News

Concern at ‘bullying’ reports in Pembrokeshire fire service

Published

1 week ago

March 8, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PEMBROKESHIRE’S leader is to meet with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service after a recent review said there was a “bullying culture” in the service.

A recent jointly commissioned Independent Cultural Review, facilitated by Crest Advisory found several serious widespread concerns being reported by staff including discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment.

Senior staff at the service have said that they will now be looking to implement the recommendations of the report.

At the March 6 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, a submitted question by Cllr Alistair Cameron asked: “On February 5, Crest Advisory published their Independent Culture Review into Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

“The review was highly critical and included the following statements in its conclusion.”

Cllr Cameron’s question quoted the report: “Our findings revealed that MAWWFRS is divided along grey book (operational vs green book (support and corporate), gender and rank with a formal hierarchy fostering mistrust, disconnection, and a culture of fear and conformity, stifling open dialogue and innovation.

“Staff raised cultural issues including leadership failures, outdated management practices, and inadequate staff support across our engagement.

“These issues perpetuated inefficiencies, lowered staff morale and increased inequalities.

“High levels of bullying and harassment, a fear of retaliation and ostracism hampering confidence in reporting, and a lack of confidence on action from senior leaders, reflect a bullying culture at MAWWFRS.

“A resistance to change, particularly at the executive level, and rooted in a structure that prioritises operational firefighting over broader public safety roles, hindered attempts at positive cultural change.

“MAWWFRS must undergo transformative reforms, modernising its culture and structure to align with contemporary public safety priorities, addressing systematic issues, and rebuilding trust through decisive, bold and inclusive action.”

He added: “Whilst MAWWFRS is to be commended for commissioning this work, could the Leader of the council seek an urgent meeting between the Chief Fire Officer and council so that he can explain what measures have been put in place to address these serious issues?”

Responding, Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said: “I fully share the concerns of the findings in certain cultural aspects of MAWWFRS and am aware work has already started.

“I’ve already had a response back from the fire service with a meeting scheduled for March 20.”

Cllr Cameron welcomed the Leader’s response, highlighting the review’s highly critical view of a “bullying culture,” adding: “The only positive thing is the fire service did request this report.”

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Fire Authority Chair Councillor Gwynfor Thomas has previously said: “Members of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority are saddened to read the findings of the independent culture review of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

“We are humbled by people’s courage in giving open, honest and challenging feedback, and it is with thanks to those who contributed that we can see the urgency with which we must act to tackle poor culture and behaviour where it exists.”

Education

UWTSD and Pembrokeshire Music Service collaborate on recording sessions

Published

27 minutes ago

March 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

STUDENTS from the Creative Music Technology programme at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) have teamed up with the Pembrokeshire Music Service to record two promising rock and pop bands.

The recording sessions took place at Haverfordwest High VC School, offering young musicians from the Pembrokeshire Music Service a unique opportunity to professionally capture their original compositions.

This initiative, launched in 2024 by Max Griffiths while still a student at UWTSD, highlights the lasting impact of student-led projects in fostering innovation and industry engagement. By the time the event took place, Max had graduated, underscoring the programme’s success in nurturing creative talent.

Dr David Bird, Lecturer in Creative Music Technology at UWTSD, said: “It was inspiring to witness music being supported in innovative ways beyond the classroom. There is an incredible pool of talent emerging from Pembrokeshire, and we are privileged to have recorded these musicians at the start of their musical journeys. Our students also gained invaluable experience, making this an exciting opportunity for everyone involved.”

Miranda Morgan, Pembrokeshire Music Service Coordinator, praised the collaboration: “We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with UWTSD’s music technology staff and students. The entire day was an enriching experience for our rock and pop ensemble pupils, who not only enjoyed recording their original works but also gained insight into music technology and the recording process. We look forward to future collaborations.”

Philippa Roberts, Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service, highlighted the experience’s impact on young musicians: “Pembrokeshire Music Service is delighted to have partnered with UWTSD. The experience was invaluable, and our students greatly benefited from the expertise of skilled tutors and musicians. A special thank you to the Pembrokeshire music tutors for their dedication and encouragement in nurturing our aspiring rock musicians.”

Plans are already in motion to expand the partnership with future workshops focused on Music Technology. These workshops aim to equip young musicians with the technical skills needed to navigate the evolving music industry.

For further information, contact: [email protected].

Community

First Bus announces fare changes across Wales

Published

46 minutes ago

March 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Ticket prices set to rise from March 30

FIRST BUS has announced fare increases for services across Wales, set to take effect from Sunday, March 30.

Among the changes:

A day ticket will increase by £1 for adults and 70p for children/mytravelpass holders (16–21-year-olds).
Return fares will rise by 16p to 30p for adults using Tap On, Tap Off and 10p to 20p for children/mytravelpass holders when buying from the driver.
Three-day and five-day tickets will go up by £2.50 and £1.80 for adults, and £1.70 and £1.20 for children/mytravelpass holders when purchased from the driver.
Weekly tickets will increase by £1.50 for adults and 90p for children/mytravelpass holders.
Other multi-day tickets, including monthly passes bought via the website and mobile app, will also see price increases.

Despite the fare hikes, First Bus says single fares will remain frozen, with adult tickets staying at £3 and child/mytravelpass tickets capped at £2 when bought on the bus.

Rob Pymm, Commercial Director for First Bus Cymru, said: “Our fare changes come as we continue investing in services. Last autumn, we restored some routes, added extra journeys, and extended services across south Wales.

“Like many businesses, we face rising costs, but we have worked hard to keep increases to a minimum to ensure bus travel remains the cheapest and most sustainable form of transport.

“A year ago, we introduced Tap On Tap Off technology across all our services, which has been hugely popular, making bus travel simpler and ensuring passengers get the best value for every journey.”

The company says that while some return fares in Pembrokeshire will rise, bus travel in the county will remain among the cheapest in south Wales.

Crime

Police appeal after teenage girl assaulted in Tenby

Published

56 minutes ago

March 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TENBY police are appealing for witnesses following an assault on a teenage girl on Saturday afternoon (Mar 15).

The 13-year-old girl sustained injuries to her head and back during the incident, officers confirmed.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of an assault on a 13-year-old girl in the Tenby area at around 5:00pm on Saturday, March 15.

“The victim suffered injuries to her head and back. No arrests have been made, and enquiries are ongoing.

“If you witnessed the incident or have information that could assist our investigation, please contact us either online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.”

The crime reference number is 25*220256.