News

Council coalition controversy

Published

11 years ago

October 4, 2014

BOB KILMISTER, leader of the Pembrokeshire Alliance, spoke to The Herald on Friday evening about the startling online announcement his group are discussing whether to enter into coalition with the ruling IPPG.
Bob Kilmister told The Herald that Jamie Adams sprung the surprise coalition offer on Tuesday morning when he had supposed that the IPPG leader was to discuss an item arising from the previous day’s Corporate Governance Committee. At that meeting Cllr Kilmister announced that he had lost trust in the Council Leader and his former deputy Rob Lewis.
In the face of an overwhelmingly negative reaction on social media, Bob Kilmister told The Herald that no substantive discussions as to a coalition arrangement had taken place. The announcement of Jamie Adams’ approach was, instead, part of the Pembrokeshire Alliance’s commitment to be open and transparent.
“We are a party with a constitution. While Alliance councillors can make a decision, I thought it was important to communicate with our members and to have an open conversation with supporters and our executive committee. We have not had formal negotiations yet. Jamie Adams has made an offer which our councillors have discussed. But we have NOT responded to Cllr Adams’ offer at this time. We want to be open and transparent in what we do.”
While Bob Kilmister declined to comment on a rumour that he had been offered a Cabinet post and the deputy leadership by Jamie Adams, he did reveal the rationale behind consideration being given to Jamie Adams’ offer:
“There is a probability that a breakaway IPPG faction, involving some of those Councillors who did NOT support the motion of no confidence in Bryn Parry Jones, could effectively hold the rest of the Council to ransom. Councillor Brian Hall is, I believe, actively trying to establish such a group.”
The Herald understands that Councillor Hall’s mooted group could comprise former Cabinet member David Pugh, former IPG deputy leader John Allen-Mirehouse, and the unaffiliated Owen James. One person mentioned as a possible recruit, Fishguard representative Myles Pepper, was contacted by The Herald. He denied being approached to be a member of Brian Hall’s group and told us that he was not interested in joining such a group in any event.
If Brian Hall’s group attracted more than seven members and remained outside any coalition with the IPPG, Councillor Paul Miller – leader of the Labour Group – could lose his entitlement to the allowance paid to the leader of the largest opposition group on Pembrokeshire County Council. Councillor Miller told The Herald he was untroubled by the prospect.
While Cllr Kilmister said he had been taken aback by the venom of the reaction on social media he stressed no decision had yet been made on Cllr Adams’ offer.
“I have been contacted by some unaffiliated councillors who have suggested that we should not be considering the offer,” he added: “But the thought of Brian Hall being back in a position of real power should be enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine.”

News

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

Published

4 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Herald Sport

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).

Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

Published

4 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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.

Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

Published

5 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

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.