

July 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Henry Tufnell has called for urgent government action, saying unreliable mobile coverage is damaging businesses, tourism and access to essential services

ONLY one per cent of premises in Mid and South Pembrokeshire can access the highest-quality form of 5G from at least one mobile network, according to figures highlighted by the constituency’s MP.

Henry Tufnell has written to the Minister for the Digital Economy calling for an urgent meeting over what he described as a serious lack of investment in mobile infrastructure across West Wales.

In his letter, the Labour MP said the constituency remained far behind the rest of the country in both the availability and reliability of mobile services.

According to Ofcom figures cited by Mr Tufnell, 12 per cent of premises in Mid and South Pembrokeshire cannot receive a usable high-quality 5G signal from any network. That is six times the national average of two per cent.

He also said that only one per cent of premises locally could access “5G Standalone”, the highest-quality version of the technology, from at least one operator. Nationally, the equivalent figure is said to be 86 per cent.

Mr Tufnell said surveys carried out among his constituents showed the effect poor coverage was having on everyday life.

Some 98 per cent of respondents said a lack of mobile signal negatively affected them, while more than three-quarters reported having a poor signal or no signal where they lived.

The MP said unreliable connectivity was affecting residents, businesses and visitors, as well as schools, transport services and healthcare workers such as community nurses.

Mobile coverage problems were not limited to isolated rural areas, he said, with unreliable service frequently reported in Haverfordwest and persistent “not-spots” affecting Tenby during the busy tourist season.

Poor coverage can also prevent people from using banking, payment and parking applications, creating particular difficulties for visitors and businesses during peak periods.

Mr Tufnell has separately contacted VodafoneThree UK and EE about infrastructure in the Tenby and Penally areas.

VodafoneThree has advised him that it plans to upgrade the mast at Slippery Back Lane in Tenby, although the work is not currently expected to be delivered until 2028.

He has also raised concerns about a proposed 20-metre 4G telecommunications mast at Strawberry Lane, Penally.

Planning permission has been granted for the replacement mast, but the previous structure has already been removed and work on the new installation has yet to begin.

Mr Tufnell said he had written to EE in April seeking clarification about when the mast would be installed, but had not received a response by the time of his latest correspondence.

He has now asked the Government to discuss what support can be provided to accelerate the delivery of reliable mobile infrastructure across the constituency.

Mr Tufnell said: “West Wales cannot continue to be left behind. We need high-quality, reliable digital infrastructure across the whole of Pembrokeshire.

“This is not simply an inconvenience. Poor mobile coverage is affecting residents, local businesses, public services and the tourism industry.”