News

Cardigan: Plaid leader supports ‘Small Business Saturday’

Published

10 years ago

December 5, 2015

Leanne Wood

PLAID’S Leanne Wood has set out her plans to support small businesses in a meeting in Cardigan in support of ‘Small Business Saturday’, which takes place today.

Speaking at an informal question and answer session with local residents at the Fisherman’s Rest Café in the town, the Plaid Cymru leader set out her party’s plans to boost small businesses. This includes a focus on buying locally so that public bodies give more contracts to local companies, keeping money in the local economy and creating up to 50,000 extra jobs in Wales, a business rates relief scheme which would reduce costs for thousands of businesses in Wales, and helping small businesses access the finance they need by establishing a Welsh Business Bank.

The Party of Wales leader was in Cardigan as part of her ‘What Next for Wales’ tour, a nationwide series of meetings to present Plaid Cymru’s vision for the 2016 Welsh Elections, and to listen to people’s views.

Leanne Wood AM, Leader of Plaid Cymru, told The Herald: “Here in Cardigan, as in so many towns across Wales, there is more that can be done to ensure a thriving high street, and a prosperous future for small businesses in the area.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Wales’ economy. They make up 98% of all Welsh businesses. But the decline in footfall on our high streets proves that that the economic recovery is not reaching all parts of our communities.

“The competition posed by large multi-national companies and by internet trading makes it very difficult for small, local traders to compete, but a Plaid Cymru government would put forward a series of measures to support businesses and help them succeed.

“Small local firms generate 58% more economic benefit for local economies than large firms. The figures speak for themselves; it’s vital we support our small businesses.”

Elin Jones, Plaid Cymru AM for Ceredigion, added: “I was delighted to welcome Leanne Wood to Cardigan. We both agree that the town has a lot going for it, but that there’s more that can be done to help small firms.

“I’ve worked with Cardigan Traders on their long-running campaign to cut business rates; Plaid Cymru’s plans would be a major step forward in this regard. Parking is an issue that also needs looking at. I’m pleased that Ceredigion towns will benefit from free town-centre parking over the Christmas period, and we need to look at creative ways to help potential customers to access our high streets.”

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

2 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

22 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.