News
Cabinet blocks ‘threatened services list’

Council leader: Jamie Adams
A REQUEST to draw up a list of services currently under threat from budget cuts was knocked back by Cabinet members on Monday (Apr 20).
Cllr Bob Kilmister put forward a notice of motion asking for a list to be drawn up in order for communities to consider alternative solutions before closure.
He pointed out that consultation had not taken place prior to closures to Theatre Gwaun in Fishguard and Narberth Swimming Pool and said that the council had not learned from these examples.
Cllr Huw George highlighted the example of the county’s toilets where consultation was held and Cllr Kilmister asked for that example to become the norm. Cllr Kilmister later said that his views had been miss-represented and that he was trying to help the council to deliver budget cuts on time.
He said: “We are told that consultation exercises are about openness and transparency. I have to ask you to consider the sentence I’m going to take out of the report which says: ‘As potential future cost reduction/ efficiencies and ideas are identified, these will be reported to cabinet and will therefore be in the public domain’.
“This sentence says everything, nothing has changed. Officers tell Cabinet what to do and they go and do it. Ordinary councillors and the public are not worthy enough. George Orwell said some animals are more equal than others. We can then have a public consultation after we have taken the decision. It is obvious that Theatre Gwaun and the Swimming Pool at Narberth taught you nothing. The recent adult education call in is another example. Local councillors knew nothing until the report came to Cabinet. There is another way of doing it but it requires a change in attitude and it is clear from the report that this does not exist. I urge you to prove me wrong by identifying the services that are at risk in our communities a long time in advance so we can start discussions with those communities about alternative ways of preserving them. To not do so is not open and transparent. That sentence is clearly in the report and it doesn’t represent the change in attitude that you have said is taking place.”
Council leader Jamie Adams responded saying the examples of Theatre Gwaun and Narberth swimming pool were examples of real achievement in terms of providing services in a different way.
He added: “The cabinet allowed a nine-month extension to ensure that SwimNarberth were able to get into a position to take that forward so I think if you were trying to use that example, it’s not a very good one.
“You alluded to Cabinet as a rubber-stamping mechanism but at the last meeting we looked at school crossing patrols and cabinet decided not to go ahead with that against the recommendations of officers so I think the point is not particularly well made. What we have been is absolutely honest and fully committed to the opportunity for the public to engage in all services. The report clearly sets out that the authority has got some unprecedented changes with severe financial pressure. It’s inevitable that all services will be looked at. The majority of services will change. There will be very few services that will be untouched in their delivery as we move forward.”
Cllr Bob Kilmister added: “There is a total miss-representation of what I said in terms of Theatre Gwaun and Narberth pool. Those were both earmarked for closure and as a result of that closure those bodies had to react and they didn’t have sufficient time to do so.
Despite Cllr Kilmister’s comments the notice of motion was not adopted.
Education
Sam Kurtz quizzed by primary school pupils about how was is governed
PUPILS at St Oswald’s VA Primary School welcomed a visit from local Senedd member Samuel Kurtz on Monday (Feb 2), as children put questions to him about how Wales is governed.
Years five and six pupils took part in an interactive session where the Senedd Cymru member explained the role of the Welsh Parliament, how laws are made, and how elected representatives support local residents.
He outlined what a Member of the Senedd does day-to-day, how decisions affecting communities are taken, and why taking part in democracy is important.
The pupils were then given the chance to quiz him directly, raising questions about politics, local issues and how young people can make their voices heard. Staff said the children showed strong interest and came well prepared.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Kurtz said: “It was a real pleasure to visit St Oswald’s and see such enthusiasm and curiosity from the pupils.
“Understanding how democracy works and how decisions are made is important, and it is encouraging to see young people taking an interest in how their community and country are run.
“I was particularly impressed by the quality of the questions, which showed they had clearly done their research.”
Teachers described the visit as a valuable opportunity to bring lessons about citizenship and Welsh democracy to life.
The school visit forms part of Mr Kurtz’s ongoing programme of meeting with schools, community groups and residents across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.
Crime
Police confirm teacher was stabbed at school as teenager appears in court
15-year-old charged with Section 18 GBH with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises
POLICE have confirmed that the teacher injured during Thursday’s lockdown at Milford Haven Comprehensive School suffered stab wounds, as a 15-year-old boy appears in court today (Saturday, Feb 7).
Dyfed-Powys Police said the teenager has been charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises. He has been remanded in custody and is due before Swansea Magistrates’ Court this morning.
Emergency services were called to the school at around 3:20pm on Thursday (Feb 5) following reports that a member of staff had been assaulted by a pupil. The school was placed into immediate lockdown and police said all learners later returned home unharmed.
The injured teacher has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering with support.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Briggs said: “We are continuing to support the victim whilst they recover from this traumatic event. Following detailed enquiries by specialist officers, injuries initially assessed and described as non-stab injuries have now been confirmed as stab wounds.
“A statement at an early stage of the investigation was based on preliminary information available at the time.
“There will continue to be a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days to provide further reassurance. Officers will be working closely with local secondary schools to offer support over the coming week.”
In a joint update issued by the local authority and the school, deputy headteacher Daryl John thanked staff and the small number of pupils who remained on site, saying they acted “with professionalism” and were “calm throughout”. He added that the school community was grateful for the “rapid and effective response” of the emergency services and sent best wishes to the injured colleague for a “full and speedy recovery”.
Pembrokeshire County Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey confirmed the school will reopen on Monday, with additional support available for pupils and staff affected by the incident. He said lockdown procedures are routinely rehearsed so that, in rare cases where they are needed, everyone knows what to do.
The school was closed to pupils on Friday, with the town noticeably quieter than usual as children stayed home.
Police enquiries are continuing and further updates are expected following the court hearing.
News
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
-
Crime3 days agoSex offender jailed after living off grid in Pembrokeshire and refusing to register
-
Health2 days agoHealth board targets rise in steroid and gym drug use across west Wales
-
News4 days agoPrincess of Wales visits historic Pembrokeshire woollen mill
-
Health6 days agoDoctor struck off after sexual misconduct findings at Withybush Hospital
-
Crime2 days agoTeacher injured and teenager arrested for attempted murder at Milford Haven School
-
Crime4 days agoHakin man’s appeal delayed again as Crown Court seeks guidance on insurance law
-
Education7 days agoIndustry insight helps marine cadets chart career course
-
News6 days agoHerald journalists to feature in true-crime documentary on local lockdown murder







