NO OMBUDSMAN investigation is to take place into a recently elected Pembrokeshire county councillor following a “waste of taxpayers’ money” complaint of a claimed breach of the code of conduct.

William Cuthbert Linton Shaw, commonly known as Billy Shaw, won the Fishguard North-East ward seat for Plaid Cymru – The Party of Wales in February following a byelection called after the death of Cllr Jordan Ryan last November.

Cllr Shaw’s election win in February means Plaid now has three county councillors in Pembrokeshire.

Cllr Shaw was reported to the Ombudsman after attending his first full council meeting in March, describing the complaint as “a waste of taxpayers’ money” and “a sad attempt at stifling the right to my freedom of expression”.

“On March 5 I attended my first county council meeting as the newly elected councillor for Fishguard NE,” said Cllr Shaw.

“Outside was a group, Solidarity with Palestine who had a petition to be heard on Agenda Item No 5 [of that meeting], ‘Disinvestment in Companies profiting from Genocide’.

“A ‘member of the public’ complained that these people were supporting ‘Palestine Action’ and that I had breached the Code of Conduct relating to being a councillor by being pictured with them and this report was sent to the Ombudsman on March 10.

“On Thursday I found out that this was not being investigated by the Ombudsman, as under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) I am allowed the freedom of expression in who I want to support and there was no evidence that they supported ‘Palestine Action’ or indeed did I by being pictured alongside them.”

Cllr Shaw said there were two lessons following the complaint: “It was a waste of the Ombudsman’s time, as it was a petty and vindictive attempt by this individual who has a long history of trolling anyone especially those in public office with a left-wing viewpoint. The ECHR protected my rights to freedom of expression, remove the ECHR and you remove that freedom.”

New sessions offer dog owners in Pembrokeshire a chance to get fit alongside their pets through the fast-growing sport of canicross

A NEW dog-powered sport is coming to Milford Haven, giving local people and their pets a fresh way to get active together.

Dog trainer Tamsin Mathias, founder of Welsh Underdogs Canicross and Welsh Underdogs Dog Training, has introduced certified DogFit canicross classes to the area after qualifying as an instructor.

Canicross is a growing sport in which runners are attached to their dogs by a harness and bungee line, allowing the dog to run ahead and help create shared momentum. The sport combines cross-country running with dog handling and is becoming increasingly popular among owners looking for a more active partnership with their pets.

Ms Mathias said she was proud to bring DogFit training to Milford Haven.

She said: “I’m incredibly proud to be bringing DogFit training to the Milford Haven area.

“Canicross is such an empowering sport. It builds confidence in both dogs and handlers, improves fitness, and creates a real sense of partnership.

“I’m excited to help more people get started safely and enjoy it as much as I do.

“I’m also excited to be representing DogFit through Welsh Underdogs. They’re a fantastic UK-based company, and I’m excited to be working with them to help make canicross accessible to more people.”

Her new qualification means she can now offer structured canicross classes as well as one-to-one sessions, with the nearest certified training previously based near Cardiff.

Ms Mathias already holds professional qualifications with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers and the Dog Training College. She runs with her spaniel-beagle cross Toby and has experience competing in events including Canix Fur Nations and Red Warrior.

She will be offering DogFit’s Couch to 5K canicross courses, helping dog owners of all abilities to get involved through group classes and personalised coaching. Training will also include guidance on equipment, running technique and dog fitness.

As a certified dog trainer, Ms Mathias said dog welfare and ethical training methods remain central to her work.

She said: “Toby is a very high-energy breed, and even though we do agility, I felt that he needed a job to do.

“Canicross has become his job, and our bond has strengthened as a result.

“I’ve also introduced my nervous collie to the sport, and he is coming on in leaps and bounds.”

Canicross is said to offer physical and mental benefits for both dogs and owners, while also helping improve behaviour and providing access to a supportive outdoor community.

Details of upcoming classes and training sessions are available through the Welsh Underdogs Canicross website and Welsh Underdogs Dog Training social media pages.

Caption:

Tamsin Mathias and Toby are bringing certified canicross classes to Milford Haven (Pic: Supplied)

Pembroke church will mark completion of major restoration project with ringing, refreshments and an exhibition of photographs

ST MARY’S CHURCH in Pembroke will hold a special service on Sunday (May 10) at 3:00pm to bless its newly restored bells and three new bells added as part of the project.

The service is expected to be a significant occasion for the church and the town, with refreshments available before and after, along with plenty of bell ringing to mark the celebration. Photographs showing the restoration work will also be on display.

The event will also reflect the long-standing link between the town’s mayors and St Mary’s bells.

Former Mayor of Pembroke, Councillor Dennis Evans, famously climbed the church’s narrow tower steps in full regalia to inspect the bells during his term of office.

Organisers say it is fitting that Pembroke’s new Mayor, Cllr Jonathan Grimes, County Councillor for Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, will take part in the service at the beginning of his mayoral year.

The celebration is expected to draw local residents, church supporters and those with an interest in Pembroke’s history, as St Mary’s marks the completion of a project that has preserved an important part of the town’s heritage.

Photo caption:

Tower visit: Former Mayor Dennis Evans views the bells at St Mary’s Church during a previous visit (Pic: supplied).