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News

Delyth Evans: Business and young people a priority

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As part of a series of interviews with local parliamentary candidates standing at the general election in May, Deputy Editor Jon Coles spoke to
Delyth Evans, Labour candidate for South Pembrokeshire and West Carmarthenshire.

42 DIMOND STREET at 2pm, Pembroke Dock was the appointment. And I was late. Having abandoned the idea of Fish Week, the delythevanscouncil had instead elected to host the International Festival of Road Works across Pembrokeshire.

Through the door of the campaign office, which used to be a shop, and there are some bare tables a few chairs and Delyth Evans on the phone trying to find out where I am. Quick introductions and apologies are in order. Time is a precious commodity for an election candidate and she has places to be.

The purpose of the interview is to find out more about the person who wants to unseat incumbent Conservative Simon Hart. Bearing in mind the time constraints, we move briskly to business.

“I was brought up in Carmarthenshire.” Delyth opens: “I was a journalist who worked for the BBC and HTV for ten years. When I felt I could no longer be politically neutral in my job, I left to join the Labour Party. I was very lucky to work for John Smith when he was Labour leader. I was John’s speechwriter for two years, he was a very good man, who died very suddenly. I left politics before returning to sit in the Welsh Assembly during its first term. I had very young children and it was tough combining a political career with being a parent. After the Assembly, I worked for a charity focussing on helping women from difficult backgrounds access employment and other services.”

The challenges facing a candidate – any candidate – in the current climate are well-known and we asked Delyth Evans her view about them: “The main challenge is that people think politicians are the same. There is a cynicism about politics and disengagement by the electorate. The biggest challenge for politicians is dispelling the notion that we are all the same. Someone said to me recently that politicians never seem to have had any work experience outside politics. I would say that I certainly have a lot of work experience and a broader life experience upon which to draw.”

Looking at Carmarthenshire West and South Pembrokeshire, Delyth was clear as to the task that would face a new member: “For this constituency, the major challenge is the regional economy. I am convinced that what is needed is a government that is prepared to intervene to help businesses. The market alone, which is the current government’s approach, cannot and will not work. There are different choices the government could make that would make a positive difference to their lives.”

On local businesses and issues that affect them Delyth Evans had spoken with them about their priorities: “I spend a lot of time talking to local businesses and try to find out what local businesses need from government to help them grow. As an MP, my role will be to support and help businesses get the best deal from government.”

On the European issue, Delyth is eager to make a clear statement about the importance of Europe to local businesses: “Europe – and our future trading relationship with Europe – is often raised with me. Businesses are clear about the importance of European markets to them. The Tories are, in my view, playing fast and loose on the issue. Businesses need certainty and, for their own reasons, the Conservatives are creating uncertainty.”

On her personal priorities, she expresses a similarly clear viewpoint: “Young people are a priority. It’s about helping them find opportunities in their own areas without moving away. It’s about things like apprenticeships, training, housing – on which Labour has very good proposals: it is important that young people’s voices are heard and that they are engaged in the political process and on political issues. One of the things I am very keen on is to get young people to vote and to participate. It is not just about getting them to vote for me, but to vote.”

On the thorny issue of voting, the measure of the challenge is not lost on her: “Most of the people I speak to tell me they haven’t made up their mind about how they are going to vote. An awful lot of people have an open mind and are waiting to be persuaded. My job, if you like, is to persuade them to vote for me. I’ve been the Labour candidate here for over a year. It has become a lot easier to engage with people on the issues as the election has drawn nearer. People are now focussed on May’s election.”

As for what would come after a possible Labour victory, she told The Herald: “The main challenge a Labour government would face would be how to get real growth back into the economy. Austerity is making harder for new businesses to succeed and for the economy to grow. That is why we cannot afford another five years of a Conservative government. In Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire the focus needs to be on encouraging high skilled jobs in new technologies. Labour is talking about creating a regional investment bank to support new businesses. For young people it is very much getting those apprenticeships and training opportunities. Labour is looking at vocational training equivalent to A Level and beyond. It is vital the building blocks are in place to help us capitalise on economic growth and be ready for the future.”

The difficult ground in the constituency was not shirked: “The issues that come up most often are jobs and health. That’s what comes up on the doorstep. People do not like it when English politicians, like David Cameron, run down the NHS and the NHS in Wales. Any other party in power in Wales would have had to make similar, if not the same, decisions about the health service in Wales as those decisions were based on clinical guidance. I agree with the idea that part of the problem is the failure of the Health Board to communicate properly about its strategy. I spoke with Bernadine Rees, the Chair of the Health Board this morning, and we discussed that point. I know that the Board is currently holding a series of public engagement events across the area and that the feedback being generated from those is being taken on board in terms of how the Board can better communicate. There was always going to be huge opposition to services being moved and I completely understand that. What we need to know now is that there will not be continuous revolution; that Withybush’s future is secure; that the right model is in place for the future. There is a job to be done to reassure people about that.”

Read part two of this interview in next week’s edition of The Herald.

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Crime

Pembroke man denies cocaine drug-driving charge

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A PEMBROKE man has pleaded not guilty to drug-driving following an incident last summer.

Sean Agnew, aged 58, of Vetch Close, appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 3) for a further case management hearing.

He is accused of driving a Nissan Qashqai on Hywel Way, Pembroke, on August 1, 2024, while unfit through drugs. It is alleged that a blood test showed a level of Benzoylecgonine — a breakdown product of cocaine — at more than 92 micrograms per litre of blood, exceeding the specified legal limit.

The charge is brought under Section 5A(1)(a) and (2) of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Agnew entered a not guilty plea on February 4 and has been released on unconditional bail.

He is due to appear again at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 10) at 10:00am for a further case management hearing before District Judge J Layton. The case is expected to last 20 minutes.

Ella Passey appeared for the prosecution on behalf of CPS Wales (South West).

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News

Fire crews from five stations tackle Pembrokeshire attic blaze

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FIREFIGHTERS were called to a house fire in the early hours of Wednesday (Apr 2) after a blaze broke out in the attic of a three-storey home in north Pembrokeshire.

Crews from Cardigan, Crymych, Milford Haven, Newcastle Emlyn and Haverfordwest fire stations attended the incident in Bridell, near Cilgerran, following a 999 call at 6:03am.

Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a fire had taken hold in the roof and attic space.

Crews used three hose reel jets, three 70-metre hoses, a turntable ladder appliance, a short-extension ladder, six sets of breathing apparatus and various small gear to bring the fire under control.

All occupants of the property were accounted for and no injuries were reported.

An inspection of the property revealed significant damage to the attic and roof structure.

Firefighters left the scene at 12:47pm.

Cover pic:

Damage to roof: The fire left the attic area of the home badly damaged (Pic: Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service).

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Entertainment

Easter at Milford Waterfront: Family fun with chocolate trails, markets, and more

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MILFORD WATERFRONT will be bursting with Easter fun this April as it hosts a variety of free, family-friendly activities to celebrate the season.

Over the weekend of Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 April, a spring-themed market will take place from 10:00am to 4:00pm, offering seasonal treats, crafts, and local produce. Children can also meet Rascal the Easter Bunny, who will be making a special walkabout appearance on Saturday (Apr 5) from midday until 2:30pm.

On Wednesday 16 April, families are invited to visit Milford Haven Museum to discover the town’s rich maritime history. Afterwards, youngsters can collect a free Easter trail map and set off on a chocolate-themed treasure hunt around the waterfront’s shops and attractions. Completed trails can be exchanged for a small Easter egg. More details are available at www.milfordwaterfront.co.uk.

Throughout the Easter season, visitors can indulge in seasonal delights from a range of independent businesses, including artisan chocolates at Trwffl and Dilly’s, or natural skincare gifts from Akamuti. The waterfront is also home to a selection of boutique clothing and gift shops—perfect for finding something special this spring.

Adventurous visitors can make the most of the season by getting out on the water, with Milford Beach Activity Centre offering stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking experiences. And for those looking to dine out, the waterfront’s many restaurants will be unveiling their new spring menus, featuring locally sourced seafood and family favourites with marina views.

Stay by the sea this Easter

Right at the heart of the action is Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront, which is offering a special Easter Escapes bed and breakfast deal. Guests can enjoy on-site family activities such as oversized board games, cinema screenings, and an Easter trail. Standard rooms for two start from £89 per night, with family rooms from £131 per night, including breakfast. Offer valid for stays between 4–27 April. Book at www.ty-hotels.com.

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