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Pembroke Dock: Crowds erupt at BBC Radio 4’s ‘Any Questions?’

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LISTEN TO BBC ‘ANY QUESTIONS?’ HERE

JONATHAN DIMBLEBY, presenter seemed taken aback at the fiery response of the Pembrokeshire audience who filled Pater Hall, Pembroke Dock for ‘Any Questions?’ on Friday (Jan 22).

The programme, possibly the oldest live debate in the world, was for the first time a political leaders debate. Labour, Conservative, Plaid and Liberals were all represented by their Welsh leaders in the lead up to the May Assembly election. Only UKIP was represented by someone unconnected to Wales.

Questions ranged from home schooling to steel production but the real fire of the night was around Withybush hospital. Carwyn Jones claimed that centralising services was the best thing to do and had resulted in improved results, according to his clinical expert advisers. Howls of derision came from all quarters of the hall. ‘That’s because you are not listening to what we are telling you’, ‘You are not listening to us’ people shouted.

The politicians were asked about a proposed pay rise.

UKIP’s Mark Reckless bemoaned the amount of money spent on the Assembly. He was then asked if he would accept the rise were he an Assembly member.

He repeatedly avoided answering yes or no. Leanne Wood, leader of Plaid Cymru said that not only would she refuse it but she already had turned down the larger £20,000 pay rise that goes with being leader of a party. “Public sector pay is frozen, I am a public servant, there is no reason I should be treated any differently” she said. The Liberal leader Kirsty Williams also said she would refuse it. Carwyn Jones, leader of Welsh Labour said he couldn’t refuse it as it would be in his pay packet. Someone shouted from the back “But you could give it to the hospitals.”

Pater Hall, Pembroke Dock on Jan 22 (Pic J Williams)

Pater Hall, Pembroke Dock on Jan 22 (Pic J Williams)

The audience vigorously applauded the speakers from all the parties whenever they agreed with them as well as shouting out when they did not. Jonathan Dimbleby concluded the evening joking “So now we leave this sleepy gentle backwater of the UK” to appreciative laughter. Chatting afterwards over wine with the producers Vicky Moller reported, “They were impressed by the switched on audience, and surprised when I told them of this county’s feisty history of battles fought and usually won. My bet is the hospital will be next.”

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Crime

Haverfordwest retailer accused of Bounce Back Loan fraud

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A HAVERFORDWEST businessman has been accused of committing fraud by making false representations to multiple banks in applications for Government-backed Bounce Back Loans.

Zahid Afzal, 36, of Albert Street, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Feb 6), where he pleaded not guilty to three charges of fraud by false representation.

The court heard that Afzal, listed on Companies House as a director of Phone Bits Ltd and Phones Onn Ltd, allegedly made false statements to secure loans intended to support businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Phone Bits phone accessory and repair shop in Haverfordwest

Prosecutors claim that on May 12, 2020, he falsely stated to Barclays Bank that the application for a Bounce Back Loan was Phone Bits Ltd’s only application. It is further alleged that he made similar false claims to Starling Bank on July 23, 2020, and to Metro Bank on November 22, 2020, in relation to Phones Onn Ltd.

The alleged misrepresentations included inflating the company’s turnover to £200,000 and falsely claiming the loans would be used solely for business purposes.

Afzal’s case has been sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial, with a hearing scheduled for March 10. He was granted unconditional bail.

An interpreter will be required for the proceedings, as Afzal requires assistance in Urdu.

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Charity

Young fundraiser’s incredible efforts for RNLI

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THE CREW of Tenby RNLI have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to 5-year-old Archie Garland for his outstanding fundraising efforts in support of the station.

Archie took part in the Advent Challenge with the Tenby Aces over Christmas, running a minimum of one mile every day throughout Advent. His dedication saw him cover an impressive 47.3 miles, raising a remarkable £552.25 thanks to generous donations from the local community.

Archie is pictured with (L-R): Deputy Coxswain Gary Waring, his dad and Deputy Coxswain Rob Garland, Deputy Coxswain Dan Young, station full-time mechanic Will Horton, and his mum, Tenby Aces member Claire Thomas.

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Crime

Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn launches ambitious four-year policing plan

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Public trust at the heart of new strategy

DYFED-POWYS Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has unveiled his four-year Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029, outlining his vision to strengthen public trust and confidence in policing.

Plan to strengthen public’s trust in local police service: Dafydd Llywelyn

The plan, shaped by extensive public consultation, sets out priorities for policing, crime prevention, and the criminal justice system across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Powys. It follows feedback from surveys and focus groups, where residents highlighted their key concerns.

The three core priorities of the plan are:

  • Supporting victims and preventing victimisation
  • Preventing harm to ensure safer communities
  • Enhancing the effectiveness of the justice system

Llywelyn formally launched the plan on Tuesday (Feb 13) at an event attended by key partners and commissioned services. The event focused on collaboration, with discussions on how joint efforts can strengthen crime prevention, victim support, and justice delivery.

Victims at the centre

Commissioner Llywelyn emphasised the importance of ensuring victims receive the right support.

“This plan is built on the views of our communities, focusing on what truly matters to the people of Mid and West Wales,” he said. “Victims must be at the heart of our policing and justice system. It is essential that those affected by crime have access to timely, effective support to help them recover and seek justice. Strengthening services that prevent victimisation is just as important as responding to crime itself.”

Tackling root causes of crime

The plan also prioritises crime prevention by addressing underlying issues.

“By tackling antisocial behaviour and vulnerability, we can reduce harm and build a more resilient society,” Llywelyn said. “A proactive, problem-solving approach will ensure resources are used effectively to protect our communities.”

A joined-up approach to justice

Llywelyn stressed the need for stronger collaboration across the justice system.

“A fair and efficient justice system relies on agencies working together. I will continue to work closely with partners to ensure that policing, the courts, and support services deliver justice fairly and effectively for victims and communities alike.”

The Police and Crime Plan sets out a clear vision for Dyfed-Powys policing over the next four years, focusing on improving public safety, supporting victims, and delivering an efficient justice system.

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