News

Pembrokeshire County Council: Two senior members step down

Published

8 months ago

April 29, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

TWO senior members of Pembrokeshire County Council are to step down from their Cabinet positions this May, members of the council’s Cabinet heard.

At the April 28 meeting, members heard that Cabinet Member for Communities, Corporate Improvement and the Well-being of Future Generations Cllr Neil Prior and Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies Cllr Joshua Beynon were to step down from their Cabinet roles.

Members were told both councillors were stepping down for personal reasons, with their replacements expected to be announced in May.

Cllr Beynon, who took mover the finance role from Cllr Alec Cormack last year, has since posted on social media: “After a year serving in the Cabinet at Pembrokeshire County Council, I’ve decided the time is right for me to step back from my role as Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies.

“Serving in this position has been a real privilege — helping to improve services, strengthen the council’s finances, and always striving to do what’s best for Pembrokeshire. It hasn’t been without its challenges, especially in a council without a majority, but I’m proud of what we’ve achieved through collaboration and determination.”

“This hasn’t been an easy decision.

“Public service demands a lot, and I want to be honest about the personal toll it can take. I believe if you can’t give 100 per cent, it’s right to make space for someone who can bring fresh energy to the role.

“I’m incredibly grateful to my Cabinet colleagues, fellow councillors, and most of all the brilliant staff at Pembrokeshire County Council — the real backbone of our public services.

“Although I’m stepping back from Cabinet, I’m not stepping away. I’ll continue to serve from the backbenches, standing up for high-quality public services and for the people of Pembrokeshire.

“Thank you to everyone who’s supported me so far — it means a lot.”

The work of both Cabinet members was praised at the meeting by Leader Cllr Jon Harvey.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

12 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.