Politics

Two week national ‘Firebreak Lockdown’ announced for Wales from 6pm on Friday

Published

6 years ago

October 19, 2020

MARK DRAKEFORD, The First Minister of Wales has announced a two week ‘fire break’ lockdown from Friday October 23 at 18:00 HRS, to last until Monday November 9 at 00:01 HRS

Mr Drakeford said: “This firebreak is the shortest we can make it. It must be sharp and deep in order to have the impact we need it to have on the virus.”

All non essential businesses, including tourism businesses will be told to close.

Businesses have been told that they will be given £1000 each automatically to help with the economic impact of the shutdown.

Mr Drakeford added that children will be the priority and that childcare facilities will open as normal. Primary schools will open after half term.

Secondary schools will be closed for a week after half term to help control the virus.

Universities will offer a mixture of face-to-face learning and learning via video link. Students must stay at their university accommodation during the lockdown.

Responding to the Welsh Government’s announcement of a Wales-wide lockdown, Paul Davies MS, the Leader of the Opposition in the Welsh Parliament, has called the lockdown “not-proportionate” and is calling on the Welsh Government to be “open and transparent” on the evidence to support a lockdown and if the First Minister is committing Wales to rolling Wales-wide lockdowns every month.

Paul Davies MS said: “Sadly, the First Minster has failed to get public support for this second Wales-wide lockdown, failing to be open and transparent about the evidence to justify this lockdown and what his actions will entail for the future.

“The Welsh Government also has to be honest that this road they are taking us down is committing Wales to rolling Wales-wide lockdowns. This is not a two-week break to solve the pandemic, it is likely that we will see regular lockdowns across the rest of the year. The Welsh Government must be clear what actions they are taking during the lockdown to prevent further Wales-wide lockdowns which will have a significant impact on people’s lives and livelihoods.

“However, the main concern is that this national lockdown is not proportionate. The impact on businesses in areas such as Powys, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, who have the lowest rate of Covid-19 cases in Wales, will be severe at a time when they are desperately struggling to recover from the pandemic so far this year.

“The First Minister needs to urgently come to the Welsh Parliament and answer these questions, to face effective scrutiny by elected representatives and not run his government by media.”

Preseli Pembrokeshire MP, Stephen Crabb told The Herald: “The evidence to support an all-Wales lockdown is weak and I am sceptical that this so-called ‘fire-break’ will tackle the situation in those parts of Wales where infection rates have been out of control. The key issue for Welsh Government to address is what will be done differently after the firebreak ends in those parts of Wales where infection rates have spiralled out of control. Otherwise the whole of Wales risks being dragged back into a series of rolling lockdowns.

“As we saw earlier in the year, lockdowns come with huge costs in terms of harm to the economy and to people’s emotional and mental wellbeing. With the Welsh Government asking UK Government to fund this lockdown, I hope that as many businesses as possible get support they need quickly. Pembrokeshire’s hospitality businesses will be hit particularly hard by these latest restrictions and I will be fighting hard again to see that they are protected as the lockdown kicks in.”

Community

Key changes approved for forthcoming Llantwd Eisteddfod site

Published

6 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for permission for works clearing part of the 2026 Eisteddfod site ahead of this year’s festival in Pembrokeshire has been given the go-ahead county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Cardiff-based Angharad Davies sought permission for the removal of multiple small sections of hedge on a temporary basis for the forthcoming Eisteddfod at Glanrhyd Road, Llantood/Llantwd.

A supporting statement said: “Preparation works have been undertaken to reduce hedge growth in several locations where openings are required for festival access, with all arisings shredded and retained within the hedgerow to support natural regeneration.

“Any openings created will be carefully excavated, with the soil set aside and preserved for reinstatement upon completion, ensuring that all materials are returned as found. Where herringbone stonework is uncovered, we will reinstate it to match the original as closely as possible, typically engaging a specialist local stone mason experienced in traditional methods.

“Following the event, reinstatement works will be completed prior to leaving site, and we will return in November to plant a mix of seven hedgerow species and we will consult with yourselves to ensure the selected species are appropriate and in line with your recommendations, maintaining the character and biodiversity of the site.

“Where possible, we have incorporated original gates into a number of the proposed openings to retain the character and integrity of the site, ensuring consistency with existing features.

“In selecting locations for access points, we have prioritised sections of hedgerow with minimal growth to reduce the extent of intervention required and to minimise impact of the surrounding vegetation. This approach supports efficient installation while maintaining the natural appearance and structure of the hedgerows.”

The application was unconditionally approved by county planners.

The 2026 festival, running from August 1-8 at Llantwd holds particular historical significance, marking the 850th anniversary of the first recorded Eisteddfod, held in 1176 at Castell Aberteifi.

With this year’s Maes located close to the original site, the event is expected to be a landmark occasion for the region and for Wales as a whole.

The National Eisteddfod is the largest cultural festival in Europe and one of the most prominent events in the Welsh cultural calendar, attracting approximately 175,000 visitors annually.

The festival celebrates Welsh language, literature, music, and the arts, with a diverse programme of competitions, performances, exhibitions, and community activities.

The Eisteddfod proclamation took place in Narberth last May, with hundreds attending.

At the time, Narberth County Councillor Mark Tierney posted: “One of the biggest parades through Narberth in a long time and we provided the warmest of welcomes to visitors from near and far for the Eisteddfod proclamation procession.”

Business

Council seeks senior officer with salary of £132,063 – £145,050 plus perks

Published

6 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council is on the lookout for a new senior officer with a salary, including allowances, that could top £150,000 a year.

In an advertisement posted on its own social media page, the council is seeking a new Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Place.

It says: “Are you an experienced leader with a passion for place, regeneration and economic growth? Pembrokeshire County Council is seeking a Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Place to help shape the county’s future.

“This influential role will lead on regeneration, economic development, planning, transport, environmental services, climate change and major capital projects, supporting ambitious investment opportunities including the Celtic Freeport.

“Based in Haverfordwest/agile, Pembrokeshire: £132,063 – £145,050 plus £9,576 lease car allowance and relocation package.

“If you have a strong track record of delivering growth and transformation in complex environments, we’d love to hear from you.”

A linked page quotes Chief Executive Will Bramble, which also features a video of him promoting the county as a place to work: “Pembrokeshire is a great place to learn, live and grow. With some of the finest natural assets in the whole of Wales, we are immensely proud of our county and everything it has to offer.

“Since I joined Pembrokeshire as Chief Executive in 2021, I have been hugely impressed by the passion and dedication of our officers and members, and their shared commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for our residents.

“As part of our journey towards being an even better organisation, we are looking to recruit for this critical post.”

Crime

Fears wildlife at Mill Pond beauty spot being targeted by catapults

Published

6 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

WILDLIFE at Pembroke’s Mill Pond beauty spot may be being killed after being deliberately targeted by what appears to be catapult attacks, the town council has said.

The beauty spot close to the town’s castle has long been a haunt of swans and other wildlife, and concerns have been raised recently that several reported deaths of animals may be related to levels of algae present in the pond.

In a statement issued by Pembroke Town Council it said it has received a number of comments and enquiries from concerned residents regarding deceased wildlife recently found at Pembroke Mill Pond.

“We are aware that there has been speculation on social media suggesting that the deaths may be linked to the water quality or algae currently present in the pond. We would like to reassure residents that this is not the case.

“For the past seven years, Pembroke Town Council has employed Aqua Clear to help manage algae growth and control the spread of reeds within the pond. This ongoing work has been highly successful, with algae levels reducing by approximately 45 per cent since the programme began. The pond’s water quality continues to be monitored and remains in good condition.

“Following reports from residents, council representatives visited the pond and retrieved some of the deceased wildlife.

“On examination, it appears that around five different animals had suffered injuries consistent with being intentionally targeted using a catapult. This is an extremely distressing and cruel act against wildlife.

“The matter has been reported to the Wildlife Crime Officers, who are aware of the incident and will be investigating.

“Pembroke Town Council strongly condemns any form of cruelty towards wildlife and would encourage anyone who witnesses this type of behaviour, or has any information that may assist enquiries, to report it immediately. Information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“We would like to thank residents for bringing this matter to our attention and for their continued care and concern for Pembroke Mill Pond and the wildlife that calls it home.”

Pembrokeshire County Council has been contacted for a statement.