News

New thinking key to tackle budget

Published

11 years ago

March 3, 2015

Tom Sinclair

New plan: Cllr Bob Kilmister

IN A FIRST for Pembrokeshire, and possibly Wales, an opposition group has produced alternative proposals for the county’s budget for the coming financial year.

At a County Hall meeting, the Pembrokeshire Alliance unveiled its plans to rejuvenate Pembrokeshire’s town centres by slashing car parking charges, introducing free Wifi and employing two town centre managers to encourage and facilitate promotional activity and commercial opportunities.

The services will be paid for by a small increase in Council Tax.

Alliance leader Bob Kilmister outlined the plans, which have been costed with the input of Council officers to ensure that the plans are deliverable and financially viable.

Targeting Pembrokeshire’s ailing town centres in particular, Cllr Kilmister told The Herald: “The council has received a number of reports and drawn up a number of plans setting out its intentions, but has delivered little more than words. These plans seek to ensure that the council takes an active and constructive role in our town centres’ future. I understand that council approved the setting up of free WiFi in town centres in 2012. I believe it was vetoed by the then Chief Executive without explanation. It should be a priority to set this up within the next twelve months. The benefits for retail and tourism should be obvious.”

He continued: “My own experience in retail tells me that car parking is a significant issue. If it was possible, I would scrap car parking charges altogether. It is, however, right to be cautious; so, by cutting parking charges to a nominal level, in the event footfall in town centres does not increase or there is no improvement in trade, we maintain the option of increasing the parking charges in the future without incurring the massive costs of having to create parking orders all over again. We want car parking to be a reason to come to Pembrokeshire’s town centres and not be a reason to stay away. We have over a million pounds unspent in earmarked reserves for regeneration. What is that money for? It is there to be used and it should be used for the purpose for which it is set aside. As a council, we can and must do more to help our town centres.”

One of the eye-catching proposals is that the council dispose of its interest in Withybush Airport. Cllr Kilmister repeated the sentiments expressed in the motion before council as part of the wider budget proposals: “Running an airport is not a suitable function for a local authority. A purchaser should be found at the earliest possible opportunity for the airport or the Council should find an operator who can move it to the much more suitable site at Brawdy, where the runway can take much larger aircraft.”

Highlighting the potential benefits of disposing of Withybush Airport, Cllr Kilmister said: “I understand that Brawdy can accommodate aircraft up to the size of a 737; far better to use those existing facilities than throw money at what will always be a compromise solution. The Withybush Airfield site is listed as an asset worth £14m. The Council should maximise the gain to be had from disposing of the site. As it is, it has badly miscalculated the take up for commercial units at Withybush and appears to be prepared to do the same next year.”

The budget proposals also suggest cutting the car allowances for senior officers and reducing the budget spend on them year on year, while allowing Pembrokeshire to remain competitive in the local government jobs market: “I don’t agree that the car allowance scheme should be scrapped,” Cllr Peter Stock said. “That is going too far. We must be able to recruit the best people we can. That does not mean paying through the nose for cars for senior managers, however; I think the way the system has been milked in the past is outrageous.”

Peter continued: “In the same vein, we need to look to save money where we can, as councillors. The proposal to end the chauffeur-driven service is an acknowledgement that in an age of austerity, when things like libraries are operating on reduced hours, or possibly being closed, it is only right and fair that it be scrapped.”

Both Cllrs Stock and Kilmister agreed that the Council should provide communities with adequate notice when it proposes cuts to services locally, or the closure of buildings and facilities: “People should know, they should be told, well in advance of what is proposed and not have it dropped on them as a minor item on a Cabinet agenda when a decision has already been made. We must be open and transparent. People have a right to know and, if they want to, lobby for the services to be retained or take over the running of facilities themselves, as has happened at Theatr Gwaun and Narberth Swimming Pool. The Council must be open about these matters.”

One topic that the Alliance is particularly keen to move forward is an increase in scrutiny of the Council’s own budget. Bob Kilmister said: “The amounts being shuffled around without any scrutiny at all by councillors are huge. The 21st Century Schools reserves are being inflated by drawing down from other reserves not in the thousands but in the millions. In addition, money is routinely juggled in the reserves to shore up departmental budgets. All of this needs to be subject to proper scrutiny by councillors. The Wales Audit Office has already said we should do this and we must follow their lead.”

The budget amendments are to be discussed at Full Council alongside the budget already proposed.

Crime

New pilot offers dedicated advocates for trafficking survivors

Published

28 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

National scheme aims to support hundreds of victims of modern slavery across the UK

MORE than 600 adult survivors of modern slavery are set to receive dedicated support through a new national pilot scheme providing accredited, independent advocates.

The initiative will see specially trained professionals working directly alongside survivors of human trafficking and exploitation, helping them navigate complex legal, social, and recovery processes.

While survivors of crimes such as domestic and sexual abuse already have access to specialist advocacy, no equivalent provision previously existed for victims of modern slavery—despite the often severe and long-term trauma they experience.

Over the next three years, 24 Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs) will be deployed across the UK. Each advocate will complete a postgraduate qualification and receive support from a central hub hosted by anti-trafficking charity Hope for Justice.

Tim Nelson, CEO at Hope for Justice, said the pilot aims to tackle inequalities in support: “We want to end the postcode lottery that adult survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking are experiencing in the UK.

“There are many organisations already doing incredible work, but by working together and setting new standards, we can give survivors the best possible chance of rebuilding their lives.”

The scheme is backed by a £1 million National Lottery grant and involves several organisations, including Unseen UK, Medaille Trust, Bawso, SOHTIS, Hope for Justice, and the Snowdrop Project.

Since the pilot began six months ago, advocates have already supported 121 survivors, helping to secure housing, legal recognition, and access to vital services.

Key outcomes so far include:

Ten survivors provided with safe and secure housing
Seventeen Home Office decisions successfully challenged, granting victims access to support
Humanitarian protection secured for a young adult survivor

Advocates have also helped individuals access healthcare, mental health support, education, employment, and secure immigration status.

One survivor described the support as “life changing” after escaping a trafficker. In a letter to her advocate, she said: “You have fought our corner tirelessly when I did not have the strength. You stood beside us every step of the way.

“You helped me rebuild trust, believe in myself, and slowly find my voice again.”

The IMSA role aligns with international guidance on independent advocacy and has been shaped by experts and those with lived experience.

Louise Mensah, Head of Frontline at Unseen, said: “This pilot is a step towards a world without slavery. We are proud to be part of something that will improve outcomes and change futures.”

Ben Ryan, Deputy CEO at Medaille Trust, added: “We know the value of long-term support in recovery. This partnership allows us to embed best practice and develop new approaches.”

Organisations wishing to join the final phase of the pilot have until May 2026 to apply.

Further information is available at www.hopeforjustice.org/imsa/

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

35 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

Published

49 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.