News

MP backs first Small Business Saturday

Published

12 years ago

December 19, 2013

PEMBROKESHIRE’S local businesses got a day of recognition as part of the UK’s first ever national event to celebrate small businesses.

Small Business Saturday, held on December 6, celebrated the vital role that all small businesses play in the economy and in local communities. MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, Stephen Crabb, hit the High Street in Haverfordwest to show his support for businesses in the county. He spoke to a number of retailers in the town about their businesses including Maggs, The Welsh Bakery, Victoria Bookshop, Just Nice, Coffee Cave and Musician’s World, an independent instrument and music shop on High Street.

During his time in the town centre, Stephen was also able to talk to business owners about the steps announced in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement which pledged more support to the small businesses community and high-street retailers.

Small businesses in England also received a shot in the arm with the announcement that business rate rises will be capped at two per cent next year, and business rate relief will be extended for another year. There will also be a £1,000 discount on business rates for small businesses.

Stephen has called on the Welsh Government, who has responsibility for business rates in Wales, to follow suit and provide similar help to shops and small businesses on high streets in Wales.

The Government also confirmed that new loans would be made available for start-ups, along with tax relief for investment in social enterprises, and a 50 per cent discount on business rates for the reoccupation of empty shop units.

Stephen has worked hard to champion the needs of drivers in our rural county by calling for the Treasury to take more action to help drivers with the cost of fuel. He welcomed the news that the planned fuel duty rise (of 2p a litre) which was due to come in next year will be scrapped and fuel duty will continue to be frozen at the current level. This will mean that by next year the price of petrol will be 20p per litre lower than had the duty increases planned by the previous Government gone ahead.

Stephen Crabb MP said: “The small business community in Pembrokeshire is vitally important. They are the backbone of our local economy. I’m pleased that the Autumn Statement has reflected the Government’s backing of small businesses by introducing some important business- friendly policies which I hope will make a real difference.”

“Unemployment levels have continued to fall in Pembrokeshire and it is our local businesses that have been helping to get people into work. I’m hopeful that the scrapping of NI contributions for younger people will boost the number of young people in work.”

“Small Business Saturday is a great way to remind people of the importance of shopping locally particularly at a time when they face tough competition online in the run up to Christmas. At the end of the day, people need to remember that when they support their local businesses, the money they spend and the jobs that are created as a result stay here in the community.”

News

Ysgol Maesydderwen to reopen after second threat received

Published

56 minutes ago

March 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police increase presence as enquiries into school incident continue

PUPILS at Ysgol Maesydderwen will return to class tomorrow (March 4) after the school was closed for a day following a second threat.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that officers are continuing to work closely with Powys County Council after threats were received by the school on Monday (March 2).

A second threat, sent via email, was reported to police later that evening.

The school remained closed on Tuesday (March 3) while enquiries were carried out. Following a review of the circumstances, a decision has been made to reopen the school on Wednesday.

Superintendent Gareth Grant said: “We understand this is a very unsettling time for the school’s pupils, teachers, parents and the wider community.

“I want to reassure the public that there is no evidence to suggest any threat against any other schools or businesses in the local area.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety of pupils and teachers at the school, and we are working closely with Powys County Council and the senior leaders at Ysgol Maesydderwen to this end.

“I want to thank the community for their understanding and patience while we carry out our enquiries. The impact of school closures on parents and carers cannot be underestimated, and I extend my thanks to everyone who has supported us to this point.

“You will see an increased police presence in the area as we continue our enquiries and provide reassurance to the local community.

“We will continue to share more information as soon as we are able to.”

Police have confirmed that enquiries remain ongoing.

Education

NEU Cymru publishes manifesto to save education in Wales

Published

1 hour ago

March 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NATIONAL EDUCATION UNION CYMRU has published a new manifesto outlining its vision to “Save Education in Wales” ahead of the Senedd elections in May.

The union says the document is designed to help political parties ensure their policies reflect the needs of the education workforce and learners across Wales.

Launching the manifesto, Nicola Fitzpatrick, Wales Secretary of the National Education Union, said education must be at the heart of the next Welsh Government’s priorities.

“NEU Cymru members are clear that education must be a priority for the next Welsh Government. May’s election is important — this is our chance to vote for education in Wales,” she said.

She identified funding, workforce trust and tackling child poverty as key issues.

“Funding is clearly a priority for NEU Cymru, along with trusting the workforce and ending child poverty. The next Welsh Government needs to invest in education to ensure that we are supporting the next generation. But we can’t be complacent,” she added.

The union also set out areas it believes must be protected, including opposition to academisation.

“There are parts of the education system that we need to protect — no academisation of schools, for example, because in Wales children are the priority, not private interests. Free school meals for all our primary school children must be protected. And our Welsh values are important too — protecting diversity, equality and inclusion.”

The manifesto sets out a series of policy proposals aimed at strengthening public education in Wales as parties prepare their campaigns for May’s vote.

Crime

Drug raid in Penparcau leads to two charged

Published

1 hour ago

March 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Class A drugs, cash and suspected supply items seized during warrant in Aberystwyth

POLICE have charged two people following a drugs warrant executed at a property in Penparcau, Aberystwyth.

Officers carried out the warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act on Friday (Feb 27), as part of an operation targeting the supply of illegal substances in the area.

During a search of the address, police recovered a quantity of Class A drugs, cash and items believed to be linked to drug dealing.

Gareth Farr, aged 45, of no fixed abode, and Chloe Evans, aged 38, of Penparcau, have both been charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

The pair appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 2), where they were remanded in custody pending further court proceedings.

Two other individuals arrested in connection with the investigation have been released on bail while enquiries continue.

PC Sturdy, from the Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team, said: “This warrant forms part of our continued efforts to disrupt the supply of illegal drugs in our communities. Drug-related activity causes significant harm, and we remain committed to targeting those involved.”

Police are urging anyone with information about suspected drug activity to contact Dyfed-Powys Police, or to report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.