News

Complaint follows council carve up

Published

10 years ago

January 5, 2015

A VETERAN former local councillor has suggested that Council Leader Jamie Adams and his Cabinet broke the rules when they took part in a debate at a Full Council meeting on Thursday, December 11. William Rees MBE, who spent twenty-nine years as a community, district and county councillor has threatened to refer the conduct of the IPPG Leader and his Cabinet at a Council meeting that took place on Thursday December 11 to the Public Services Ombudsman.

Mr Rees was in the public gallery in County Hall and made a vocal interjection pointing out that Council Leader Jamie Adams had failed to declare a pecuniary and personal interest in a matter being debated on the floor of the Chamber. The key point to which Mr Rees has taken objection arose during the debate on Councillor Jacob Williams’ motion seeking to put in place a process that could lead to the annual election of the Council Leader. In Pembrokeshire, the Council Leader has wide and sweeping powers of patronage. With very little, or any, oversight the Leader has the power to appoint Cabinet members to their remunerated posts; the power to appoint councillors as the remunerated chairs of some committees; the power to appoint councillors to remunerated positions on public bodies outside the authority.

In the most blatant instance of gerrymandering positions outside the authority, when Cllr Peter Stock left the Independent Group he was replaced as the authority’s representative on the Dyfed Powys Police Authority by Independent Group loyalist Steve Yelland. When Cllr Adams had been challenged on the appointment of Cllr Stock shortly before he left the Independent Group, he claimed he had appointed Cllr Stock on merit as the best man for the job. It is apparent, therefore, from his subsequent act that Cllr Adams felt Cllr Stock’s then m e m b e r s h i p of the Independent Group Cllr Adams leads was the most merit-worthy of his qualities.

The issue of patronage and remuneration is important to Mr Rees’ point. In a letter addressed to Council Monitoring Officer Laurence Harding, he makes it clear that, as the current incumbent who could face loss of post if Cllr Williams’ motion was passed, Cllr Adams had, in his view, an interest in the outcome of the vote that he should have declared.

In addition, the members of Cllr Adams’ Cabinet also had an interest in the outcome both on the vote regarding the annual election of the leader and on an amendment proposing that the appointment of Cabinet members be vetted by the full Council. Neither Cllr Adams nor any member of his Cabinet declared an interest in the outcome of the vote. Monitoring Officer, Laurence Harding was challenged on the issue of whether Cllr Adams or his Cabinet had an interest in the votes’ outcomes.

Mr Harding told disbelieving councillors that as all of them were potential Cabinet members, Cabinet members were in no different a position than of other councillors. Mr Rees, who is a former Chair of South Pembrokeshire District Council, headmaster and schools inspector for Estyn, disagrees with Mr Harding and regarding Cllr Adams wrote: “Jacob Williams’motion, currently, is directly applicable to him but there was no declaration of interest.

As the position is salaried then surely there is a direct pecuniary interest. “There was an amendment to the motion [proposed by Cllr Paul Miller] that called for all members of cabinet to also be subjected to a vote at the AGM. A councillor asked for advice regarding members of cabinet being able to vote on a matter in which they had a direct pecuniary interest. You advised that as all councillors could be members of cabinet that all were entitled to vote. Surely the issue is not who could be members of cabinet but those who actually are.”

Mr Harding’s interpretation of the rules has been shown to be flawed in the past. In January, he was compelled to back down and release documents relating to the grants scandal in Pembroke Dock. In the month before last week’s Council meeting, Mr Harding was also forced into a humiliating public climb down – coincidentally by Cllr Jacob Williams – over his interpretation of the constitution affecting the election of the Council Leader. Mr Rees’ letter makes it plain that his letter is a formal complaint and that his letter has been seen by the Ombudsman’s office who regarding it that it should be treated as such. The Ombudsman has confirmed that Mr Harding has a twenty day period to reply prior to Mr Rees making a referral.

Crime

Seventeen deaths at Parc Prison: Calls for action after MP inquiry

Published

22 mins ago

December 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SMUGGLING PROBLEMS PERSIST

DRUGS smuggled into Parc Prison in Bridgend using drones, staff corruption, and even children’s nappies are contributing to a crisis that has seen 17 inmate deaths this year. MPs have grilled the management of the G4S-run facility – which houses many offenders from Pembrokeshire – over safety and governance issues.

Will Styles, director of HMP Parc, told the Welsh Affairs Select Committee that contraband enters the prison via several routes. “It can be thrown over the wall, brought in by visitors – hidden in bodily orifices or children’s nappies – or through staff corruption,” he explained.

Organised crime gangs, particularly those based in Wales and the Midlands, are exploiting drone technology to smuggle illicit items. “It takes 20 seconds to fly a drone over the wall, drop drugs, and exit the premises,” said Gordon Brockington, G4S managing director. “Even small amounts of drugs can cause enormous problems.”

***Parc Prison: Drug overdoses caused by the misuse of Nitazenes have killed inmates, MPs heard (Image: File)***

DEATHS UNDER SCRUTINY

The committee heard that of the 17 deaths at the prison this year, eight were from natural causes, three were self-inflicted, and five were drug-related. Parc Prison houses an ageing population, with 16% of inmates aged over 50, and serves as one of two palliative care centres in the UK.

Mr Brockington highlighted the threat of nitazenes, synthetic opioids up to 1,000 times more potent than morphine, which were introduced into the prison earlier this year. Despite these challenges, he insisted that the majority of staff are not corrupt.

PROGRESS BUT MORE TO DO

Ruth Jones, chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, pressed prison officials on whether inmates can be guaranteed safety. Mr Styles responded: “An awful lot of work has gone into improving safety and security. Self-harm and violence metrics have significantly improved, and there have been no non-natural deaths since June.”

Inmates have also reported feeling safer, and improvements to prison conditions and regimes have been noted. However, Ms Jones expressed concerns about ongoing issues, particularly the introduction of new drugs like nitazenes and the smuggling of tiny mobile phones designed to evade security.

FUTURE STEPS

The committee acknowledged that progress has been made but emphasized the need for continued efforts. Ms Jones said: “Seventeen deaths in one year is a tragedy and raises serious questions about safety. Frontline staff must be better trained to address emerging threats. Additionally, the Government must act swiftly to address the smuggling of mobile phones designed to evade security.”

The committee also noted that plans to expand Parc Prison would require addressing staffing and healthcare concerns. Ms Jones confirmed that her committee would monitor progress closely and revisit the issue if necessary.

MINISTER BACKS G4S CONTRACT

The UK Government’s Prisons Minister, Lord James Timpson, told the committee he has no plans to strip G4S of its contract to run HMP Parc. Responding to questions from the committee’s chair, Ruth Jones, Lord Timpson said he was impressed by improvements during a recent visit and saw no reason to cancel the contract.

“I’ve seen a number of prisons over the years, both in private and public ownership. It comes down to leadership and focus over the long term,” Lord Timpson said. “Despite the challenges, I think they did a lot of good things at HMP Parc, and the reasons to close a contract aren’t present in this case.”

***There was disorder in Parc Prison earlier in 2024, support was sent from other prisons (Image: Herald file)***

DRUGS IN PRISONS: A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS

Lord Timpson admitted that tackling drugs in prisons like Parc remains a significant challenge. “We have a long way to go on drugs,” he said. “We need to see it as a public health problem and ensure opportunities for inmates to turn their lives around. Substance-free wings, education, purposeful activity, and building meaningful relationships with officers are key.”

The minister emphasized the importance of reducing reoffending through rehabilitation efforts, saying: “If we can help people leave prison free of drugs or alcohol, it will make a massive difference to reoffending rates.”

SECURITY AND STAFFING IMPROVEMENTS

Will Styles told MPs that security checks on staff have increased five-fold since June, and staffing levels have improved. “The vast majority of staff are not corrupt,” he stressed, adding that work is ongoing to address smuggling routes, including industrial-scale drone drops organized by crime gangs.

Parc Prison’s management and the UK Government face mounting pressure to implement lasting solutions to safety and governance challenges. The Welsh Affairs Select Committee has pledged to continue monitoring progress closely.

Community

Pembrokeshire Trading Standards warn against cold callers after Storm Darragh

Published

40 mins ago

December 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

TRADING STANDARDS is asking the public to be aware of rogue traders and cold callers who may try to take advantage of the damage caused by Storm Darragh.

“Opportunistic rogue traders may exploit the situation left in Storm Darragh’s wake by persuading residents that their properties require urgent attention such as repairs to fences, replacement of loose roof tiles or the removal of damaged trees,” said Cllr Jacob Williams, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services.

“They may apply pressure by claiming that work needs doing immediately to secure the property, charge excessive amounts and insist on up-front payments.

“Paperwork is often not provided or contains incorrect contact details. Often work carried out is of poor quality, and as work proceeds the traders can claim more work is required than is actually necessary.”

Trading Standards advises:

Not to deal with cold callers offering to undertake work, no matter what claims they make.
Contact your home insurance provider to see what you are covered for and the procedure for making any claim.
Speak to family, friends or neighbours for recommendations of tradesmen.
Obtain several written quotes.
Be cautious of responding to leaflets dropped at your home, advertisements on social media, trader platforms and online reviews.
Take time to decide. Reputable traders will not pressurise you to make a decision.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously, are concerned about any traders working or leafleting in your area or have been a victim of a rogue trader yourself you can report it to Trading Standards by contacting Citizens Advice helpline on 0808 223 1133 (or 0808 223 1144 for Welsh speakers), the police on 101 or dial 999 if you feel threatened or intimidated.

News

Outcry from residents as council proposes closing Pembroke Pool

Published

3 hours ago

December 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

LOCAL residents and community leaders have expressed outrage following Pembrokeshire County Council’s proposal to close Pembroke Pool as part of its 2025-26 budget consultation. The suggestion has sparked a wave of criticism, with the Pembroke Town Team labeling the move “truly disgusting” and urging locals to voice their objections.

Pembroke Town Team said on social media that the proposal came to their attention after it was shared in a private group chat, leading to widespread disbelief and anger among pool users and community advocates. The pool, a popular hub for swimming lessons, fitness sessions, club activities, and children’s parties, is described as consistently busy and a vital facility for the town.

***Happier times: Pembroke Octopush Club making good use of the pool (Image: File)***

One community member said: “This is shocking news. Pembroke Pool is always bustling, and instead of closing it, it should receive investment from levelling-up funds to enhance its services.”

The council’s budget consultation documents outline the proposed closure as part of cost-saving measures, prompting calls for residents to respond through the consultation process. The Pembroke Town Team has urged locals to complete the consultation form and make their objections known, emphasizing the pool’s importance to the community.

WIDESPREAD IMPACT

The potential closure has raised concerns about the impact on swimming clubs, fitness groups, and the wider community, including schools that rely on the pool for lessons. Parents, fitness enthusiasts, and club members have taken to social media to rally against the decision, calling on Pembrokeshire County Council to reconsider.

“This is not just a pool; it’s a community lifeline,” one user commented on social media.

Residents are encouraged to participate in the consultation process via the council’s website. Pembrokeshire County Council has yet to respond to the criticism, but the consultation period remains open, providing an opportunity for voices to be heard.