News

Adams: ‘We can move on from Bryn controversy’

Published

10 years ago

November 28, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Jamie Adams:
There is life
after Bryn

THE PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD met with Independent Group leader Jamie Adams on Thursday (Oct 30). In an extensive interview with Herald Assistant Editor Jon Coles, the council Leader spoke about the challenges and opportunities facing Pembrokeshire and its council. The recurrent theme of the interview was the limit on what could be done in a time of long term uncertainty over the council’s future and the constraints placed on the council’s budget. Beginning with how he proposed to move on from the events of October 16, when following an impassioned debate councillors approved a six-figure settlement to be paid to their Chief Executive Bryn Parry-Jones, Councillor Adams said: “There has been a very different feel at County Hall the last few weeks. There has been a storm outside the Council the last few weeks, but there is a sense in itself that the Council is healing from within.

I have had more constructive and positive conversations with members of the opposition. In light of that, I am confident that the council can move on from the controversy involving the Chief Executive.” Looking at the question of the vacancy within his own Cabinet, Jamie Adams told us: “I made it clear when I appointed Alison Lee to Cabinet that I saw it as an opportunity to engage with the wider membership. I have two or three credible options to fill the vacant Cabinet post from both within and outside the Independent group.

I am quite relaxed about where that person comes from but I am determined to get the best person for the role.” The Herald then raised the sore point of the council’s response to the South Wales and West Wales Shoreline Management Plans and the future of Pembrokeshire’s coastal communities: “We are mindful that there are ongoing budget requirements within the council supported by the Welsh Government, but I am afraid funding is not following through. We do not have the capacity to deliver some of the solutions to deliver some of the solutions to protect those communities in peril from rising tides.

Acknowledging the challenge to the main link between Haverfordwest and Saint Davids, deemed unsustainable in even the short term, Cllr Adams said: “The A487 is going to be quite a challenge. We intended to use some of the coastline mitigation funds the council received after last winter’s storms towards resolving the infrastructure issue. But it took a long time to get it through the Welsh Government that this was an urgent requirement. We are going to need a wider consultation on the transport links to the Saint Davids Peninsula, as the current alternative route is proving too difficult for HGV’s and buses.

I am confident the Trunk Road Agency can help us. We have variable message signs on the A40 at Redstone Cross and if we can direct some of the HGV traffic from that point via Letterston then it might help us manage that process. But it is not a great solution, as once we put HGV’s on that road we encounter difficulties.” The problem with local government reorganization was also discussed, The Herald’s question was answered with one from Jamie Adams: “Will services cost less or will they improve?

If we cannot answer either one or both of thus positively, I do not see how we can justify change. I think that it is only the Labour Government in Cardiff Bay that supports Council mergers, the other parties reject it and I am aware of Labour MP’s who are sceptical.” On defending Pembrokeshire, Jamie Adams confirmed that his preferred outcome was no change to Pembrokeshire’s autonomy: “Pembrokeshire is distinct. The brand is strong and synonymous with being a brand of quality. You cannot day the same of other counties.

Pembrokeshire has particular qualities and a defined status that other counties do not.” Jamie Adams revealed that the ongoing public consultations about future services had given members of the Cabinet an insight into the issues that concerned the Pembrokeshire public: “I have to confess that I took part in one on Thursday (Oct 16) (the evening of the vote on Bryn Parry-Jones’ settlement) which was particularly challenging. It has been interesting that the matters which councillors think are important to the public are not always those that people find important.

There are occasions that there have been more robust exchanges between two members of the public with opposing views than there have been between my Cabinet colleagues and the same members of the public. “By and large what has come across clearly are concerns about senior officers’ pay and councillors’ remuneration. There is a commitment to look at the whole cost of senior management. “In terms of where we go, the opportunities to trim around the edges is no longer there, we are going to have to look more dispassionately at the services we provide and what communities can provide” The full interview can be seen online at pembrokeshireherald.com

News

What to do during your Christmas holiday in Pembrokeshire

Published

1 hour ago

December 12, 2024

Staff Writer

There are plenty of things to do in and around Pembrokeshire to keep you entertained during the holiday period, from scenic walks to festive outings. Here are a few of the top activities to enjoy in Pembrokeshire this winter.

Take a coastline stroll

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is Britain’s only fully coastal National Park and is rated by National Geographic as one of the top coastal destinations. Witness stunning views and experience the best of Welsh wildlife across the 186-mile-long National Trail.

Watch a pantomime

The Torch Theatre, in Milford Haven, is offering a great selection of plays this winter. Enjoy classic tales such as Jack and the Beanstalk or a live broadcast of The Royal Ballet: Cinderella.

Try your luck at bingo

Wales is notorious for its love of bingo and there are plenty of establishments to choose from in Pembrokeshire. Bingo offers an excellent evening of thrill and entertainment for you to enjoy with friends and family.

If you like the idea of something that will keep you on the edge of your seat but don’t want to visit a bingo hall, why not try your hand at an online casino? A number of different providers are available and many offer high payout rates. So go to the site, do some research, find the right provider and partake in an evening of gambling from the comfort of your home or hotel room.

Things to help you get in the festive spirit

If you’re looking for something a little more on theme for December, why not enjoy some of the Christmas activities Pembrokeshire has to offer?

Visit Pembroke Castle Christmas Market

Since 2012, Pembroke Castle has hosted an incredibly popular annual Christmas Market. This year, there will be over 80 stalls selling everything from gifts, local produce, clothing, and jewellery. Admission to the market is free and on Saturdays and Sundays, and you can visit Santa for a cost of just £3 per child. All proceeds also go to charity.

See Santa at Folly Farm

Folly Farm is a great place to visit and for the festive period, they are hosting their very own Santa’s Grotto every Saturday and Sunday until 23 December. Santa and his elves are perfect for creating a magical experience for younger visitors and mulled wine and mince pies are available for adults.

You can meet with Santa for £8.50 per child or for £1 you can visit the seasonal Snow Globe and meet the Ice Queen or Snow Princess. You can also enjoy a virtual reality ride, Santa’s Frosty Flyover, for just £2 per person, or decorate your own gingerbread men for £3.50 per person.

Visit Pembrokeshire this winter

Whether you’re looking for a breathtaking coastal view, a magical Christmas market, or an exciting evening at bingo, there is something for everyone in Pembrokeshire.

Crime

Crymych pensioner guilty of animal cruelty in shocking donkey neglect case

Published

2 hours ago

December 12, 2024

Court Reporter

AN 80-YEAR-OLD Crymych woman has been handed a suspended prison sentence after admitting to causing unnecessary suffering to 11 donkeys and a pony in her care over a prolonged period.

Elizabeth Palmer, of The Retreat, Llethr-Uchaf, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Dec 11), where she pleaded guilty to two charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The court heard that between September 2023 and March 2024, Palmer failed to provide the animals with essential farrier and dental care, leaving them in significant distress.

The offences came to light following an investigation by the RSPCA, which revealed severe neglect at Palmer’s property. One donkey had to be euthanised due to the extent of its suffering.

Magistrates described the offences as “so serious” that Palmer was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. In addition to the custodial sentence, she was ordered to pay a £150 victim surcharge, £400 in court costs, and £3,570.62 in prosecution costs to the RSPCA.

Palmer has also been disqualified from owning, keeping, or dealing with any animals, except for dogs and cats, for 10 years. The court further granted the RSPCA authority to seize any animals in her possession, with a five-year restriction on applying to lift the ban.

Palmer’s guilty plea was taken into account when sentencing. She has been ordered to pay her financial penalties in monthly instalments, starting from January 22, 2025.

Crime

Seventeen deaths at Parc Prison: Calls for action after MP inquiry

Published

2 hours ago

December 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SMUGGLING PROBLEMS PERSIST

DRUGS smuggled into Parc Prison in Bridgend using drones, staff corruption, and even children’s nappies are contributing to a crisis that has seen 17 inmate deaths this year. MPs have grilled the management of the G4S-run facility – which houses many offenders from Pembrokeshire – over safety and governance issues.

Will Styles, director of HMP Parc, told the Welsh Affairs Select Committee that contraband enters the prison via several routes. “It can be thrown over the wall, brought in by visitors – hidden in bodily orifices or children’s nappies – or through staff corruption,” he explained.

Organised crime gangs, particularly those based in Wales and the Midlands, are exploiting drone technology to smuggle illicit items. “It takes 20 seconds to fly a drone over the wall, drop drugs, and exit the premises,” said Gordon Brockington, G4S managing director. “Even small amounts of drugs can cause enormous problems.”

***Parc Prison: Drug overdoses caused by the misuse of Nitazenes have killed inmates, MPs heard (Image: File)***

DEATHS UNDER SCRUTINY

The committee heard that of the 17 deaths at the prison this year, eight were from natural causes, three were self-inflicted, and five were drug-related. Parc Prison houses an ageing population, with 16% of inmates aged over 50, and serves as one of two palliative care centres in the UK.

Mr Brockington highlighted the threat of nitazenes, synthetic opioids up to 1,000 times more potent than morphine, which were introduced into the prison earlier this year. Despite these challenges, he insisted that the majority of staff are not corrupt.

PROGRESS BUT MORE TO DO

Ruth Jones, chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, pressed prison officials on whether inmates can be guaranteed safety. Mr Styles responded: “An awful lot of work has gone into improving safety and security. Self-harm and violence metrics have significantly improved, and there have been no non-natural deaths since June.”

Inmates have also reported feeling safer, and improvements to prison conditions and regimes have been noted. However, Ms Jones expressed concerns about ongoing issues, particularly the introduction of new drugs like nitazenes and the smuggling of tiny mobile phones designed to evade security.

FUTURE STEPS

The committee acknowledged that progress has been made but emphasized the need for continued efforts. Ms Jones said: “Seventeen deaths in one year is a tragedy and raises serious questions about safety. Frontline staff must be better trained to address emerging threats. Additionally, the Government must act swiftly to address the smuggling of mobile phones designed to evade security.”

The committee also noted that plans to expand Parc Prison would require addressing staffing and healthcare concerns. Ms Jones confirmed that her committee would monitor progress closely and revisit the issue if necessary.

MINISTER BACKS G4S CONTRACT

The UK Government’s Prisons Minister, Lord James Timpson, told the committee he has no plans to strip G4S of its contract to run HMP Parc. Responding to questions from the committee’s chair, Ruth Jones, Lord Timpson said he was impressed by improvements during a recent visit and saw no reason to cancel the contract.

“I’ve seen a number of prisons over the years, both in private and public ownership. It comes down to leadership and focus over the long term,” Lord Timpson said. “Despite the challenges, I think they did a lot of good things at HMP Parc, and the reasons to close a contract aren’t present in this case.”

***There was disorder in Parc Prison earlier in 2024, support was sent from other prisons (Image: Herald file)***

DRUGS IN PRISONS: A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS

Lord Timpson admitted that tackling drugs in prisons like Parc remains a significant challenge. “We have a long way to go on drugs,” he said. “We need to see it as a public health problem and ensure opportunities for inmates to turn their lives around. Substance-free wings, education, purposeful activity, and building meaningful relationships with officers are key.”

The minister emphasized the importance of reducing reoffending through rehabilitation efforts, saying: “If we can help people leave prison free of drugs or alcohol, it will make a massive difference to reoffending rates.”

SECURITY AND STAFFING IMPROVEMENTS

Will Styles told MPs that security checks on staff have increased five-fold since June, and staffing levels have improved. “The vast majority of staff are not corrupt,” he stressed, adding that work is ongoing to address smuggling routes, including industrial-scale drone drops organized by crime gangs.

Parc Prison’s management and the UK Government face mounting pressure to implement lasting solutions to safety and governance challenges. The Welsh Affairs Select Committee has pledged to continue monitoring progress closely.