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Bryn investigation committee member told: ‘Keep your mouth shut’

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EXCLUSIVE

THE HERALD can reveal that on September 18, Cllr Rob Lewis told former Cabinet Education spokesperson Cllr Ken Rowlands, who was removed from the Cabinet earlier this year, that he had been appointed to sit on the committee investigating council chief Bryn Parry-Jones, and that he should “keep his mouth shut”.

County Hall: News of Simpson's departure from cabinet a shock to many

County Hall: News of Simpson’s departure from cabinet on Friday (Sept 26) a was a shock to many

The Herald understands that a member of the Council’s staff was present in Cllr Lewis’ office when he gave Cllr Ken Rowlands both the news of his appointment to the vital committee and instructions as to his conduct during the investigation

It is not clear on whose authority Cllr Rob Lewis decided he was in a position to appoint a member of the investigatory committee or to give instructions to them, but Mr Lewis has form in acting as the CEO’s emissary in his dealing with Councillors. Our exclusive interview with Cllr Simpson following his resignation also revealed that Jamie Adams and his Deputies, Huw George and Rob Lewis, effectively ran the Council’s political executive without reference to Cabinet.

We revealed that on Thursday evening (Sept 25), Cllrs Mark Edwards and Peter Morgan met with Cllr David Simpson at his home.

Allegations made at that meeting, about Cllr Rob Lewis’s activities in connection with evidence to be heard by the Investigatory Committee from Cllr Morgan, led Mr Simpson to resign from the Cabinet on Friday morning.

The Herald was aware of County Hall gossip concerning this fresh allegation, but Cllr David Simpson contacted The Herald this morning and reported that the Johnston councillor had visited him on Saturday (Sept 27) and confirmed to him that the rumours were true.

Cllr Rowlands and current Cabinet member Sue Perkins were parachuted on to the Investigatory Committee by IPPG Leader Jamie Adams to replace Daphne Bush and Lyndon Frayling, who were originally appointed to it.

When we spoke to Cllr Morgan on Friday evening, he told us: “Rob Lewis has spoken to me about appearing before the investigatory committee. My position is that pressure won’t work on me. I will do what is right. When I spoke to Jamie Adams last night (Thursday, Sep 25), I told him the same thing.”

Cllr Morgan added: “Laurence Harding met with me to discuss my attendance at the investigatory committee on Monday (Sep 29). He told me that if I didn’t want to attend, if I just left him a signed note it would all be okay and I wouldn’t have to go.”

Cllr Lewis lost his Deputy Leader’s post on Friday, but remains in Cabinet.

 

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Ianto

    September 30, 2014 at 1:19 pm

    The impartiality of the monitoring officer is once again in question. Surprised the note was not to be left in a brown envelope in the back of the official car

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News

Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

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A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

 

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Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

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Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

 

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Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

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Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.

 

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