NO OMBUDSMAN investigation is to take place into a recently elected Pembrokeshire county councillor following a “waste of taxpayers’ money” complaint of a claimed breach of the code of conduct.

William Cuthbert Linton Shaw, commonly known as Billy Shaw, won the Fishguard North-East ward seat for Plaid Cymru – The Party of Wales in February following a byelection called after the death of Cllr Jordan Ryan last November.

Cllr Shaw’s election win in February means Plaid now has three county councillors in Pembrokeshire.

Cllr Shaw was reported to the Ombudsman after attending his first full council meeting in March, describing the complaint as “a waste of taxpayers’ money” and “a sad attempt at stifling the right to my freedom of expression”.

“On March 5 I attended my first county council meeting as the newly elected councillor for Fishguard NE,” said Cllr Shaw.

“Outside was a group, Solidarity with Palestine who had a petition to be heard on Agenda Item No 5 [of that meeting], ‘Disinvestment in Companies profiting from Genocide’.

“A ‘member of the public’ complained that these people were supporting ‘Palestine Action’ and that I had breached the Code of Conduct relating to being a councillor by being pictured with them and this report was sent to the Ombudsman on March 10.

“On Thursday I found out that this was not being investigated by the Ombudsman, as under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) I am allowed the freedom of expression in who I want to support and there was no evidence that they supported ‘Palestine Action’ or indeed did I by being pictured alongside them.”

Cllr Shaw said there were two lessons following the complaint: “It was a waste of the Ombudsman’s time, as it was a petty and vindictive attempt by this individual who has a long history of trolling anyone especially those in public office with a left-wing viewpoint. The ECHR protected my rights to freedom of expression, remove the ECHR and you remove that freedom.”

A RETROSPECTIVE call for works associated with the new Loungers beachfront venue in Tenby has been given the go-ahead.

In an application approved by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Loungers UK Limited, through agent Richard Pedlar Architects, sought retrospective permission for new fascia signage, a new wall-mount menu board and a free-standing menu board at the new Loungers based at the former Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant, Battery Road.

Back in January, UK-wide hospitality company Loungers plc announced it was planning to open a new beachfront Lansio Lounge at Tenby’s South Beach, with the promise of 30 jobs created, on March 25.

Lansio Lounge is based at the former Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant on Water’s Edge, South Beach.

The announcement for the Loungers plans for the former Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant were revealed shortly after the application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for Loungers signage at Salty’s.

Family-run venue Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant announced its closure on social media, confirming that Sunday, January 4 was its final day of trading.

An officer report recommending approval for the signage said the call for the retrospective installation and associated works “has attracted numerous third-party representations, primarily raising concerns in relation to potential light pollution and the colour treatment of the existing windows and doors”.

It went on to say consultation responses from relevant statutory consultees “confirm that the proposed halo illumination is acceptable and would not give rise to unacceptable levels of light pollution, nor would it adversely affect nearby designated sites or sensitive landscapes,” adding: “A planning condition has been attached, requiring the submission and approval of revised details to secure a more neutral colour finish for the external joinery and menu boards, to ensure an appropriate visual appearance in the context of the surrounding area.”

The application was conditionally approved by Park planners.

Town council says general litter is blocking dog waste bins and leaving walkers with nowhere to dispose of bagged waste properly

HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has urged Racecourse users to dispose of rubbish responsibly after repeated misuse of dog waste bins.

The council said it provides both general waste and dog waste facilities at the Upper and Lower Racecourse, as well as at most other green spaces it owns or maintains.

However, it has received ongoing reports — backed by photographic evidence — of general litter, including coffee cups and other rubbish, being placed in dog waste bins at Haverfordwest Racecourse.

Council officials say this misuse is causing the bins to become blocked and appear full when they are not. As a result, dog walkers are sometimes left with no option but to place bagged dog waste beside the bins, creating what the council described as an avoidable and unpleasant environment for everyone.

The council said this was not acceptable and could easily be avoided.

Dog waste bins are intended for bagged dog waste only and should not be used for general litter.

The council is asking all users to avoid putting general rubbish in dog bins and instead either take litter home or use the appropriate general waste bins available elsewhere on the Racecourse.

The town clerk thanked the majority of responsible users for their cooperation and said their support helps keep the Racecourse clean and welcoming for everyone.