Community

Older people’s voices ‘must be heard’ on bus reforms

Published

7 months ago

May 8, 2025

THE OLDER people’s commissioner for Wales warned people could be denied a meaningful say about a major shake-up of bus services due to a tight timetable for scrutiny.

Rhian Bowen-Davies, who was appointed last summer, expressed concerns about the “extremely narrow” timetable for a bill which aims to transform bus services in Wales.
Writing to the Senedd’s climate committee, she said a six-week consultation window, which included three bank holidays, does not allow enough time for people to respond.

Ms Bowen-Davies wrote: “11 weeks is insufficient to undertake the scrutiny process, especially on such a significant piece of draft legislation.

“The timetable does not allow for meaningful consultation with stakeholders, including members of the public and particularly older people.”

Ms Bowen-Davies, who is scheduled to give evidence to the committee on May 22, argued the May 13 consultation deadline fails to give the issue the attention it deserves.

The former police officer said: “Issues relating to transport, particularly buses, are often raised with me by older people and I am very keen to ensure there is sufficient time for meaningful consultation on the bill and that older people’s voices are heard.”

In a letter published ahead of a committee meeting on May 7, she wrote: “Older people often tell me they want a voice in decision making but that digital exclusion often acts as a barrier.”
Warning that an explanatory note, which was published alongside the bill, runs to more than 200 pages, she stressed: “It is important to recognise that over 100,000 people aged 75-plus in Wales do not use the internet.”

Plaid Cymru’s Llŷr Gruffydd, who chairs the climate committee which is scrutinising the bill, stated that 11 sitting weeks is in line with standard practice in his reply.

“This necessitates a shorter consultation period than would be the case, for example, for a policy inquiry where the committee has autonomy over timetabling matters,” he wrote.

Senedd Members on the business committee, which organises proceedings in the Welsh Parliament, agreed the 11-week timetable.

Mr Gruffydd added: “We acknowledge that the six-week consultation period is likely to present challenges for those wishing to submit evidence. However, we are keen to ensure that this evidence is available in good time to test with witnesses.”

With the business committee reviewing the legislative scrutiny process, Ms Bowen-Davies called for reform to ensure digital exclusion is not “inadvertently built in”.

She told the climate committee: “This review should reflect on the time needed to support and enable genuine and meaningful consultation, as well as engagement with groups who have an interest in legislative proposals.

“Future timetables should also take into account bank holidays and other factors that may impact on people’s ability to respond. Changes to allow more time for consultation should be made to the timetable for scrutinising legislation.”

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

17 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

17 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).