News

Pembroke Dock: Crowds erupt at BBC Radio 4’s ‘Any Questions?’

Published

10 years ago

January 23, 2016

Sarah-Jane Absalom

jd2

LISTEN TO BBC ‘ANY QUESTIONS?’ HERE

JONATHAN DIMBLEBY, presenter seemed taken aback at the fiery response of the Pembrokeshire audience who filled Pater Hall, Pembroke Dock for ‘Any Questions?’ on Friday (Jan 22).

The programme, possibly the oldest live debate in the world, was for the first time a political leaders debate. Labour, Conservative, Plaid and Liberals were all represented by their Welsh leaders in the lead up to the May Assembly election. Only UKIP was represented by someone unconnected to Wales.

Questions ranged from home schooling to steel production but the real fire of the night was around Withybush hospital. Carwyn Jones claimed that centralising services was the best thing to do and had resulted in improved results, according to his clinical expert advisers. Howls of derision came from all quarters of the hall. ‘That’s because you are not listening to what we are telling you’, ‘You are not listening to us’ people shouted.

The politicians were asked about a proposed pay rise.

UKIP’s Mark Reckless bemoaned the amount of money spent on the Assembly. He was then asked if he would accept the rise were he an Assembly member.

He repeatedly avoided answering yes or no. Leanne Wood, leader of Plaid Cymru said that not only would she refuse it but she already had turned down the larger £20,000 pay rise that goes with being leader of a party. “Public sector pay is frozen, I am a public servant, there is no reason I should be treated any differently” she said. The Liberal leader Kirsty Williams also said she would refuse it. Carwyn Jones, leader of Welsh Labour said he couldn’t refuse it as it would be in his pay packet. Someone shouted from the back “But you could give it to the hospitals.”

Pater Hall, Pembroke Dock on Jan 22 (Pic J Williams)

The audience vigorously applauded the speakers from all the parties whenever they agreed with them as well as shouting out when they did not. Jonathan Dimbleby concluded the evening joking “So now we leave this sleepy gentle backwater of the UK” to appreciative laughter. Chatting afterwards over wine with the producers Vicky Moller reported, “They were impressed by the switched on audience, and surprised when I told them of this county’s feisty history of battles fought and usually won. My bet is the hospital will be next.”

Crime

Mother given community order after admitting child cruelty offence

Published

14 minutes ago

March 18, 2026

Court Reporter

A MILFORD HAVEN mother who cannot be named to protect her child has been handed a community order after admitting a child cruelty offence.

She appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 10), where she pleaded guilty to causing or allowing a child to be assaulted, ill-treated, neglected, abandoned or exposed in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health.

The offence took place on March 12, 2025, at her home address.

The charge was brought under section 1(1) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933.

Magistrates imposed a community order lasting until August 9, 2027. The order includes 120 hours of unpaid work and up to 15 days of rehabilitation activity.

She was also made subject to a 90-day alcohol abstinence and monitoring requirement, running until May 10, 2026.

She was ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge, to be recovered through deductions from benefits.

A direction under section 45 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 was made, protecting the identity of the child involved.

The case was later listed at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Feb 20) in relation to an application to reopen the matter.

Community

Welsh areas dominate UK’s safest places for children to play outdoors

Published

52 minutes ago

March 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CARMARTHENSHIRE has been ranked among the safest places in the UK for children to play outside, according to new research analysing child safety across Britain.

The county placed sixth overall, with a child safety score of 7.74 out of ten, as Welsh areas dominated the top ten rankings.

The study, carried out by outdoor play equipment specialists Outdoortoys, examined a range of factors including road safety, access to parks, levels of antisocial behaviour, and population density of children.

Nine of the top ten safest areas for outdoor play were found to be in Wales.

The Vale of Glamorgan ranked first overall with a score of 8.33, followed by Monmouthshire and Ceredigion in second and third place respectively.

Pembrokeshire also featured prominently, ranking fifth with a score of 7.89.

The research found that Carmarthenshire benefits from relatively low pedestrian casualty rates, good access to parks and playgrounds, and a high proportion of urban roads with 20mph speed limits.

Across Wales, lower population density and widespread 20mph zones were identified as key factors contributing to safer outdoor environments for children.

The report also highlighted stark contrasts with more densely populated urban areas, where higher traffic levels, increased antisocial behaviour, and fewer accessible play spaces contributed to lower safety scores.

Stoke-on-Trent was identified as the least safe area in the UK for outdoor play, with significantly fewer 20mph roads and higher risk factors overall.

The study also found that Gwynedd has the highest number of parks and playgrounds per child anywhere in the UK.

Alex Price, a product expert at Outdoortoys, said: “Outdoor play is essential for children’s physical health, social development and confidence. When parents feel it is unsafe for children to play outside, it limits their independence and development.

“Creating safe environments, whether in public spaces or at home, is vital to ensuring children have the freedom to play, explore and grow.”

The findings come amid ongoing concerns about road safety and rising traffic levels, which campaigners say are making it increasingly difficult for children to play outdoors freely.

Entertainment

St Patrick’s night celebration at Giraldus Centre

Published

55 minutes ago

March 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

GET ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style this Friday at the Giraldus Centre in Manorbier.

The community venue is hosting a lively evening of music, dancing and Irish-themed fun, with entertainment from popular local group The Slipway Ukes.

Doors open at 7:00pm on Friday (Mar 20), with free entry for all. A fully licensed bar will be open throughout the evening, serving drinks and snacks with an Irish twist.

Organisers are encouraging everyone to “unleash their inner leprechaun” and enjoy a night on the dance floor.

There is no need to book—just turn up and join in.

Donations on the night will be gratefully received in support of the Paul Sartori Foundation.

The event takes place at the Giraldus Centre, Manorbier, SA70 7TN.