PLAID CYMRU’S new councillor for Fishguard, elected following the death of Jordan Ryan has promised to “take over the mantle” of the late councillor.

A byelection was declared following the death of Cllr Jordan Ryan, a former Labour councillor who later became and unaffiliated independent member.

In a seven-way battle for the Fishguard North-East ward the results declared on February 10 were: Caleb Charles Churchill, Welsh Liberal Democrats, 135; Paul Stephen Howe, Welsh Labour, 83; Peter Martin John, commonly known as Peter John, Reform UK, 95; Brian Andrew Murphy, commonly known as Brian Murphy, Welsh Conservative Party, 69; Teresa Ruth Tannahill, commonly known as Teresa Tannahill, Independent, 79; Adrian John Adrian Tyrrell , commonly known as Adrian Tyrrell, Independent, 35; and William Cuthbert Linton Shaw, commonly known as Billy Shaw, Plaid Cymru – The Party of Wales 253.

Cllr Shaw’s election will see Plaid now having three county councillors in Pembrokeshire.

The-now Cllr Shaw said: “Thank you to the residents of Fishguard North East for electing me to represent them as their county councillor.

“I take over the mantle after the passing of the previous incumbent, Jordan Ryan, whose passing shocked us all. He was an excellent ambassador for Fishguard and I hope to do his memory proud. Now the hard work begins.”

Liberal Democrat candidate Caleb Churchill, who finished second, said: “Fishguard saw one of its highest turnouts to date, and not only in Fishguard: it was also one of the highest turnouts across Pembrokeshire in some time. That level of engagement is something we can all be proud of.

“I’m incredibly proud of the hard work my colleagues and I put into this campaign, and grateful for the support, encouragement, and conversations along the way. I also wish to make a special thanks to my agent throughout this campaign, Thomas Hughes.  

“As a first-time candidate, Tom has guided me through this journey and been incredibly patient and supportive – and I’m proud to call him my friend.

“Most of all, I want to thank my wonderful wife, and amazing little girl, for their patience, support, and understanding throughout the campaign, I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Cllr Jordan, Fishguard’s youngest-ever mayor, who “cared deeply about politics, social justice and equality,” died last November.

Fishguard North East ward member since 2022, Cllr Jordan Ryan was one of 10 Labour Party members on the county council, before announcing his resignation in late September, saying there is a need to build a new socialist party as Labour is failing to challenge “the forces of the far right on the march”.

Since leaving the Labour group, Cllr Ryan had sat as an unaffiliated member, offering to be “a critical friend of the current administration”.

Paying tribute to Cllr Jordan last year, Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said: “Jordan was a man of values and principles who was extremely proud to represent his constituents of the Fishguard North East ward.

“His passionate and thoughtful contributions to council meetings will be sorely missed by every member, no matter their political colours.”

Perhaps the last words should go to the late Cllr Ryan, who said his politics followed the Christian teaching of “feed the poor, heal the sick, love thy neighbour and share the wealth”.

In his call for a new socialism, he quoted poet Percy Blythe Shelly’s work The Masque of Anarchy, a response to the 1810 Peterloo massacre.

“Rise like lions after slumber, in unvanquishable number, shake your chains to earth like dew, which in sleep had fallen on you, ye are many – they are few.”

MEMBERS of Milford Haven Town Council joined residents and staff at Milford Haven Library on Tuesday morning for a community coffee event celebrating local support for the town’s library service.

The gathering was organised by the library to thank the Town Council and the wider community for their continued backing.

The Mayor, Cllr William Elliott, attended alongside Deputy Mayor Cllr Mark Woodward and fellow town councillors, meeting residents over tea and coffee and speaking with library staff about the role the service plays locally.

Councillors said the event provided a relaxed opportunity to engage directly with the public and hear how the library is supporting people of all ages, from families and young readers to older residents who use the space socially.

A spokesperson for the council said the morning was “a wonderful turnout” and a chance to strengthen ties between the council, library staff and the community.

They added: “It was great to talk with residents and see first-hand how valued the library is. Thank you to the team for their warm hospitality.”

Pembrokeshire’s libraries continue to host regular community activities, groups and events aimed at tackling isolation and providing welcoming public spaces across the county.

£200 donations helping sports clubs, warm spaces, schools and local projects keep Pembrokeshire villages connected and thriving

COMMUNITY groups across north Pembrokeshire are being encouraged to apply for monthly funding as Cwm Arian Renewable Energy continues its programme of small grants aimed at strengthening local life.

The community energy organisation is offering £200 every month to support grassroots projects, with the funding open to clubs, charities, volunteer groups and informal community initiatives. Since the scheme launched in April 2022, the fund has supported a wide range of activities, from youth sport and schools to cultural events and wellbeing projects.

The grants are deliberately flexible, allowing groups to decide what their communities need most rather than fitting strict criteria. Money can be used for hall hire, equipment, refreshments, transport, training costs or materials, helping even the smallest organisations get ideas off the ground.

In Hermon, funding has supported the popular Warm Rooms project, providing hot meals, company and a welcoming space for older residents during the colder months. Organisers say the grant has helped tackle isolation while giving people somewhere safe and social to meet.

In Crymych, football and rugby clubs have used the donations to run training sessions, organise matches and purchase kit, giving young people regular opportunities to stay active, develop skills and build confidence. Elsewhere, cultural groups and local festivals have used the support to stage workshops, performances and events that bring residents together.

A spokesperson for Cwm Arian said the aim is to keep the process simple and accessible.

They said: “These donations are about helping local people do what they already do best. A relatively small amount of money can make a big difference to a village group or volunteer project. We want to support activities that strengthen communities and improve everyday life.”

Best known locally for its renewable energy and sustainability work, Cwm Arian says reinvesting income back into the community is central to its mission.

Groups with an idea that benefits people in Pembrokeshire are invited to apply, with guidance and application details available through the Cwm Arian website.