News

Dairy crisis highlighted by AM

Published

10 years ago

January 29, 2015

Kick-starting Farmhouse Breakfast Week at the Assembly: (from left) Preselli
Pembs AM Paul Davies, FUW president Emyr Jones and Carmarthen West and
South Pembrokeshire AM Angela Burns

ANGELA BURNS AM has highlighted the current plight of our farmers at an event hosted by Paul Davies AM at The National Assembly. Farmers’ Union of Wales president Emyr Jones spoke of the need for political leaders to come up with strategies which deal with the severe collapse in farm gate milk prices and the longer term viability of food production.

Speaking after the function, during which he told a gathering of AMs and industry leaders that confidence within the dairy industry had collapsed, Mr Jones said: “Action by supermarkets, dairy processors and governments is desperately needed in order to boost dairy farm incomes and confidence.

“However, we also need a long term strategy which takes account of the importance of food producers and food security, and the huge changes in agricultural policies which have occurred over the years. “We have gone from guaranteed prices to the watering down of the CAP and now quota abolition is imminent.

Many want a further acceleration in the form of the complete dismantling of the CAP and complete exposure to global price volatility. “The powers must recognise that policies which protect our food supplies are at least as important as policies aimed at preventing financial crises, and that the arguments in favour of common policies are as valid today as they were sixty years ago.”

Ms Burns said: “In our constituencies, dairy farming and food production are so important to not only people’s livelihoods but the fabric of our countryside. “Continued and further financial pressures on our farmers will be disastrous and I shall be lobbying the government to do all they can to ensure we get the correct settlement for our food producers.”

Crime

Haverfordwest bank clerk accused of theft and fraud

Published

2 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST bank clerk has appeared in court accused of stealing a customer’s bank card and committing fraud by abuse of position.

Mary Roberts, 47, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, is charged with stealing a bank card belonging to Keith France on November 22, 2023.

She is also accused of dishonestly abusing her position while working as a bank clerk, intending to cause financial loss while in a role where she was expected to safeguard her customer’s interests.

Roberts appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 11), where she entered not guilty pleas to both charges.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing next month.

The offences are alleged to be contrary to the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Business

Cardigan shop wins St David’s Day competition

Published

3 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CARDIGAN Curiosities has won the St David’s Day shop window award for the Cardigan division, an accolade presented by Menter Iaith Ceredigion.

High Street businesses and Guildhall shops embraced the festivities, decorating their windows in a vibrant display to celebrate the national day of Wales and the arrival of spring. The event, which highlighted the Welsh language, saw enthusiastic participation from across Ceredigion.

To mark the occasion and show appreciation for the community, Cardigan Curiosities is offering the chance to win an exclusive piece of local artwork. The prize is a one-of-a-kind watercolour painting of the nave of St David’s Cathedral, created by a Pembrokeshire artist. The framed artwork measures 74×95 cm.

To enter the competition, participants must:

Visit the Cardigan Curiosities Facebook or Instagram page
Like the competition post
Comment with their favourite Welsh word

The winner will be drawn on March 20 by “Ddraig Goch” from inside a dragon egg, with the announcement made that evening on social media.

For those interested in viewing the artwork or the decorated shop window, Cardigan Curiosities is located at 32A Cardigan High Street and is open Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Community

Haverfordwest fire station hosts community engagement event

Published

3 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST FIRE STATION welcomed County Councillor Thomas Tudor for a community engagement event alongside Emyr and Amy from Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The event focused on the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2040, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing public safety across Mid and West Wales. The fire service is encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the plan by providing feedback through an online survey.

Councillor Tudor praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of community involvement in developing a safer and more resilient region.

Residents can participate in the consultation by visiting: www.mawwfire.gov.uk.