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Vaughan Gething faces scrutiny over campaign donations

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VAUGHAN GETHING, a candidate for the Welsh Labour leadership, has come under fire for accepting a substantial sum of £200,000 from a company led by David Neal, a businessman with a history of environmental offences.

Neal, who has been convicted twice, first faced legal action in 2013 when he received a suspended prison sentence for unlawfully disposing of waste on a conservation site. Despite this, his involvement with Gething’s campaign has raised eyebrows, particularly as the donations were made during a critical period in the leadership contest to succeed First Minister Mark Drakeford.

Gething, representing Cardiff South and Penarth, has declared the donations to the Senedd, stating his commitment to transparency. The funds were provided by Dauson Environmental Group, among others owned by Neal, and were recorded with the Electoral Commission as two separate donations of £100,000 each. One of these contributions was made shortly after Drakeford’s resignation, highlighting the timing’s potential significance.

Criticism has been vocal, especially from Lee Waters, Llanelli MS and supporter of Gething’s opponent, Jeremy Miles. Waters has condemned the donation as “completely unjustifiable and wrong,” expressing concern over the optics of such a large sum being spent on an internal election amidst a cost of living crisis.

Gething’s past acceptance of funds from Neal’s other ventures, including Atlantic Recycling and Neal Soil Suppliers, which donated a total of £38,000 in 2018, further complicates the issue. These companies, along with another Neal enterprise, Resources Management UK Ltd, have faced legal and regulatory challenges, including fines and actions by Natural Resources Wales for environmental violations.

Despite these controversies, Gething’s campaign has defended the legitimacy and transparency of the donations, emphasising their adherence to electoral regulations and Gething’s pledge to enforce stricter environmental penalties.

The debate over these donations comes at a pivotal moment for Welsh Labour, prompting discussions on the ethics of political funding and the implications for environmental policy.

 

Community

Bishop returns to Llanelli for Palm Sunday celebrations

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Visit described as ‘coming home’ as Bishop Dorrien joins worshippers in Bro Lliedi

BISHOP DORRIEN marked Palm Sunday (Mar 29) with a series of visits and services across Llanelli, describing his return to the area as “coming home.”

The Bishop of St Davids spent the day in the Bro Lliedi Local Ministry Area, beginning with the main parish Eucharist at St Elli Church, where he both preached and presided.

Following the service, he joined members of the local ministry area for lunch, before spending time visiting parishioners in the community.

The day concluded with a Songs of Praise service in Felinfoel, bringing together worshippers for an evening of reflection and celebration.

As a token of appreciation for his visit, Bishop Dorrien was presented with a print of St Davids Cathedral.

The Bishop has strong personal ties to the Llanelli area, having served his title there earlier in his ministry. Speaking during the visit, he said returning to the town always feels like “coming home.”

Church leaders said the visit was a valuable opportunity for the Bishop to connect with congregations across the area during one of the most significant periods in the Christian calendar.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a central time of reflection for Christians leading up to Easter.

 

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Local Government

Oil spill update issued for Pembroke stream and Castle Pond

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COUNCILLOR Jonathan Grimes, representing Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, has issued an update following concerns over an oil spill affecting a stream on The Commons and Castle Pond in Pembroke.

Speaking after discussions with Natural Resources Wales, Cllr Grimes confirmed that response teams have been on site throughout the day working to contain the pollution and identify its source.

According to the latest update:

• The pollution has begun to subside, with the oil slick now breaking up
• Monitoring will continue over the weekend and into next week
• Forecast rain is expected to help disperse the remaining contamination
• The substance is believed to be domestic heating oil (kerosene), pending confirmation
• Investigators believe they have identified the source area and are taking steps to prevent further incidents

Cllr Grimes said he would continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

The incident has sparked concern among residents, particularly over the potential impact on wildlife and the environment. Some have called for further action, including opening the sea gate to help flush the affected water.

 

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Local Government

Work begins on major housing and care scheme in Haverfordwest

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A MULTI-MILLION pound housing and care development in Haverfordwest has officially moved into the construction phase, with groundworks now underway at the Tŷ Haverfordia site.

Contractor Wynne Construction has begun work on the scheme at the former Haverfordia House site, marking the milestone with a turf-cutting ceremony attended by project partners and local representatives.

The development will provide 26 sheltered apartments for people aged over fifty-five, alongside a purpose-built twelve-bed reablement centre aimed at supporting residents returning home from hospital and regaining independence.

The project is being delivered in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council and is expected to play an important role in easing pressure on local health and social care services.

Developers say they will work closely with local suppliers and businesses during the build to maximise benefits to the regional economy.

Measures have also been put in place to minimise disruption during construction, including maintaining pedestrian access and ensuring parking arrangements remain in place for nearby facilities.

Once complete, the scheme is expected to provide modern, high-quality accommodation tailored to the needs of older residents, while helping to free up hospital capacity across west Wales.

 

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