Community

MPs should be ‘a bloody nuisance’

Published

10 years ago

January 28, 2015

A nuisance: Simon Hart

SIMON HART arrives for his interview with the air of a man eager to get cracking with business. That does not, however, stop him from taking time to chat about his experiences as a surveyor in and around Tenby and the deep connection he feels to his home locality. With a message sent on his mobile phone to explain he would be late for his next stop on a journey that had seen him visit a trampoline factory in Pembroke Dock before heading to The Herald offices and then off to visit Llawhaden, he gives the impression of being a man constantly active and on the move.

The same habits permeate his speech: he is, by turn, measured and bubbling with infectious enthusiasm as he warms to a subject. We start off with a subject featured in last Friday’s edition of The Herald. A couple of weeks ago, our columnist Badger offered an assessment of how the local seats in the coming election would pan out. In that column he described Mr Hart, whose chances he did not fancy, “a humane and committed constituency MP of a type becoming increasingly rare at Westminster”.

Badger’s words were met with correspondence from those who wished to draw attention to their contention that Mr Hart’s past as Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance made the word “humane”, at best, moot. That correspondence was featured, as was Badger’s somewhat pithy response. Mr Hart said: “I am interested that those who are opposed to hunting are those who appear to be obsessed about it and are constantly raising it.

“My priorities in my constituency are, I hope, basically the same as everyone else: jobs, housing, health, the future of Withybush. Of course, I have never made any secret about what I did before I was an MP.I am proud to have been associated with a 200 year old Pembrokeshire institution – the South Pembs Hunt. So, I have no problems. People must make their own judgements and if they found what I did before I was an MP too much to stomach, then I have to live with that.”

He continued: “The usual thing you hear about MP’s is that we are all the same and nobody knows what anyone stands for. I personally think that voters these days would prefer to vote for somebody who has beliefs and opinions and is prepared to stand by them. “It was not my party who spent 700 hours of parliamentary time debating hunting. In this Parliament not a single hour of debate has been devoted to the issue. I am not going to be accused of devoting time to a subject which, as I say, I never raised and which I never would have raised.”

We asked Mr Hart whether he was optimistic about the prospects for economic regeneration in his parliamentary constituency. He said: “I’m always somebody with a positive demeanour. Entering 2015, and trying to be realistic about the obstacles some families face, I am immensely proud of the fact that we have great businesses around here. Some of them are long-standing and some of them relatively new. This morning, I was at Atlantic trampolines in Pembroke Dock, who have sold 50,000 trampolines over the last few years and are selling their goods across the UK and worldwide.

“There is a lot to be positive about with small and medium-sized business opening up: the manufacture of the ZANO drone based at the BIC, in Pembroke Dock, puts us at the forefront of new and developing technologies. The lists of these new businesses is endless.” Simon Hart paused to take a sip of tea and continued: “It is fantastic we are seeing unemployment fall in the area. I hate it when people talk about jobs in tourism as “not proper jobs”.

If you are working on that caravan site or in that hotel, earning your own money and spending it in your community: that’s a proper job. I did that once and I think it is condescending of people to suggest that they are not proper jobs.” Looking at the loss of manufacturing jobs, at Murco and Cambrian Windows, Mr Hart acknowledged the challenges but remained upbeat: “There are career prospects in the County: I don’t want it to seem that I am looking at things through rose-tinted spectacles. There are a signifi cant number of new jobs being created and maintained. People are fi nding Pembrokeshire is a very good place to do business.”

In terms of what he has done for his constituents he replied: “My ambition is to provide a voice for people that they otherwise would not have. I like sticking up for the small guy. I think the role of an MP is become a bloody nuisance on behalf of people in need of help. “If that means knocking on the doors of the Welsh Government, the County Council and the Health Board, so be it. I know that there are times when the phone rings at County Hall when people go ‘oh no not him again’. Good!”

Moving on to discuss Withybush Hospital and the actions of the Health Board in respect of health services within Pembrokeshire, Simon Hart was very clear: “My frustration with Hywel Dda, and that should indicate how I feel about it, is that its communication is poor. It does not think it communicates either its intentions or its decisions effectively, either its staff or the public. This creates an information void which can be alarming.”

Visibly warming to a subject upon which he has campaigned vociferously, Mr Hart continued: “We need to know what the longterm is and whether the Board sees a future for Withybush. Without that we cannot plan for our families or our businesses. “One thing the Board says is an issue is recruitment, and it has blamed a lot of things for that being a problem for it, but the real issue affecting recruitment is the lack of certainty about Withybush’s future.

How does the Board think it will attract professionals to Pembrokeshire if nobody knows whether the jobs on offer are permanent? “The Board has created a selffulfi lling position for itself in recruitment. Until we have certainty about the future of the hospital for the next ten or fifteen years, we are still going to encounter that problem.”

Discussing the Welsh Government’s role in the NHS, Simon Hart expressed concerns that the Welsh NHS had not had its funding protected in the same way as the NHS in England. Speaking of a meeting he had the previous day with Mark Drakeford he said: “Mark Drakeford made some sensible points about the treatment of patients, but it worries me that the budget has been cut and that the public is losing confidence in the NHS.

“In relation to comparisons between the performance of the NHS in England and Wales, Mark Drakeford said that comparisons were unfair, and then proceeded to make some to illustrate his argument. “Whether it is true or not, people believe that the Welsh NHS is not as good and it has a signifi cant economic impact on Wales. We are trying to encourage people to come to Wales with their businesses and families, and the negative perception of the Welsh NHS is discouraging them.” The Herald will reveal part two of this interview next week.

Community

Prepare for flooding and damaging winds from Storm Darragh

Published

7 hours ago

December 6, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NATURAL RESOURCES WALES (NRW) is urging people across Wales to remain vigilant this weekend as Storm Darragh brings heavy rainfall and potentially damaging winds, posing significant risks in many areas.

The storm is expected to bring widespread rainfall across Wales, with a heightened risk of significant flooding in southern regions from Saturday into Sunday. Though rainfall totals are predicted to be less than those seen during Storm Bert, saturated ground and debris-filled rivers from recent storms increase the likelihood of flooding.

The Met Office has issued amber and red weather warnings:

Amber warning for rain in southern Wales from 3:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday.
Red warning for winds along the western and southern coastline from 3:00am to 11:00am on Saturday, with an amber warning for winds from 1:00am to 9:00pm.

NRW Closures and Public Safety Guidance

All NRW-managed visitor centres, woodlands, trails, and car parks will be closed on Saturday to ensure public safety. Although coastal flooding is not currently expected, large waves caused by storm-force winds could pose significant danger. NRW is urging residents to:

Avoid seafronts and promenades to reduce the risk of being swept away by waves.
Take preparatory steps now to protect homes and businesses, such as moving valuables and vehicles to higher ground and packing a flood kit.

Stay Informed and Prepared

NRW offers a free flood warning service and updates flood alerts every 15 minutes:

Sign up at naturalresources.wales/flooding or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
Check flood alerts and warnings regularly online.

Becky Favager, Duty Tactical Manager for NRW, said:
“Storm Darragh is expected to have a significant impact across Wales. Rivers are already swollen, and with ground conditions so wet, we anticipate a high number of flood alerts and warnings.

“Our teams have been working around the clock, checking defences impacted by Storm Bert and preparing for Darragh’s arrival. With red and amber warnings in place, we’ve closed our visitor sites to protect the public. We strongly urge people to avoid riverbanks, seafronts, and floodwaters, as they pose serious safety risks.

“Sign up for our free flood warning service and take time now to prepare for potential flooding. Check your local flood risk on our website and ensure you have a flood kit with essentials like important documents and medication.”

NRW reminds the public to:

Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, as unseen hazards may lurk beneath.
Keep an eye on weather forecasts and visit the NRW website for updates and practical advice.

Flood alerts and warnings are available online and by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188. Residents can also check NRW’s five-day flood forecast for their area and find tips on preparing for potential flooding.

Community

Cardigan’s Giant Lantern Parade postponed due to Storm Darragh

Published

10 hours ago

December 6, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CARDIGAN’S Giant Lantern Parade, a highlight of the festive season, has been postponed as Storm Darragh is forecast to bring severe weather to the UK.

The much-anticipated event, organised by Small World Theatre, was scheduled for 7:00pm on Friday, December 6, following its successful return last year after a three-year break.

However, with the Met Office issuing warnings for heavy rain and wind gusts exceeding 50mph in Cardigan, organisers made the difficult decision to postpone.

In a statement, Small World Theatre said:
“We regret to notify you that due to severe weather warnings, the Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade is postponed.

“The event was supposed to take place on Friday, December 6, and the new date and time will be released soon.

“We truly regret any inconvenience this causes businesses and the many people who’ve made arrangements to come to Cardigan on Friday.

“Don’t be too disappointed, the Lantern Parade will be amazing and we will pull out all the stops to make this a magnificent Christmas event to remember.”

Festival of Light continues

This year, the Lantern Parade was part of the expanded Festival of Light, or Gŵyl y Golau, which launched on November 30 with the switching on of Cardigan’s Christmas lights. Running until December 20, the festival features a light trail, Christmas displays, and a festive programme of events organised by Small World Theatre and supported by Cardigan Town Council.

Highlights include permanently installed giant lanterns on buildings, light-themed exhibitions at Canfas, artists’ films, and dazzling light displays throughout the town.

The festival has been made possible through funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Cynnal y Cardi Community Fund, administered by the Cynnal y Cardi team for Ceredigion County Council.

For updates on the rescheduled parade, visit creativecardigan.com or follow ‘Gŵyl y Golau – Festival of Light’ on Facebook.

A magical Christmas event still awaits

Despite the weather setback, organisers remain determined to deliver an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike. Keep an eye out for announcements about the new date for the Lantern Parade, which promises to light up the town with festive cheer.

Community

‘Last chance’ warning for Pembrokeshire farm barn attraction

Published

14 hours ago

December 6, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE farm barn attraction, which gained a 3,500-strong petition of support after previously being refused by planning officers, is being given a “last chance saloon” to justify staying open ahead of a site visit.

Late last year, Stuart Williams of Home Farm, Leweston, near Camrose, was refused retrospective permission by planning officers to retain the Willhome Farm Barn farm park – and ancillary buildings – built in June 2022.

The site – whose facilities were used by the council’s own educational providers and parents of children with learning difficulties – is home to rabbits, llamas, donkeys, poultry, owls, goats, ponies and pigs, along with a café building, public conveniences, a children’s play area, and parking.

The attraction was set up as a form of diversification after the farm lost its entire cattle herd through bovine tuberculosis; developing over time to having more than 150 children and students visiting a week.

It was previously refused by officers due to highway safety concerns and fears it would generate additional foul water flows which are likely to result in an increase in phosphate levels in the Cleddau River.

Since the refusal by planners, a change.org petition, Grant Planning Permission for Willhome Farm Barn in Pembrokeshire, was set up by Hook-based Jessica Austin, which has attracted more than 3,500 signatures to date.

Jessica’s petition said: “This decision not only affects this resilient family but also impacts schools attended with over 6,000 pupils, by adults from local wellbeing centres and families with children who have autism or learning difficulties like mine.”

Earlier this year, the applicant submitted a fresh call, which was again due to be decided by planning officers.

At the request of local county councillor, and former council leader, Cllr Jamie Adams, a special meeting was held in July backing a decision for it to be made by councillors rather than officers.

The application was due to be heard at the October meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, with a recommendation of refusal, reasons including those given for the previous application, the application returning to the December meeting to allow the applicant’s agent more time to address planning issues.

It was again recommended for refusal at the December meeting.

Speaking at the December meeting, agent Carys Thomas felt highways concerns could be dealt with through passing bays and temporary signage, an informal agreement having been entered into with a local landowner.

Local member Cllr Jamie Adams said the area had seen a decline in agricultural stock vehicle movements, following a decline in cattle numbers, suggesting concerns about increased traffic generated by the attraction was something of “a misnomer”.

He added: “Without supporting the changing needs of farms in Pembrokeshire we will lose the economic drivers of our communities, communities like mine in Camrose, it’s farms that support many of the other rural business and many of the services in the communities.”

One of the sticking points for officers was the length of time of the “long and arduous process” of the various applications and their reasons for refusal, dating back some 18 months, with what they saw as insufficient information to address their concerns, members heard.

Cllr John T Davies moved a site visit before any decision, allowing the applicants a final chance to address the planning issues, describing his proposal as “a final opportunity, a last-chance saloon,” adding: “If it’s not addressed by then I will be very clear in my vote of refusal; one final opportunity, one final throw of the dice.”

Members, by eight votes to four, backed a site visit ahead of a final decision, the application expected to return to the February meeting.