News

New thinking key to tackle budget

Published

10 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.

Charity

Contacts to NSPCC Helpline about domestic abuse reach record levels

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE NSPCC Helpline handled a record 7,825 contacts from adults concerned about domestic abuse affecting children last year, marking a 14% increase from the previous year.

Figures released by the charity show this is the highest annual number since the Helpline began specifically tracking domestic abuse concerns in 2021/22. On average, 21 adults contacted the service daily between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, highlighting the alarming scale of the issue.

Notably, there was a significant 29% rise in concerns relating to coercive and controlling behaviour compared to the previous year, alongside a 24% increase in reports of emotional abuse.

A third of these contacts resulted in referrals to local agencies, including police and children’s social services, ensuring immediate intervention and support for affected children.

Adults who contacted the NSPCC expressed worries about various forms of domestic abuse, including physical violence, coercive control, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, stalking, and financial abuse.

One grandparent who reached out to the Helpline described deep concerns for her grandchildren’s safety due to their step-father’s aggressive and threatening behaviour, reflecting the complex nature of domestic abuse situations.

Jess, from Wales, who experienced years of domestic abuse from her biological father, emphasised the severe, long-term impact such abuse can have on mental health and wellbeing. She urged individuals to speak up and seek help early, stating, “Contacting the Helpline could be the first step in helping turn a young person’s life around.”

Paddi Vint, Development and Quality Manager at NSPCC’s Domestic Abuse Practice Advisor Team, said: “The surge in contacts to our Helpline about domestic abuse is alarming, particularly as we’ve recorded the highest annual total since tracking began. It is crucial everyone recognises the signs of domestic abuse, particularly coercive control, which is increasingly common. Quick action and collective vigilance can significantly help protect children at risk.”

Anyone concerned about a child’s welfare can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected]. Children experiencing issues can reach Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk.

Crime

Domestic abuse a ‘public health emergency’, say campaigners

Published

8 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

10 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.