THE FORMER Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police, Richard Lewis, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Mr Lewis, who also led Cleveland Police and held national portfolios for the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), will take up his new role on 16 June 2025. He succeeds Dr Jenny Stewart, who has served as interim Chief Executive since July last year.

The APHA is responsible for safeguarding animal and plant health across the UK, working to protect the environment, support the rural economy, and ensure the UK meets international biosecurity standards.

Mr Lewis said: “It’s a real honour to be appointed Chief Executive of APHA. Now more than ever, the UK needs a strong, science-led Animal and Plant Health Agency.

“From protecting our borders against animal and plant threats to unlocking opportunities for trade and growth, I’m excited to champion APHA’s vital work — and to lead alongside the world-class scientists and experts who make it possible.”

During his policing career, Mr Lewis was awarded a commendation for distinguished service and was widely respected for his leadership on rural affairs in Wales. He has worked on issues including habitat protection, tackling rural crime, and addressing mental health challenges in agricultural communities.

The APHA is an executive agency sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the Welsh Government and the Scottish Government.

A WIDE-RANGING agenda will be debated by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet on Monday (Apr 28), with major decisions expected on housing development, children’s play provision, education plans, and town regeneration.

Among the most significant items is the proposed construction of 24 new flats at ‘Haven View’, Milford Haven. The scheme, located on Charles Street, includes communal facilities and is aimed at boosting local affordable housing provision.

Also under the spotlight is the Play Sufficiency Assessment, which lays out extensive findings from a county-wide consultation. The assessment highlights strong demand for improved and accessible play areas, especially in deprived wards like Milford East and Pembroke Monkton. The Cabinet is expected to approve a new action plan which includes investing in inclusive play facilities, supporting young carers, and better maintenance of parks and playgrounds.

In education, councillors will discuss a proposal to federate St Florence and Penrhyn Church in Wales schools, aiming to improve management efficiency and maintain sustainability in rural education. The Cabinet will also review a new Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) and an update to the National Teachers’ Pay Policy for 2024-2025.

A report on Haverfordwest regeneration is also on the table, with schemes designed to breathe new life into the town centre. Linked to this is a discussion on the freehold transfer of the public toilets on Bryn Road to St Davids City Council, allowing localised management of key community assets.

Environmental policy is set to be a major theme, with councillors to consider the Environmental Services Strategy for 2025-2030, covering waste, biodiversity, and sustainability. Meanwhile, the outcome of the 2025-26 UK Shared Prosperity Fund open call will be presented, showing where grants are to be allocated for local growth projects.

The Cabinet will consider allocating financial support to PACTO, a key organisation that helps deliver community transport services across the county. These services are crucial for rural and isolated communities, helping people without access to private cars get to medical appointments, shops, and social activities.

The report highlights the importance of ongoing funding to support PACTO’s operations, and the role it plays in reducing social isolation, particularly among the elderly and disabled. The proposal suggests continued financial backing, although the exact figures and terms will be discussed during the session.

The Cabinet will also examine a new Transformation and Innovation Board, intended to drive service improvement across departments, and a report on equality in employment within the council for 2023-2024.

The meeting is being held as a hybrid session and will be streamed live via the council’s webcast portal.

Council secures grants to cover project overruns without increasing taxpayer burden

TWO major regeneration projects in Haverfordwest are set to progress without additional cost to the taxpayer, following Pembrokeshire County Council’s successful acquisition of external funding.​

A report scheduled for Cabinet review on Monday (April 28) outlines that the Heart of Pembrokeshire (HoP) and Western Quayside schemes will benefit from new grants, allowing the projects to continue despite unforeseen challenges and increased costs.​

The HoP project, with an approved capital budget of £26.27 million, and the Western Quayside scheme, budgeted at £11.62 million, faced combined overruns nearing £4 million. These overruns were primarily due to the deteriorated condition of the historic Gaol building and archaeological constraints. However, additional support from the Welsh Government and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will cover these costs without increasing the Council’s financial contribution.​

Significant new grants secured

The Council has secured an extra £2.7 million from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Fund and £1.26 million via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. These funds will facilitate green infrastructure works at Western Quayside and enhance pedestrian links between Haverfordwest Castle and the town centre.​

To meet grant requirements and streamline project accounting, some elements initially delivered under the HoP scheme—such as public realm work around the Foundry—will be reallocated to the Western Quayside project.​

Further applications are being prepared to secure additional funding from the Transforming Towns programme. If successful, these would support a post-HoP “fit-out” of the castle site, improve town centre wayfinding, and enhance visitor experiences, all without extra cost to the Council.​

Castle and Gaol restoration separated

While the HoP scheme is well underway, the Council plans to separate the later-stage restoration of the Gaol and Governor’s House into a distinct project. This £2 million fit-out scheme has already received £368,525 in National Lottery Heritage funding, with further bids in progress. The Council aims to reduce its match funding requirement significantly.​

Separating the HoP and the Castle Fit-out projects within the capital programme is expected to provide clearer financial transparency.​

Criticism over project management

Despite the financial boost, the Council faces criticism for initiating restoration work on the Gaol without secured funding for its completion. Critics argue that this approach was premature and risky, especially given the building’s deteriorated condition and archaeological complexities. This has raised questions about project management and financial planning.​

The broader context includes significant funding cuts to Pembrokeshire County Council, with a reported reduction of over 40% in Shared Prosperity Scheme funding. Such cuts have intensified scrutiny over the Council’s allocation of resources, particularly in light of other pressing needs across the county.​

Council Leader Jon Harvey, who succeeded David Simpson in May 2024, has pledged to bring “compassion and transparency” to the role and to work collaboratively with other political groups. However, the decision to proceed with the Gaol’s restoration without secured funding for its completion remains a contentious issue, highlighting the need for transparent and comprehensive financial planning in public projects.​

Two options on the table

Cabinet members will consider two options. The preferred route is to accept the new external funding and reallocate budgets accordingly, delivering the full vision of both regeneration schemes while keeping the Council’s capital contribution unchanged.​Pembrokeshire Herald

Alternatively, councillors could reduce their capital spending by using the new grants to offset current commitments. However, this would render the HoP project unviable, potentially forcing the permanent closure of Castle Back and risking clawback of up to £17.7 million from UK Government and National Lottery funders.​

A separate recommendation would grant senior officers the authority to adjust the budget if further external funding becomes available, provided the Council’s own contribution does not increase.​

No legal or HR issues raised

The report confirms there are no legal or human resources concerns linked to the proposed changes. While the Director of Resources supports the plan, they caution that efforts must continue to reduce the Council’s overall borrowing levels.