News

The Welsh Government: ‘Inconsistent’ on councils

Published

10 years ago

February 18, 2015

LEIGHTON ANDREWS’ apparently haphazard approach to ramming through radical change to local government in Wales has come under heavy criticism from opposition AM’s.

Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies told The Herald: “Leighton Andrews’ Local Government white paper is certainly looking to make some bold and interesting changes. There’s certainly a need for fresh blood and greater diversity in local government, but a ban on some candidates standing again may not be the fairest or most effective way to introduce younger candidates. Indeed, it’s a bit rich that the Welsh Government with some of the world’s longest serving ministers is proposing a limit on cabinet tenure of 10 years.”

Mr Davies continued: “However, there are some reforms which are also welcome. Pay levels for the most senior officers in Welsh councils have been raging out of control for some time now, at taxpayers’ expense and without any intervention from the Welsh Government to exercise restraint.”

He concluded: “A change in Labour’s local government culture is well-overdue and I, along with my colleagues at the Assembly will be monitoring the proposals in this white paper very carefully.”

Plaid Cymru Local Government spokesperson Rhodri Glyn Thomas observed: “Attempts to address the issue of senior officer pay in Local Government are long overdue and Plaid Cymru welcomes the Labour Government’s decision to heed Plaid demands for action. The wider issue of reorganisation of Local Government should be focused on improving the delivery of services and enhancing democratic accountability. I look forward to considering these proposals in more detail.

Sounding a note of caution, he concluded: “There is a danger that we see the Minister for Public Services jumping from one thing to another. First we had the Williams Commission, then he called on Local Authorities to propose voluntary mergers, they were turned down, now we are given a new introduction to look at management performance. This Labour Government needs to offer a clear vision of the future of Local Government and the delivery of public service delivery in Wales.”

Angela Burns said: “The Local Government White Paper raises some interesting proposals which will need rigorous scrutiny. However my concern is that it is yet another raft of potential changes on top of the Williams Review of boundaries and the many other initiatives currently set in train by Labour. I am not sure that the White Paper have time to be turned into a draft Bill then final Bill before the next Assembly election so it will be another costly exercise resulting in nothing.”

She suggested, however, that Labour and other parties were Johnny-come-latelies on pay restraint: “I thought it was ironic that one of the ambitions in the White Paper is to give Welsh Government tighter controls on the remuneration of Chief Executives and other Chief Officers. Given the scandals that have rocked Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire that is to be welcomed. However the Welsh Government, Labour backbenchers, Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats all voted down a Welsh Conservative amendment to the 2013 Local Democracy (Wales) Bill which could have protected the Taxpayer from such behaviour.”

She concluded: “I find their current protestations and their actions inconsistent!”

Among the more startling proposals is the prospect of the Welsh Government time-limiting the time that Chief Executives for Welsh Councils can stay in post. A senior Pembrokeshire councillor has suggested that the idea is a non-starter and that far from broadening the diversity of the pool from which senior management can be drawn it would significantly constrict it, not least as such a policy inherently assumes that it is only older managers within local government would look to occupy such a post on such terms.

Former Pembrokeshire Chief Executive Bryn Parry-Jones, who is perhaps not the best example to rely upon, was in his mid-30’s when appointed to the post of Chief Executive of the then Llanelli Borough Council in 1991.

WLGA spokesperson Bob Wellington responded: “The WLGA recognises and supports the need to tackle the widespread challenges around diversity and disengagement in democracy generally in Welsh society. The principle of extending more power and a greater say to local people will be central to democratic renewal in Wales.”

Mr Wellington continued: “We need consistency across public services in Wales and equal treatment within the democratic sphere. The WLGA wants to see the difficult role of councillors properly valued.”

He concluded: “Any future changes to the role of local government must acknowledge the hugely challenging financial climate it operates within. Councils will also push to ensure local communities are offered a full say when it comes to developing a shared vision for the future of local public services in Wales.”

Crime

Domestic abuse a ‘public health emergency’, say campaigners

Published

6 hours ago

June 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Report finds NHS training ‘inconsistent’ as victims fall through the cracks

DOMESTIC abuse should be treated as a public health emergency, a leading charity has warned, after a new report exposed widespread failings by the NHS in identifying and supporting victims.

According to the latest Office for National Statistics figures, more than 12 million people in England and Wales—around one in four adults—have experienced domestic abuse. The charity Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse (Stada) says that, despite frequent contact with both victims and perpetrators, NHS staff are often ill-equipped to intervene.

Stada reviewed domestic homicide and suicide cases published during 2024 and found that in 9 out of 10 cases, the NHS had failed in its safeguarding duties. The most common failing was a lack of proper training for staff on recognising signs of abuse.

Although national guidance recommends mandatory training for frontline NHS staff, the report found that provision remains patchy and inconsistent across services. Failures to record risk properly, share information between agencies, and link victims with mental health or alcohol support services were also highlighted.

The warning comes as a separate study in The Lancet found that more than one in four women who died by suicide and were under secondary mental health care had previously suffered domestic abuse.

Cherryl Henry-Leach, chief executive of Stada, said: “Treating domestic abuse purely as a criminal justice issue costs lives. The NHS is uniquely placed to help, but it must be properly resourced and trained to do so.”

The report urges the government to fund standardised training and improve data sharing. Without urgent reforms, Stada warns that the government’s stated aim of halving violence against women and girls by 2034 will not be met.

Tim Woodhouse, a suicide prevention expert, said as many as 1,800 suicides a year may be linked to domestic abuse, calling it “a national scandal”.

Andrea Simon, from the End Violence Against Women Coalition, said healthcare workers are often the only professionals victims may encounter: “They must be trained to spot the signs and know what to do. Inaction can lead to serious harm or even death.”

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, added: “Given the trusted relationships GPs have with patients, it is deeply worrying that chances to help might be missed.”

In response, an NHS spokesperson said: “All NHS staff must complete safeguarding training which includes domestic abuse, and this training is currently being reviewed and updated.”

A UK Government spokesperson said a new strategy to prevent domestic abuse is due later this year. “We remain committed to protecting victims, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring healthcare professionals have the tools to support survivors,” they said.

Help is available for domestic abuse victims in Pembrokeshire

Support services offer confidential advice, refuge and counselling

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse in Pembrokeshire is urged to seek help. Support is available 24 hours a day, and no one should suffer in silence.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

There are several local and national organisations offering confidential support, practical advice and emergency accommodation:

Key Helplines

Live Fear Free Helpline (24/7, confidential):
📞 0808 80 10 800
📱 Text: 07860 077333
📧 Email: [email protected]
Victim Support (for anyone affected by crime):
📞 0808 16 89 111
Refuge National Helpline (for women and children):
📞 0808 2000 247

Local Services in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire Domestic Abuse Services (PDAS)
Offers outreach, one-to-one support, refuge, counselling, and children’s programmes.
📞 01554 752 422
Stori (formerly Hafan Cymru)
Provides housing support, drop-in advice and specialist help for women, men and families.
📍 8 High Street, Haverfordwest, SA61 2DA
🕘 Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
📞 01437 768 761
📧 Email: [email protected]
Welsh Women’s Aid
A national organisation working with local providers to ensure survivors get the help they need.
Contact via the Live Fear Free Helpline above.

You are not alone.
Whether you need immediate safety, someone to talk to, or long-term support, these services are here to help. All calls are confidential and support is available for women, men and children.

Business

Mayor welcomes Eyemazy to Tenby with official opening

Published

8 hours ago

June 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TENBY Mayor Cllr Dai Morgan officially welcomed a unique new business to the town on Sunday (June 23) with the opening of Eyemazy, a creative studio specialising in transforming photographs of the human iris into striking pieces of personalised art.

Speaking at the launch, the Mayor said: “Tenby has always been a place of breathtaking beauty, creativity, and warm community spirit. Today, we celebrate something new that captures all of that—and more.”

Eyemazy, which offers cutting-edge imaging and custom artwork services, allows visitors to turn a close-up image of their eye into a one-of-a-kind visual display. The studio adds to Tenby’s growing reputation as a hub of artistic innovation and tourism.

“This innovative studio transforms something truly personal—your iris—into a unique work of art,” added the Mayor. “It’s a celebration of individuality, creativity, and the beauty within each of us. Eyemazy not only brings artistic flair to Tenby but also strengthens our local economy and continues our proud tradition of blending creativity with commerce.”

Cllr Morgan concluded by offering a warm welcome to the Eyemazy team and said he looked forward to the studio becoming a popular destination for both residents and tourists.

News

Tenby station rebranded as ‘Home of Long Course Weekend’ in sustainable travel push

Published

8 hours ago

June 23, 2025

Herald Sport

Sporting event teams up with Transport for Wales to promote greener travel and boost local economy

TENBY Railway Station has been officially rebranded as The Home of Long Course Weekend in a new partnership between Transport for Wales (TfW) and the internationally renowned endurance festival.

The move is part of Long Course Weekend’s wider Sustainability Strategy, aimed at encouraging athletes, families and spectators to travel to Tenby by train—not only for the event itself but also for training breaks and year-round holidays in one of the UK’s most picturesque regions.

Launched in Tenby in 2010, Long Course Weekend has grown into a global phenomenon with editions in New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Mallorca and Yorkshire. Despite its international expansion, the event’s roots remain firmly in Wales, drawing over 50,000 visitors to Pembrokeshire each year and generating more than 160,000 bed nights annually—contributing millions to the local economy.

Now in its 15th year, the event is reaffirming its local commitment by transforming Tenby’s railway station into a branded celebration of sport, sustainability and community pride. The initiative comes as Transport for Wales increases services to the coastal town for the summer season.

Matthew Evans, founder of Long Course Weekend, said: “It’s incredible to see how far LCW has come, but Tenby is—and always will be—our first home. Partnering with TfW helps us open the door to a more sustainable future, inviting athletes, families and visitors to arrive in style while reducing their environmental impact. The increased train services this summer are fantastic for Tenby and for Pembrokeshire’s ambition to be a global leader in sustainable tourism.”

Victoria Leyshon, Partnership Marketing Manager at Transport for Wales, added:
“We’re thrilled to work with LCW to celebrate what makes Wales special—from world-class sporting events to stunning destinations like Tenby. By encouraging rail travel, we’re supporting a cleaner, greener Wales and welcoming thousands to an iconic coastal location.”

Tenby Mayor David Morgan welcomed the initiative, saying: “It’s great to see the strides made by Long Course Weekend and Transport for Wales—from the new station branding to the real improvements in local transport. Most importantly, the increased train services over the summer will benefit both visitors and the people who live here. We’re looking forward to another brilliant event.”

Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall added: “We are delighted to see LCW and TfW promoting sustainable travel for athletes year-round. It’s exactly the kind of forward-thinking partnership we should be celebrating.”

More than a station makeover, the project represents a gateway to Wales and a call to explore its landscapes—anchored in community, sport and sustainability.