News

Sustainable services for the future

Published

9 years ago

February 12, 2016

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’s draft budget for 2016/17 has been approved by the Cabinet.

Members met on Monday, January 11, to discuss the new budget which will see cost reductions of £13.8m and additional income from an increase in council tax.

Councillors spoke of a need to maintain services for the future and said there was a need to hold those services on a sustainable basis.

Council Leader Jamie Adams said: “I’ve not shied away from commenting that the receipt of the budget this year has highlighted the plight of rural authorities, and it is the case that rural authorities are finding themselves at the bottom of the pile in terms of funding outcomes from Welsh Government.

“There are residents in Pembrokeshire who are financially vulnerable and it is paramount that we keep them in our minds as we move through the budget process, the effect of the decisions we make in terms of the impact on the lives of those families.

“We have one of the most challenging budgets that the authority is ever likely to have.

“The 21st century schools programme is ambitious, but why shouldn’t it be, why shouldn’t we be ambitious for our young people, why shouldn’t we take risks in terms of our desire to provide them with the best of outcomes?. The 21st century schools programme is a risk as to the capability of the authority to deliver it but what an achievement we could deliver for the people of Pembrokeshire.

“Sustainability of services is key because there are some poison chalices in terms of grasping the nettles of some tricky elements of service delivery and I will place on record that this Cabinet will not back down, we will grasp that nettle and we will look at every matter of service delivery without fear or favour because it is absolutely right that we consider every element of cost within the authority.

“The Wales Audit Office (WAO) has challenged us to think longer term and to plan in a financial context in at least a five year cycle. Recognising also that some of the decisions we make are very brave but mean little when we can’t deliver them and we have to have the political will to drive through these savings otherwise we’ll be in a position where services in the future will be unsustainable.

“There is a strong view that Council tax is seen by the public as fair a way as any of bringing in additional finance to the authority and although there is an opportunity to increase council tax we will still be the lowest authority in Wales. I think it is prudent, on occasions, to consider rises in council tax to ensure that the services we provide in the future are held on a sustainable basis.”

Cabinet member for Transportation and Major Events, Cllr Rob Lewis said: “Over the last couple of years I think we have taken disproportionate reductions in our budget.

“I’m fairly comfortable that we can continue to deliver a good service and we do have a very good network so I hope the public bear with us because we will be attending to their concerns.”

Cabinet Member for Economy and Communities, Cllr Keith Lewis said: “One positive of this is that there is a small element within the capital budget for an industrial unit development in the north of the county and this will go a way towards creating the proper view that we are an authority that supports and encourages business.

“I look forward to seeing the Haverfordwest Masterplan and masterplans for all the other major towns which will allow us to identify specific areas that we can go for external funding and support those particular developments.”

Cabinet Member for Education and Safeguarding, Councillor Sue Perkins said: “The funding for post-16 provision in our secondary schools is controlled by Welsh Government and the specific grant funding allocation to Pembrokeshire for 2016/17 is still awaited, however there is likely to be a reduction between 3 to 7% and falling pupil numbers combined with reducing post-16 funding would represent a significant funding challenge to our secondary schools.

“Talking about Children’s services, these are some of our most vulnerable children in our county and whilst looking at making a reduction in the service, that always has to be at the forefront of our minds.

“We don’t know yet what the Families First grant is going to be; we don’t know if that is going to be reduced, if that is reduced it could have a huge impact on the services that we provide which is really serious because these are our very vulnerable children but we will make savings but only doing so when we know that our children are completely safe and we are providing the best service that we can.”

Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services and the Welsh Language, Councillor Huw George said: “There is only a certain amount of shaving you can do while saving before the whole service collapses. Our in-year savings have been cut because we haven’t got that political will and we can all be heroes by saying don’t look at this or that but if we do that all we are doing is saving up trouble for the following financial year.

“If we cut any more I’m afraid that the balance between saving and risk will be a risk upon public health. We appreciate that savings have to be made but when you have more regulation, more responsibility and fewer staff, somewhere you cross the line and that’s why I’m asking if we can look forward rather than this constant shaving.

“Let’s be brave so that we are on a sure footing as we move forward and I would support the leader when he says we look at everything and we investigate every avenue so that we can move forward with a challenging budget and come out at the other end with sustainable standard services for the people of Pembrokeshire.”

Charity

Tenby Round Table donates £2,336 to Paul Sartori Foundation

Published

9 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE PAUL SARTORI FOUNDATION, Pembrokeshire’s hospice-at-home charity, has received a donation of £2,336 from Tenby Round Table, funding the purchase of two specialised Minuet 2 hospital-style beds to enhance patient comfort at home.

Representatives from the Tenby Round Table visited Paul Sartori House on Tuesday (Mar 4) to meet the team and see how their donation is making a difference. The charity’s Equipment Loan Team demonstrated the new beds, highlighting their benefits for end-of-life patients wishing to spend their final days at home.

Amanda Elmes, Equipment Assistant, and Mark Bunyan, Equipment Technician, explained how the beds provide essential support, with families expressing deep gratitude for their availability, even if used for just a short period.

Will Davies, Chairman of Tenby Round Table, said: “The decision to donate was unanimous because we all strongly believe in the invaluable service Paul Sartori provides to families in need.”

Joost Geertman, past president of Tenby Round Table, shared a personal connection, having recently accessed the charity’s services for a family member. He said: “It’s heartening to see how Paul Sartori supports people at the most critical times of their lives. I know firsthand the difference it makes to families locally.”

The Paul Sartori Equipment Loan Service plays a crucial role in supporting end-of-life patients across Pembrokeshire. In 2023/24, the team delivered over 1,700 items of equipment—an average of 32 per week—including beds, wheelchairs, commodes, chairs, and mattresses, all provided at no cost.

Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Facilitator, emphasised the importance of donations in sustaining their work. She said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Tenby Round Table. We rely heavily on donations and grants to continue complementing statutory services. Beds are among the most important items we loan, offering comfort and support when it is most needed.”

The Paul Sartori Foundation provides a range of services beyond equipment loans, including home nursing care, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, physiotherapy, advance care planning, and training. The charity also operates a 24-hour advice line, available seven days a week, with a standby service for those not yet requiring hands-on care.

Entertainment

Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival returns to Pembrey

Published

9 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH Motorsport & Supercar Festival is set to return to Pembrey Circuit on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with backing from The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers.

The Trade Centre Wales, the country’s largest used car supermarket, operates from sites in Abercynon and Neath, offering thousands of vehicles. Iconic Auctioneers, a globally recognised auction house, specialises in classic and modern supercars, competition vehicles, and automobilia.

Last year’s inaugural event drew 6,000 fans to the ‘Home of Welsh Motorsport,’ granting visitors unprecedented access to paddocks, supercar zones, motorsport displays, pit garages, and live-action demonstrations. The 2025 edition promises an even bigger spectacle, with more historic Formula 1 cars, rare motorsport machinery, and high-profile motorsport personalities. A headline theme will be announced soon.

Fan experience will be a priority, with improvements based on feedback from last year. Additional car parks within Pembrey will ease entry, a new food village will offer a wider selection, and more seating and improved signage will enhance the visitor experience.

Mark Bailey, founder of The Trade Centre Wales, said: “As a company founded in Wales, we are immensely proud to support the Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival at Pembrey Circuit. This event allows us to give back to the local community and connect with passionate motorsport fans.”

Iconic Auctioneers classic car specialist Arwel Richards added: “Last year’s festival was a phenomenal success, proving that motorsport and supercar enthusiasts exist in their thousands beyond the M4. We’re excited to be involved.”

Pembrey Circuit Manager Phil Davies said: “Having The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers as partners strengthens the event, and they will be showcasing some never-before-seen cars. We aim to build on last year’s success to make this year’s festival even bigger and better.”

Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival
Pembrey Circuit, Sunday, September 21, 2025
Tickets: £22 in advance / Children 15 and under FREE
More information: pembreycircuit.co.uk/event/welsh-motorsport-supercar-festival
BARC (Pembrey) Ltd., Pembrey Circuit, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0HZ

Community

Dog owner speaks out after attack in Pembroke Dock

Published

9 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE OWNER of an American Bulldog involved in a dog attack in Pembroke Dock has expressed his distress over the incident, calling it a “massive accident” and an “isolated incident.”

A video circulating on social media shows the dog, named Bobo, attacking another dog, a golden retriever named Bailey, on Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, on Tuesday (Mar 12). The footage shows passers-by attempting to intervene, with some appearing to strike Bobo in an effort to separate the animals.

Bailey’s owner, Julie Jenkins, later confirmed that her pet had suffered wounds to his body, including an ear injury requiring staples.

‘A complete accident’

Mikey Newman, Bobo’s owner, said he was devastated by what had happened and had since reached out to Ms Jenkins to offer an apology and cover all vet bills.

“I feel absolutely distraught about the whole thing,” Mr Newman said. “I don’t blame anybody but myself.”

He explained that Bobo, a rescue dog still undergoing training, escaped after being startled by a falling broom while waiting to be harnessed at the door of his home.

“He was sitting just inside my doorway, waiting patiently for me to secure his harness,” he said. “A brush I use to clean my yard fell forward and smacked into him, which made him bolt. He’s never allowed out on his own, and when walked, he’s always on his lead.”

Mr Newman chased after Bobo and arrived just as the fight broke out. He stated that he immediately intervened, pinning Bobo down in an attempt to stop the attack.

“The moment I jumped on him, he started to let go and calm down,” he explained. “But people reacted in fear, and both Bobo and I were hit in the process. I was kicked and punched in the ribs while trying to secure him.”

Ongoing training and backlash

Mr Newman emphasised that Bobo has never shown aggression towards people and described him as a “cuddle bug” who loves people and is extremely loyal to his family.

“Bobo is absolutely no danger to people or children,” he said. “There were lots of people around, and he didn’t attack any of them. He is still an adolescent and in training. He even saved my daughter’s life when an intruder broke into her house.”

Since the video was shared online, Mr Newman has faced significant backlash, with some people calling for Bobo to be put down. He expressed frustration that people were jumping to conclusions without understanding the full context of the incident.

“It’s alarming that so many people are vilifying Bobo,” he said. “They see a big dog, they hear the yelps, and they react without first trying to get the facts.”

Community protection notice issued

Mr Newman confirmed that he had contacted the police regarding the incident and that authorities had now issued a Community Protection Warning Notice. This means Bobo must be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public.

“This will not happen again,” he said. “I take full responsibility for what happened, but I will not hurt my dog or have him put down. This was not his fault, and I have already taken steps to ensure it never happens again.”

The police have not indicated that any further action will be taken against Mr Newman or Bobo.