News

Consultation statement not whole story

Published

10 years ago

July 16, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Council was ‘unfair and
unreasonable’: Dr Nick Poole

EMAILS leaked to The Pembrokeshire Herald show that senior staff at Sir Thomas Picton School refused to agree a statement on an investigation into the conduct of a student ballot because it failed to explain that no complaints had been made against any member of staff.

When the Council decided to investigate the conduct of the consultation at Sir Thomas Picton it couched its letter to parents by reference to a single complaint and invitedcorrespondents to contact them if they had any concerns about the school’s handling of the consultation.

Having asked for ‘concerns’, no doubt Kate Evans-Hughes was relieved that there were no takers for her kind invitation. The letter to parents did not make clear that the complaint arose following a presentation by the pupil-led school council which took place in the presence of an independent observer and which was followed by a ballot overseen by the same observer.

Dr Nick Poole was at pains to ensure that the Council, which said that 10 students were told they had to complete the consultation response, presented the facts.

And what appear to be the facts are:

Far from a consultation response, pupils were asked to complete a simple ballot paper containing a single question following a school assembly;
The pupils’ presentation was viewed and approved by an independent adult
No staff asked, still less ordered, pupils to complete their responses;
The ballots were tallied in the presence of an independent adult.

The Council refused to make all of these clarifications, which would have significantly recast its, response. That statement suggested that regardless of the findings of its investigation, the Council was dissatisfied with the conduct of the ballot.

The gulf between the wishes of those involved at the school to provide ‘an accurate reflection’ and the actions of the County Council, which refused to agree to report matters accurately, appears to have increased the possibility of ‘bad feeling and mistrust being generated’.

Regardless of how the consultation process concludes, there will be bridges to be built by the Council. Whether they find receptive staff and governors prepared to be ignored again remains to be seen.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

7 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

7 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.