News

Haverfordwest: Tax credit campaigners left in the cold

Published

9 years ago

November 24, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Petitioners outside Stephen Crabb’s office on Tuesday (Nov 24)

A PEMBROKESHIRE resident set up a meeting to hand a petition to Stephen Crabb MP, asking him to oppose tax credit cuts, only to be left ignored, in the rain, on the day.

The appointment to hand in the petition, which was signed by 360 people, had been long since pre-arranged with Stephen Crabb. Only this morning the MP had confirmed with local 38 Degrees members that “I will not be available to meet with you but my Assistant will receive the petition on my behalf.”

Despite this, his office was locked up and in darkness, leaving his constituent’s petition and 11 of his constituents out in the rain. Eventually the petition was kindly taken in by an employee of an adjoining office with a promise that she would hand it to Stephen Crabb when he next visits Pembrokeshire.

A post on 38 Degrees’ social media page commenting on the failure of Conservative MPs including Mr Crabb to accept the petitions has been shared more than 6,000 times.

Across the UK, people are delivering the 160,000-strong petition to MPs ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement tomorrow.

Pembrokeshire residents are expecting Mr Crabb to speak to Chancellor George Osborne about how devastating the cuts could be in Preseli & Pembrokeshire. Campaigners say the cuts would make life harder for millions of low-paid working families, and could push 200,000 children into poverty across the country. In Preseli & Pembrokeshire, child poverty levels already stand at 25.71%.

As The Herald reported last week, according to House of Commons data, 63% of children in Preseli Pembrokeshire are in families claiming tax credits, and around 5,000 working families in the constituency receive tax credits.

Kahra Wayland-Larty, a campaigner at 38 Degrees said: “Local people are clear: Stephen Crabb should stand up to tax credits cuts, that’ll punish hard working families in Preseli Pembrokeshire on low wages. People in the area didn’t vote for these cruel cuts. Before the election, David Cameron promised he wouldn’t touch tax credits, but now his party is going back on its word. It’s even more concerning to hear that for residents of Preseli Pembrokeshire, their concerns may be falling on deaf ears.

These cuts will hit Preseli Pembrokeshire people hard. Crabb shouldn’t be leaving his constituents concerns unanswered – he should be listening to his constituents and join other Conservative MPs in opposing George Osborne’s cuts before the Autumn Statement tomorrow.”

According to a YouGov survey carried out in October, almost twice as many people think that David Cameron has broken a pre-election promise by cutting tax credits as those who do not (44% to 23%). And 57% of people say George Osborne’s plans to cut tax credits should not go ahead as planned.

Mr Crabb said: “The petitioners from the national campaign group 38 Degrees knew that the House of Commons was sitting today and that I would be unable to receive the petition in person. The timing of my next available surgery appointment did not suit them, and so it was arranged that my Assistant would receive the petition on my behalf. Regrettably, my Assistant was ill today, and so the petition was handed instead to a member of staff from Paul Davies’ office who will be passing it on to me when I am back in the office on Friday.”

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

15 mins ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.

Crime

Pembroke Dock resident faces court over dog control breaches

Published

3 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Court Reporter

PHILIP Murray, 52, of 11 Picton Place, Pembroke Dock, will appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 14) to face several charges of breaching a community protection notice. The notice, issued under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, required Murray to control his dogs in response to repeated disturbances.

The charges relate to incidents from May to September 2024, when Murray allegedly failed to comply with the restrictions set out in a notice issued on January 3, 2024. Court documents state that despite multiple warnings, Murray continued to disregard the order, leading to ongoing issues linked to his dogs’ behaviour.

If found guilty, Murray could face a Level 4 fine for each offence. The hearing is scheduled to take place from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in Courtroom 1, presided over by the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Adult Panel.

The case underscores the role of community protection notices in addressing persistent anti-social behavior.

Crime

Cilgerran driver banned for drug use on Cardigan high street

Published

3 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Court Reporter

A CILGERRAN motorist appeared before a district judge after driving on Cardigan High Street under the influence of cannabis.

On May 3, police officers on patrol detected a strong smell of cannabis from a Volkswagen Golf driven by Kim Haynes, 40.

A drugs wipe returned a positive result, with subsequent tests showing Haynes had 3.4 mcg of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol in her blood, above the legal limit of 2.

Haynes, of Sun Cottage, Church Street, Cilgerran, pleaded guilty to driving over the specified drug-drive limit. She was fined and ordered to pay a total of £365, including costs and a court surcharge, and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.