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Councillors join fight to save hospital

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councilCOUNCILLORS were unanimous in their criticism of the Local health board health board at Thursday’s full council meeting. Council leader Jamie Adams expressed his intentions to invite the Local health board to a meeting with members to explore their vision for the future. This was supported by everyone in the chamber. A number of councillors expressed their concerns at recent cuts to services with some saying that Pembrokeshire was becoming like a third-world country. Cllr Adams said: “This council expresses great concerns for health services in Pembrokeshire. “We are concerned at the amount of primary and emergency care, particularly as we approach the height of the summer season. “I express my disappointment at the lack of understanding we have had with the health board. “We have to have an understanding that services, on occasion, may have to change. “We need to be assured that these services will be truly accessible for the people of Pembrokeshire. I have failed to receive those assurances so far. “I invite the health board to tell us what they are going to do, to show us how it will work and to prove what they are going to do will work.” Cllr Mike Williams said: “Nobody seems to have any courage. In Tenby GP services have been reduced, the MIU which cost £4.2 million is now closed. “The RNLI and Red Cross have been called in to undertake work in Tenby during the summer. I have no faith in the health board. We are becoming a thirdworld country. It’s an absolute disgrace.” Cllr Bob Kilmister said: “The health board have not been listening to the people of Pembrokeshire, they have real concerns and I am still very concerned that the health board are not going to be honest with us.” Cllr Peter Stock added: “Everyone in Pembrokeshire is very disappointed. There have been seven changes – each one, we were told, was for the better. Is it? “There is a need to provide quality services here in Pembrokeshire.” Cllr Wynne Evans urged members to make sure they attend a meeting with the Board to express all their concerns. Cllr David Lloyd said: “We are joining the fight to save services a little late but better late than never. “We are proud of these people who went to the Senedd to protest, we need to keep on with this fight.” Cllr John Allen-Mirehouse said: “It is at least an hour from Angle to Glangwili. These are emergency services that are being cut. A cardiac unit is an emergency unit, a baby unit has emergencies. There is a feeling that Pembrokeshire people do not matter, but there are more people in the summer. We need to get together and talk very seriously.” Cllr Tony Brinsden said: “Change is inevitable but we need to see that he change is good for all the people in Pembrokeshire. “Cllr Anthony Brinsden told Full Council: “The health board has been so economical with the truth that I don’t think that I will be hauled over the coals for saying they have been telling us absolute lies. I sincerely hope that the new chairman will listen to us.” Cllr Stephen Joseph added: “It is absolutely ludicrous that we may not have a hospital, we need to fight this a lot harder.” Cllr Mike James said: “People in the north of Pembrokeshire have been waiting for a hospital in Cardigan for many years. We were told one would be by 2015. To take services further away could be a disaster. To loud applause, Cllr Reg Owens added: “We must remember that this is a criticism of the Health board and we should give credit to the front line staff.”

 

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Community

Family pay tribute to ‘beloved’ Dewi Evans after Royal Welsh campsite death

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The 25-year-old from Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr has been described as a dearly loved son, brother and grandson whose death will leave a huge void in his community

THE family of a 25-year-old man who died at a campsite near the Royal Welsh Showground have paid a moving tribute to their “beloved and dear” son, brother and grandson.

Dewi Aeron Evans, from Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr, near Corwen, died following a medical emergency at Penmaenau Farm, Llanelwedd, on Saturday night (July 18).

Emergency services were called to the campsite at around 10.30pm. Despite the efforts of paramedics, Dewi was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, his family said: “Dewi Aeron Evans, a beloved and dear son, brother and grandson, will be a huge loss to the family and community in Uwchaled.

“The family and community would appreciate privacy at this difficult time.”

Dewi came from the close-knit rural community of Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr, which forms part of the Uwchaled area of southern Conwy.

The community lies near Cerrigydrudion and Corwen, and news of his death has brought sadness to the area where he lived and was known.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the death was continuing to be treated as unexplained.

Three men were arrested on suspicion of drug-related offences following the incident. Police have not said that the arrests establish the cause of Dewi’s death, and enquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies described the incident as tragic and said officers’ thoughts remained with Dewi’s family.

He also reassured visitors and residents that it was being treated as an isolated incident, with no evidence of an ongoing risk to the wider public.

The incident happened at Penmaenau Farm, a privately operated campsite immediately beside the Royal Welsh Showground, as thousands of visitors were arriving in the area ahead of the four-day Royal Welsh Show.

The show itself opened on Monday morning and is continuing as scheduled.

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society said it was deeply saddened by the death and that its thoughts were with Dewi’s family, friends and everyone affected.

The society said it would continue supporting the police investigation and was working with members of the Builth Wells Event Safety Group to provide medical, welfare and safety support throughout the event.

Police have asked that Dewi’s family and the Uwchaled community be allowed privacy as they come to terms with their loss.

 

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Burnham sweeps aside Starmer allies in major Cabinet reshuffle

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Rayner, Healey and Miliband handed senior roles as Reeves, Lammy and Stevens leave government

PRIME MINISTER Andy Burnham has announced a further wave of Cabinet appointments, bringing Angela Rayner back into government and handing senior roles to Lucy Powell, Jonathan Reynolds and close political ally Anneliese Midgley.

The latest announcements confirm that Burnham is carrying out a significant restructuring of Sir Keir Starmer’s former administration rather than simply moving a handful of ministers between departments.

Rayner has returned as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the position she left last year. The department will also oversee Burnham’s plans to transfer greater powers away from Westminster and into the nations, regions and local government.

Lucy Powell, Labour’s deputy leader, has been appointed Education Secretary, replacing Bridget Phillipson.

Phillipson will remain in government as Minister for Women and Equalities, although the move represents a substantial reduction in her responsibilities.

Jonathan Reynolds has returned to his former position as Business and Trade Secretary after serving as Chief Whip under Starmer.

His department is being expanded to take responsibility for science and innovation and will be renamed the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

Anneliese Midgley, who played a central role in Burnham’s return to Parliament and leadership campaign, has been appointed Chief Whip.

The appointments follow the earlier confirmation that former Defence Secretary John Healey will become Chancellor.

Healey’s selection was considered a surprise after Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood had both been strongly linked to the Treasury. He replaces Rachel Reeves, who left the government after reportedly turning down another senior Cabinet role.

Miliband has instead been appointed Foreign Secretary, replacing Yvette Cooper, while Mahmood remains Home Secretary.

Cooper has moved to the Department of Health and Social Care, where she replaces James Murray. Burnham has made reform of adult social care one of the central missions of his government.

Pat McFadden will continue as Work and Pensions Secretary, providing one of the clearest elements of continuity with the previous administration.

Louise Haigh has been handed one of the most powerful positions in the new government. She becomes First Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and the senior Cabinet Office minister.

Although she has not formally been given the title of Deputy Prime Minister, the appointment makes Haigh Burnham’s principal coordinator across government and effectively his deputy at the Cabinet table.

Who has left?

The reshuffle has seen several figures closely associated with Starmer removed from government.

Rachel Reeves has departed as Chancellor, while David Lammy has left his positions as Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary.

Darren Jones, who served as Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, has also been removed, alongside former Housing Secretary Steve Reed and Business Secretary Peter Kyle.

Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer, Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn have also confirmed their departures.

James Murray has been replaced as Health Secretary, although it remains unclear whether he will be offered another government position.

Wales still waiting

No replacement has yet been announced for Jo Stevens as Secretary of State for Wales.

The vacancy is particularly significant because Burnham has promised a major programme of constitutional change and greater devolution of powers from Westminster.

The identity of the new Welsh Secretary will provide an early indication of how prominently Wales will feature within the new Prime Minister’s plans.

Several further senior appointments remain outstanding, including the posts of Defence Secretary, Justice Secretary, Northern Ireland Secretary and Welsh Secretary.

Wes Streeting, Lisa Nandy, Heidi Alexander, Miatta Fahnbulleh, Angela Eagle and a number of other Labour figures have entered Downing Street, but their positions had not been formally confirmed at the time of publication.

Burnham took office on Monday after being formally appointed by the King, promising what he described as a “circuit breaker” moment for Britain.

His government is expected to announce its first package of cost-of-living measures on Tuesday, with proposals involving energy bills and bus fares among the policies being considered.

 

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Crime

Mynachlog-ddu man handed suspended sentence for assaulting child

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Magistrates said Edward Roxborough lost his temper during an unprovoked attack on a vulnerable youngster

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been handed a suspended prison sentence after admitting assaulting a child in Narberth.

Edward Roxborough, aged 32, of Mynachlog-ddu, near Clunderwen, appeared before Swansea Magistrates’ Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to assault by beating.

The court heard that the offence took place last year and involved what magistrates described as an “unprovoked attack of a serious nature”.

Magistrates said Roxborough had reacted angrily and lost his temper against a defenceless and vulnerable child, who cried out in pain following the assault.

The offence was considered serious enough to cross the custody threshold.

Roxborough was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months.

The court said the sentence had been suspended in light of recent legislative changes and the presumption in favour of suspending short custodial terms.

He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and up to 20 rehabilitation activity days.

Roxborough must pay £400 in prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £154.

A collection order was made, with the full amount due by August 27.

No compensation order was imposed, with magistrates noting that compensation could be pursued through other channels.

The prosecution was conducted by Adam Burcher, while Chris Evans represented Roxborough.

Reporting restrictions were imposed under Section 45 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, preventing the child from being identified.

 

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