News
Local politicians call for clarity as PCC staff face uncertainty
MSs warn of “anxious winter” for workers after policing overhaul
LOCAL politicians across west Wales have urged ministers to provide immediate clarity for staff working in Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) offices, after unions warned of “deep anxiety” following the government’s decision to scrap the roles by 2028.
The reforms — announced on Thursday — mean the Dyfed-Powys PCC’s office, based in Carmarthen, will be dissolved and replaced with a new council-led policing oversight model. Staff supporting the PCC across Dyfed-Powys now face months of uncertainty while awaiting details of the replacement structure.
Samuel Kurtz, MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, said the way the announcement had been handled “beggars belief”.
“These staff are public servants who keep our policing system running, and they deserved better than finding out about major changes on social media,” he said.
“With Christmas approaching, the government must urgently provide clarity. We need assurances that jobs will be protected and that Wales is not disadvantaged by a one-size-fits-all policy made in London.”
Pembrokeshire MS Paul Davies also urged ministers to listen to workers.
“Whatever system replaces PCCs must not come at the expense of experienced Welsh staff,” he said.
“Local oversight of policing is vital, and communities in Dyfed-Powys need to know that nothing will be lost in terms of accountability or victim support.”
Plaid Cymru: “Respect Welsh structures”
Plaid Cymru argued that the reform should have included “meaningful engagement” with the Welsh Government before being announced.
Cefin Campbell MS, who represents Mid and West Wales, said: “Policing may be reserved, but Wales’s oversight structures are not an afterthought. Staff deserve certainty and respect. Plaid will press for a transition that keeps expertise in Wales and strengthens — not weakens — local accountability.”
Dyfed-Powys PCC responds
Dafydd Llywelyn, the current Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, said staff welfare is his immediate priority.
“This announcement creates understandable concern for my team,” he said.
“I will be seeking urgent discussions with the Home Office and Welsh Government to ensure that every member of staff is treated fairly. Their professionalism and dedication over many years must be recognised in whatever model replaces the current system.”
What happens next
The UK Government is expected to publish details of the new oversight structures in the coming weeks. In Wales — where no regional mayors currently have policing powers — responsibility is likely to pass to newly created local policing and crime boards.
Unions, PCCs and politicians are all calling for early guarantees that no compulsory redundancies will arise from the transition.
Local Government
Security privately arranged by Mayor at Beating of the Bounds
HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has confirmed that security personnel seen at this year’s Beating of the Bounds were privately arranged and paid for by the town’s Mayor.
The council issued a statement on Tuesday (June 16) following queries about the presence of security staff at the civic event.
It confirmed that the arrangements were made by the Mayor and Admiral of the Port, Councillor Randell Thomas-Turner, and were not commissioned by the council.
The statement said the decision was taken by the Mayor as a personal precaution in response to safety concerns connected with his role as a councillor.
NO SPECIFIC THREAT
The council stressed that the presence of security personnel should not be interpreted as an indication of any specific threat to the event, participants, or members of the public.
It added that the event “proceeded safely and successfully” and that there were no incidents of concern during the day.
The Beating of the Bounds is one of Haverfordwest’s oldest civic traditions, with the Mayor and Sheriff travelling to the White Stone, the historic boundary marker of the Port of Haverfordwest, to reaffirm the ancient boundaries and rights of the town.
Hundreds of people attended this year’s event, which included a flotilla, music, entertainment, stalls and family activities along the riverside.
COUNCIL CONDEMNS ABUSE
In its statement, the council said it remained committed to ensuring civic events were “welcoming, inclusive and family-friendly” occasions.
It said appropriate planning and risk management arrangements were undertaken for all public events so residents and visitors could attend with confidence.
The council added: “While the security arrangements were a personal matter for the Mayor, the council recognises the importance of supporting the wellbeing and safety of all elected members and staff.
“The council condemns all forms of abuse, intimidation and threatening behaviour directed towards those serving their communities.
“Respectful public discourse is fundamental to local democracy, but there is no place for conduct that seeks to harass, threaten or intimidate others.”
The council thanked everyone who attended and contributed to what it described as another successful Beating of the Bounds, celebrating Haverfordwest’s history, traditions and community spirit.
Image: Darth Marty Media
Local Government
Major improvement works completed at Fleming Crescent
NEW roofs, structural upgrades and solar panels have been installed across three residential blocks at Fleming Crescent as part of a major housing improvement scheme.
Pembrokeshire County Council said the project has delivered safer, warmer and more energy-efficient homes for residents, with the full replacement of roofs serving 54 flats.
The works also included structural improvements designed to support the long-term performance of the buildings, alongside the installation of solar panels to help improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs for tenants.

The council received a funding contribution from the Welsh Government through the Optimised Retrofit Programme, which supports energy-efficiency improvements alongside wider investment works.
The scheme was completed on schedule, with W B Griffiths & Son Ltd appointed as the main contractor.
Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Michelle Bateman said: “Delivering a project of this scale on schedule is a significant achievement.
“The new roofs and external upgrades will help reduce future maintenance issues and improve the long-term resilience of the buildings, while the solar panels form an important part of our wider decarbonisation programme.
“By working closely with W B Griffiths & Son Ltd, we have delivered high-quality improvements that will benefit tenants both now and in the future.
“Pembrokeshire County Council continues to invest in housing improvements across the county, ensuring homes remain safe, modern, energy efficient and fit for the future.”
The project has also received national recognition after being shortlisted for a Constructing Excellence in Wales Award.
Neil Griffiths, Managing Director of W B Griffiths & Son Ltd, said: “We are proud to have delivered this important project at Fleming Crescent to a high standard and within the agreed timescales.
“The combination of full roof replacement and solar panel installation will provide long-term value, improve the performance of the buildings and support better outcomes for residents.
“It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council on this scheme.”
News
Tenby lifeboat tows yacht to safety after skipper falls ill near Caldey
A YACHT was towed back to Tenby after its skipper became unwell off Caldey Island.
Tenby’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch at 1:40pm on Monday (Jun 15), after the coastguard received a call from the occupants of a yacht reporting that the skipper had become ill around one mile south of Caldey Island.
The volunteer crew quickly made their way to the vessel, which had three people and a dog on board.
Once alongside, the lifeboat crew discovered that the skipper was suffering badly from seasickness and that the other two people on board were unable to sail the yacht themselves.
After a full assessment by the coxswain, it was decided that the safest course of action was to tow the yacht back to Tenby. The vessel was drifting with the tide towards Caldey Island and was also considered a potential navigational hazard to other boats.
Two lifeboat crew members were placed aboard the yacht to help set up the tow and to monitor the unwell skipper during the journey back.
After a tow of around an hour, the yacht was placed on the lifeboat mooring in the calmer waters of North Bay.
The lifeboat then returned to station, arriving back at 3:15pm.
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