News

No pay-off for Carmarthen’s chief ‘for now’

Published

9 years ago

February 18, 2015

C A R M A R T H E N S H I R E Council Chief executive Mark James has withdrawn his application for a severance payment and is

Mark Jones: withdrawn his
application for a severance
package.

to remain in his £168,000 a year job.

The £446,000 package had been a cause of controversy, with Labour Councillor Calum Higgins claiming that it “would not be in the interest of the tax payer.”

It is understood that both Labour and Plaid groups in Carmarthenshire Council were opposed to the payoff.

Mr James was investigated along with former Pembrokeshire Chief Executive Bryn Parry-Jones after the Wales Audit Office ruled direct payments made in lieu of employer pension contributions were unlawful.

He returned to work last May after an investigation by Gloucester Constabulary found no evidence of criminal activity, and announced his intention to leave in September.

The Council leader and Deputy Leader were “delighted” with Mr James’ decision to stay. In a statement, Kevin Madge and Pam Palmer claimed that uncertainties over the future of Carmarthenshire Council due to new Welsh Government plans meant “if ever there was a time when we need a first class, highly experienced and respected Chief Executive at the helm it is now.”

There is, however, likely to be considerable behind the scenes disquiet at the way in which the Labour group handled the question of Mr James’ departure.

As Carmarthenshire blogger Y Cneifiwr noted in January that a possible consequence of Cllr Higgins’ intervention would have been that the Labour group, whose ruminations he revealed, were debarred from making a decision in a full council meeting on Mr James’ future at County Hall as having “pre-determined” the issue.

With there no prospect of settling up on terms amenable to Mr James, the parties have been forced into a shotgun marriage of convenience that will allow Mr James to remain in post for the immediate future, but in the knowledge that neither he nor his employers want him to be there.

That such an uncomfortable arrangement might be more transitory than permanent is reflected in the fact that even the effusive press release from Carmarthenshire’s press office, refers to the fact that Mr James has only withdrawn his application for a settlement package “for now”.

News

Body found in missing person search in Carmarthenshire

Published

34 mins ago

November 29, 2023

Tom Sinclair

IN THE LAST few moments, Dyfed-Powys Police can confirm that a body has been found this afternoon, Wednesday, November 29, during the search for Angharad, who had been reported missing.

Formal identification has not yet taken place, however Angharad’s family has been informed of this development.

Police said: “Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.”

Education

Excellent progress on construction of new Welsh medium primary school

Published

1 hour ago

November 29, 2023

Tom Sinclair

A CELEBRATION event was held on the site of the new Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro in Pembroke on Tuesday 14th November to mark the reaching of the highest point of the building, traditionally known as the ‘topping-out’ ceremony.

The event was hosted by Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd and attended by pupils and staff from Ysgol Gelli Aur, the Executive Headteacher of the new school, governors of the Temporary Governing Body of Ysgol Bro Penfro, Cabinet members, senior Council officers, and a members of the project team.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, Cllr Guy Woodham, said that he was extremely pleased with progress at the site.
“Whilst I was unfortunately unable to attend the ceremony, my Cabinet colleagues have shared with me their experience, and the excellent progress being made on the new school.
“I am particularly pleased that the project remains on budget, and on programme, which means that Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro will be in a position to admit pupils in September 2024.”
Members of the school’s Temporary Governing Body expressed their delight with the building.

The Executive Headteacher of Ysgol Bro Penfro, Mr Dafydd Hughes, confirmed that pupils and staff thoroughly enjoyed the event and that everyone connected with the school is excited at the prospect of moving to the new school next year.

“The fact that a new Welsh medium primary school is being built in Pembroke is an important and exciting development on so many levels.

“As Executive Headteacher of Ysgol Bro Penfro I am committed to ensure that when the school opens its doors in September 2024 every pupil will be given opportunities to flourish and thrive in a welcoming Welsh medium setting. I am also focused on ensuring that the whole Pembroke community takes great pride in the school.”

Pupils were very excited to see the new school. Among the comments received were: “We loved signing the steels, it will help us to remember when we came here when our school was being built and we will always be a part of our new school”

“I can see that everyone is working really hard to build us our school. The school is so much bigger than we expected and can’t wait to start learning in our new classes”.

The project is being funded by Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council, and will provide a significant contribution to the Council’s Welsh in Education Strategic Plan.

News

County mourns loss of revered priest and community pillar, Father McGreal

Published

2 hours ago

November 29, 2023

Tom Sinclair

THE CATHOLIC community in Pembrokeshire is in mourning this week after the passing of one of its most well-known priests, Father Owen McGreal, aged 88, former parish priest of St Teilo’s Catholic Church, Tenby and former governor of Mary Immaculate RC School in Haverfordwest.

It is understood that Father Owen passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning (Nov 28).

Although he had retired from his role as parish priest in 2014, he remained active in the community, serving as a cover priest. He attended a Paul Sartori event in Haverfordwest just a few weeks ago.

In 2009, family, friends, civic guests, clergy, religious, and parishioners gathered together at St. Teilo’s Catholic Church, Tenby, to attend a Concelebrated Mass of Thanksgiving for the Golden Jubilee of Father Owen’s ordination to the priesthood.

His brothers, Lt. Col. Patrick McGreal and Mrs. McGreal, Fr. Michael McGreal (who passed away last year, aged 92), and many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces came from Ireland to celebrate this great event. Among the guests were Rt. Rev. Bishop Thomas Burns SM, then the recently appointed Bishop of Menevia; Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Daniel Mullins, former Bishop of Menevia; and fellow clergy.

In 2014, on his retirement, there was a concert at St Teilo’s bidding farewell to Father Owen after a total of almost 25 years of dedicated service.

Father Owen had dedicated a large part of his life in the church to the service of young people, so it seemed fitting, many said, that the concert included young talented musicians from not only Tenby but also from as far away as Norway and the USA.

On the news of Father McGreal’s passing yesterday, Leanne Prevel, Acting Headteacher of Mary Immaculate RC School, said in a letter to parents and guardians: ‘It is with heavy hearts that we share with you the death of Father McGreal, former parish priest, school governor, and long-term supporter and champion of Mary Immaculate School.

‘We understand that this news will have come as a shock to members of our school community.

‘Should you or your family need any support at this time, please do not hesitate to contact the school, or the Parish…’

‘Our Mass planned for December 8 will now be for the repose of the soul of Father McGreal. We also intend to hold a gathering at the school to remember and celebrate his life in the next couple of weeks. Further details will be shared with our school community in the coming days.

‘We remember in our prayers, Father Owen McGreal, and those impacted by his death.'”