News

Questions to answer for Narberth Town Council

Published

11 years ago

March 13, 2015

MON MONTGOMERY, opinions editor, for OneNarberth, the independent community platform in the town writes: ‘News that five times mayor of Narberth Council, Colin Williams, admitted to theft from Narberth Football Club on February 18 at the start of proceedings at Swansea Crown Court, has put the spotlight on Narberth Town Council, where Mr Williams still serves as a councillor. Town Council minutes show that he is still presiding over decision making with regard to financial matters and the disbursement of money to organisations in the town’. One town councillor told us ‘there is no basis on which to question his role as a councillor, we have checked’.

There is, in fact, every basis on which to question the role of Colin Williams as a town councillor. There is a good argument to be made that it was last August when action should have been taken by Narberth Town Council to protect itself and the interests of the town. In the circumstances, it was for the corporate body of the council to consider the matter. The corporate body of Narberth Town Council is represented by the work of the clerk to the council, Caroline Coaker. Where will we find another example in Wales of a situation with regard to a pending criminal case, involving the theft of a large sum of money from a local organisation, in which a councillor continued to preside over matters related to the disbursement of monies to local organisations? There isn’t one: Or, at least, OneNarberth cannot find one.

There is probably a good reason why this is the case. The Good Councillor’s Guide, issued to all town councils in Wales by the Welsh Assembly in 2012, looks to these kinds of eventualities and its guidance is clear. The right thing, in these circumstances, would have been for the clerk, on behalf of the corporate body, to have advised councillors that Colin Williams should ‘step aside’ whilst proceedings were underway. This is particularly the case since the court case against him involved local monies and the question of theft. That did not happen.

The obvious question to ask is: Why not? Cllr Williams has participated in decision regarding the payment of monies to organisations in the town since the case against him became a matter of public record. That simply cannot be right, can it? There is every reason that the town council should have considered the situation with regard to the role of Colin Williams as a councillor. The relevant information is delivered in the Welsh Assembly Good Councillor’s Guide (2012). Part 2 (Due Care and Attention), 4.

The Rules, explains that community and town councils have an obligation to demonstrate ‘that they have identified and managed the risks to public money arising from their work’. An impending criminal court case against one of the town councillors involving an alleged theft of £6,000 from the football club in the town should have alerted the council to the possibility of some risk with regard to its decision making; particularly on financial questions. Since 2012 Narberth Town Council has made strides to see that it is conforming to the guidelines laid out under directives issued to councils in England and Wales. We now have minutes online, clearly delineated and easily accessible to local people.

Nobody can question the lead role that the council has taken in issues related to the closure of the swimming pool and the advent of a new era and the planned arrival of Sainsbury’s to the town. The statements with regard to the fact that there has been no public consultation of any description in relation to the developments planned for the Moor were clear and searching. They carried weight and continue to carry weight. Individual councillors also played a full role in making this point clear. Mayor Sue Rees, through her sheer guts and determination, was pivotal, along with the local team, in utilising her office to promote the share offer to see that Narberth Swimming Pool was taken into community ownership. This is the role of a pro-active, forward thinking town council that is a textbook example of what councils do best when they work.

Cllr David Norcross also has a steadfast, creditworthy record of service of long standing to the town. His role in arguing the case for community ownership of the site on the Moor was a sterling effort, for example, as was the role he played in ensuring that the voice of the town council was heard in relation to the development planned for the Moor. We should be grateful to have people that have the interests of the community at heart in their role as councillors and the ability and experience to deliver insightful decision making. A new generation of councillors is beginning to emerge, represented by people like Donna Hole. This new wave is adding energy to the organisation, which is beneficial. Caroline Coaker, as town clerk plays a full professional role. Her advice to the council, preparation of materials and dissemination of information about the activities of the council, is first class. Here though, there is a question of the council as a corporate body that is unanswered. Town clerk, Caroline Coaker, placed on the public record a view on behalf of the council that; ‘the town council is unable to make any comment at this stage’.

The town council as a corporate body is in a position to make a public comment now. There is a good argument to be put that it should be making a public comment now. Colin Williams has admitted to theft from a local organisation. This, as Judge Peter Haywood said, is a major breach of trust. Who could possibly argue now that Colin Williams should be allowed to continue to act as a councillor on behalf of the town? Having acknowledged his guilt and accepted that he stole £400 from Narberth Football Club, is it not now time for him to acknowledge that he cannot be a councillor for the town any longer? The time to ask why he did not step aside during the proceedings from his role as a town councillor has now passed, together with the question of why the town council as a corporate body, did not take steps to consider the matter.

But surely now residents in the town have the right to expect that something will to be said and done now with regard to questions about his continued role as a town councillor? Judge Peter Haywood said yesterday that Colin Williams was someone of previously good character. This may well be the case. To begin to repair his good character, Colin Williams could help the situation. It can be argued that it is in the interests of the town, and in his own interests, for him to offer his resignation from Narberth Town Council. This has been a rather sorry case. There is so much at stake in the town. Perhaps it is time that the minutes of the town council record that the matter has been resolved so that we can all move on with what is a full agenda.

Crime

Woman jailed for stealing £245,000 from Pembrokeshire charity

Published

56 minutes ago

December 20, 2025

Court Reporter

Trustee abused position of trust, leaving organisation facing closures, job losses and tax debt

A WOMAN who abused her position at a Pembrokeshire-based charity to steal almost a quarter of a million pounds has been jailed for four years.

Liza Haines, 54, defrauded Sazani Associates, a not-for-profit organisation based in Pembroke, of £245,410.63 over a five-year period.

The charity delivers education and sustainable development programmes in Europe and Africa, working with communities in poorer regions.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Haines was both a trustee and operations manager at the organisation, placing her in a senior and trusted role with extensive financial responsibilities.

Emily Bennett, prosecuting, told the court that Haines was responsible for payroll, pensions and VAT returns, giving her direct access to the charity’s bank accounts.

Between 2018 and 2023, she systematically diverted funds for her own use.

When the fraud was uncovered, the charity’s accounts were found to be empty, leaving it unable to pay staff. Directors were forced to take out personal loans to cover wages.

The court heard that the financial damage caused by Haines’ actions led to job losses, the closure of offices in Carmarthen and Zanzibar, and the cancellation of several projects. The organisation was also left owing £93,000 to HM Revenue and Customs.

Dr Ian Clegg, a retired university lecturer and director of Sazani Associates, read a victim impact statement to the court.

He said the directors had been left “shocked and bewildered” by the betrayal, adding that Haines had been trusted to play an important role within the organisation.

Dr Clegg told the court that the directors had received threatening letters from creditors, causing serious professional and personal distress.

“This was a calculated deception,” he said, adding that the situation had taken both a physical and mental toll on those involved in running the charity.

Haines, of Clos Cilsaig, Dafen, Llanelli, pleaded guilty to fraud.

The court heard that she has a previous conviction for theft by employee dating back to 2007, when she stole around £7,000 while working as an administrator at St Mark’s Court Care Home in Swansea. She was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for eighteen months.

That conviction was not disclosed when she applied for her role at Sazani Associates.

Dyfed Llion Thomas, representing Haines, said her guilty plea amounted to significant mitigation and told the court she had shown genuine remorse. The court was also told that she has an elderly mother.

Sentencing her, Judge Paul Hobson said she had been fully aware of the risks of her actions but had ignored them out of greed.

“This organisation was a labour of love for those who built it,” he said.

He added: “Your work life was a sham. You knew the financial harm you were causing. The consequences of what you did have been devastating. You are an habitually dishonest individual.”

Haines was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

A proceeds of crime hearing is due to take place on April 23 next year.

Business

Pembroke Dock restaurant to close on Christmas Day after £23,000 rates rise

Published

1 hour ago

December 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKE DOCK restaurant owner has said she is “devastated” after being forced to close her business on Christmas Day following a projected business rates increase of more than £23,000.

Randalls Restaurant, which operates from The Dolphin Hotel in Pembroke Dock, has been run by Natalie Newton and her family since 1999. Ms Newton took over the business in 2018 after her parents retired, overseeing a major transformation from a traditional pub and bed and breakfast into a hotel and restaurant.

***Chef Ben Randal and fiancée, Natalie Newton who owns the hotel (Image: Dolphin Hotel)***

For the past seven years, she and her fiancée, chef Ben Randall, have worked to build the restaurant’s reputation, offering breakfasts, lunches and evening meals using locally sourced produce where possible, as well as hosting special events including Christmas parties, buffets, afternoon teas and themed dining nights.

However, Ms Newton said she was left with no option but to close the restaurant after discovering that its business rates are expected to rise from around £10,000 to £33,000 from next year.

She said: “It’s a great shame. My father is absolutely devastated – this was his legacy. I took it over and built a really successful restaurant, and now it feels like it’s been taken away.”

Ms Newton said she checked her projected rates bill using the Government’s online calculator and was shocked to see that it had more than trebled. With quieter trading months expected early in the year, she said the increase was simply not sustainable.

“January, February and March are quieter months,” she said. “From April I’d need to find an extra £2,750 every month. Even if I managed it, I’d be working for nothing, and I’m worried I wouldn’t be able to pay my bills and would end up in the red.”

She added: “I’ve made the decision to close straight after Christmas Day. It’s drastic, but I have to keep my head above water and protect everything my parents worked for.”

Ms Newton said the decision had not only affected her family but also the restaurant’s eleven members of staff.

“I’ve invested everything back into this business,” she said. “Every penny the restaurant has made has gone straight back into it. I’ve worked every day, nights and weekends, and I haven’t had Christmas at home for seven years.

“For the last six months I’d look around the restaurant when it was busy and think how lucky we were. People were happy, good food was going out. Now it feels like it’s all been snatched away.”

The Herald has reported extensively on growing concern among Pembrokeshire businesses over sharp increases in business rates following updated valuations, with several town centre traders warning that rising fixed costs are pushing otherwise viable businesses to the brink.

Ms Newton said she intends to focus on running the hotel after Christmas but will miss the restaurant and its customers.

“I’m going to miss everyone,” she said. “I’ve loved building relationships with customers over the years. I just want to thank everyone who believed in Ben and me and supported us.”

Business rates in Wales are due to be updated from April 1, 2026, to reflect current property values. The Welsh Government has said that while many businesses will see their bills fall, others will face increases.

It has announced that any business facing an increase of more than £300 will have the rise phased in over two years rather than being applied in full immediately.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language Mark Drakeford said previously: “We know businesses have faced significant economic challenges in recent years. This support package will help them manage the transition to updated rates bills while we deliver on our commitment to a fairer rates system.”

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

20 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi