News

Police commissioner puts more bobbies on the beat

Published

11 years ago

July 29, 2014

THE HERALD spoke exclusively with the Police Commissioner for Dyfed Powys Police Force, Christopher Salmon. We asked him a number of questions that the public had forwarded to us, including what value he placed on his role:

“Every day I bring rigorous scrutiny to the spending of public money that amounts to around £100m every year. I also offer 24/7 opportunities for the public to tell the Chief Constable through me what they want from the police who get the majority of that money. “Another important practice my office has brought to the criminal justice system is that of new thinking on behalf of the public. Without us, for instance, there would be no innovation such as our forthcoming mental health triage service. A partnership between Dyfed-Powys Police, Hywel Dda University Health Board, Powys Teaching Health Board and the Welsh Ambulance Service, means the units should be operational by this autumn.”A key area, according to the remit of the Police Commissioner’s role, is that of holding the Police Force to account. Mr Salmon explained how he was performing this task. “Every week I meet the Chief Constable formally. This is an opportunity for him to get my views on what the public want and for me to scrutinise the activities of the police. My new Residents” Panel is just one good example of how I’m positively influencing Dyfed-Powys Police. This is a team of volunteers I’ve recruited to independently scrutinise the police complaints process. With an inquiring and analytical approach, they study public complaint files and recommend improvements to the force’s processes. “The people of Pembrokeshire must trust the police, and one way of building that trust is for the public themselves to scrutinise the complaints process. One of my priorities is professionalism and that extends to the recruitment process. Dyfed-Powys Police is going through a workforce restructuring process right now and the Chief Constable, who employs that workforce, very much wants the right people with the right skills in the right jobs. “I encourage all good people with a professional, public-focused outlook to consider joining the force as an officer, PCSO or member of the civilian support staff. We also have some superb volunteer opportunities, including for Special Constable posts. This web page is a good read http:// www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/en/jointhe- police/police-staff.” Many Pembrokeshire residents, particularly parents, are very concerned about the alarming issue of legal highs, an area in which the Commissioner had a clear message. “I urge parents and pupils to find out more about substance misuse on this website – www.schoolbeat.org. New legal highs frequently contain substances that are not legal and canít be assumed safe. These substances have not been properly tested for toxicity so there is no way of telling how it will affect you. “I am well aware that in May a number of pupils were treated at Pembroke School after a reaction to a psychoactive substance. That was potentially dangerous to those involved and disturbing for their families. Police officers visited the school to provide advice, support and reassurance. If you’re concerned about any substance please make the police aware of your worries.” The Herald wanted to know the importance of crime statistics, and as to whether Christopher Salmon believed these to be significant in the fight against crime. “The important thing about us creating 30 new police officers posts around Dyfed-Powys is not statistics but confidence. The public constantly tell me they want more bobbies on the beat so thatís what I’ve given them. Right now a great deal simply isnít brought to the forceís attention for a number of reasons. Dyfed-Powys remains a low-crime region and, although crime fighting shouldnít be driven by statistics, I do hope the public take some comfort in the figures as they stand. “I also hope that police officers, who do a difficult job, are encouraged. My strategy is to not set targets but to raise confidence levels in our communities. I want to keep communities safe from crime, to protect vulnerable people and to bring people to justice. In Dyfed-Powys there are more bobbies on the beat for a start and the policy at police stations these days is: “When we’re in, we’re open!” Whilst I want officers out and about in local communities, some people still visit them in our stations. I want the public to be more aware than ever of how they can meet or speak to police officers. “You can access the police easily – in person at local meetings or briefings or by visiting a station, or by calling 101 and asking to speak to the local neighbourhood team. You can also find your nearest police station and news of officer activity on the force’s smartphone app. I have high hopes of two new services which I’ve just commissioned. Welsh business Gr’p Gwalia has won a contract to reduce antisocial behaviour across Dyfed- Powys and the charity Hafan Cymru has won a contract to reduce youth offending here. Gwalia will identify and manage risk to people who have experienced antisocial behaviour. “Hafan, with a close focus on substance misuse and domestic abuse, will work with youths who are either at risk of offending or have already done so. With substance misuse and domestic abuse often being factors in the lives of such individuals, Hafan’s project will address such issues. “I also urge Herald readers to take my latest quick-fire survey which lets me know how theywould like minor misdemeanours to be punished. Simply go to www.bit.ly/ DPCRsurvey , phone 01267 226457 or request a form by writing to OPCC, PO Box 99, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, SA31 2PF. The survey closes on July 18”. Finally we asked what were his priorities over the rest of his term, to which he responded: “My priorities remain the same as they have done since I was elected by the people of Dyfed-Powys preventing and dealing with crime; protecting vulnerable people; bringing people to justice; enhancing access to the police; ensuring high standards of professionalism and; spending wisely.”

News

Joyce Watson MS announces decision not to seek reselection

Published

16 hours ago

January 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

JOYCE WATSON MS, Labour Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, has announced her decision not to stand in the next Senedd Election.

In a statement issued on Friday (Jan 24), Ms Watson said: “I have taken the very difficult decision to not stand as a candidate at next year’s Senedd Election.

“Serving the Labour Party has been the privilege of my life. To do so representing Mid and West Wales has been an incredible honour. I must thank all the people I have met and worked with on issues and campaigns across the years, and thank Labour members and colleagues for their trust and support.”

Reflecting on her personal journey, Ms Watson shared her roots in Tywyn, Manorbier, Cosheston, and Cardigan, where she grew up as one of eight children. After raising her family across the region, she settled in Pembrokeshire.
“I never dreamed that one day I would be elected to serve the people and places I know and love so well,” she said.

Throughout her tenure, Ms Watson focused on making a tangible impact. She highlighted her work addressing human trafficking, advocating for the construction industry, and representing the Senedd on international platforms, including Europe and the Commonwealth. She also established the White Ribbon campaign against domestic violence in Wales.

“Since I was first elected, our young democracy has grown in strength and confidence. The next election, under new rules and boundaries, will be transformative,” she said.

Ms Watson explained her decision to step aside, saying:
“It feels like the right time for me to step aside for new candidates, and to devote more time to my wonderful family.”

Looking ahead, she acknowledged the challenges of recent years but reaffirmed her commitment to Labour values:
“The past two decades have brought huge upheavals, at home and abroad, that present us with huge challenges. I remain convinced that the solutions to these problems are more co-operation and social justice, not less. I believe that Labour values are the best path to a fairer future.

“So, although I will be stepping down from the Senedd in May 2026, I will never stop fighting for these ideals.”

Ms Watson’s departure marks the end of a notable career of public service, with her contributions leaving a lasting impact on her constituents and beyond.

News

Storm Herminia lashes the county of Pembrokeshire

Published

17 hours ago

January 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

STORM HERMINIA has swept across Pembrokeshire unleashing high winds and heavy rainfall, prompting weather warnings across the region.

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for strong winds affecting all three counties over the next three days, extending until Tuesday. The warnings come shortly after Storm Eowyn, which caused widespread disruption with power outages, property damage, fallen trees, and road closures.

Storm Herminia named by Spain

Unlike its predecessor, Storm Herminia was not named by the UK Met Office but by the Spanish meteorological service, underscoring its broader European impact.

The storm hit early this morning, with gusts reaching between 50 and 60 mph, peaking at 70 mph along exposed coasts and hills. These winds are forecast to persist until 5:00pm today. The Met Office has upgraded the impact level from low to medium, although the likelihood of severe consequences remains low.

Heavy rainfall to intensify risks

Alongside the strong winds, heavy rainfall is expected to exacerbate the situation. Torrential downpours are forecast from midday Sunday through to 11:59pm on Monday. Additional bursts of intense rain may occur overnight, with totals of 20–40 mm likely across most areas and up to 70 mm over higher ground. Localized flooding of homes and properties is anticipated.

There is also a small risk that some areas could see even higher accumulations of rainfall, depending on the extent of overnight downpours.

Prolonged disruption expected

Another bout of strong winds is predicted from 6:00am Monday through to 6:00am Tuesday, with gusts of up to 70 mph near coastal regions and 50 mph inland. The Met Office warns of potential disruption to transport networks, power supplies, and other essential services.

Residents are advised to secure loose items, monitor local updates, and take precautions as adverse weather conditions continue to impact the region.

Entertainment

Sir Bryn Terfel launches search for future singing stars

Published

17 hours ago

January 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

OPERA star Sir Bryn Terfel is calling on the world’s most talented young singers to compete for a title that could propel them to international stardom.

The renowned bass-baritone described the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod as “a wonderful opportunity” for budding performers to launch their careers on the global stage.

Sir Bryn, from Pantglas, near Penygroes, Gwynedd, will headline the Eisteddfod’s closing concert on Sunday, July 13, at the International Pavilion. He plans to perform songs from his latest album, Sea Songs, alongside acclaimed folk group Fisherman’s Friends and Welsh folk singer Eve Goodman.

The concert will also feature the final of this year’s Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, which has been a highlight of the festival since its launch in 2013. Last year, Singaporean soprano Shimona Rose claimed the title in a thrilling finale against Welsh soprano Manon Ogwen Parry.

Prestigious prize

Sponsored by Pendine Park through the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT), the competition awards the winner the Pendine Trophy and a £3,000 cheque. The runner-up will receive £1,000.

The closing date for entries is Thursday, February 20. Entrants, aged 19 or over, must submit an audio recording and proof of age with their application. They will perform a seven-minute programme in the preliminary rounds and a ten-minute programme in the final, featuring works from oratorio, opera, lieder, or song, sung in their original language.

Sir Bryn said: “The Pendine International Voice of the Future competition is a fantastic opportunity for talented young singers. It provides a real launchpad for careers onto the global stage.”

A global stage

Llangollen Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director, Dave Danford, said this year’s competition final, held during the closing concert, would give contestants the chance to perform on the same stage as Sir Bryn.

“The competition provides a valuable stepping stone for young singers pursuing professional careers,” he said. “So far, we’ve received entries from China, Nigeria, England, and Wales. The selection panel will choose the competitors after the February 20 deadline.”

The competition was conceived by Pendine Park proprietors Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, who praised the extraordinary talent it continues to attract.

Mr Kreft said: “The standard is phenomenal. This year’s contestants also have the thrill of sharing a stage with Sir Bryn, one of the opera world’s true giants.”

Exciting concert lineup

The Eisteddfod’s evening concerts promise something for everyone. Legendary rock singer Roger Daltrey opens the season on Tuesday, July 8, with hits from The Who and his solo career, including a Q&A session with fans.

On Wednesday, July 9, a special concert, Uniting Nations: One World, will mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. The event will feature Karl Jenkins’ One World performed by an international massed choir, including the Stay At Home Choir.

Thursday, July 10, sees BRIT Award-winning artist KT Tunstall perform her iconic album Eye to the Telescope with a live orchestra, marking its 20th anniversary. On Friday, July 11, Il Divo makes its Llangollen debut, delighting fans with their classical crossover repertoire.

For details on the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition and tickets, visit international-eisteddfod.co.uk.

Caption:
Sir Bryn Terfel performing at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. (Pic: Supplied)