Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Councillor apologises to Standards Committee

Published

on

Apology: Cllr Tudor: Apologised to the Standard’s Committee

Apology: Cllr Tudor: Apologised to the Standard’s Committee

COUNTY COUNCILLOR Thomas Tudor has apologised to the Standards Committee for voting on a matter concerning Haverfordwest secondary education despite only being given a dispensation to speak.

The Standards Committee met on Thursday, February 11, and also decided to grant Cllr Tudor the right to speak and vote on the matter for the next year.

Cllr Tudor is a parent governor of Sir Thomas Picton School and also has a close association with someone working at Pembrokeshire College and therefore has to declare a personal and prejudicial interest.

A complaint was made by Cllr Myles Pepper and Council Leader Jamie Adams after he voted at an extraordinary meeting of council on April 14, 2015.

An ombudsman’s investigation into the complaint found that no action needed to be taken against Cllr Tudor but recommended that he apologised to the Standards Committee for disregarding their decision.

Cllr Tom Tudor said: “I apologise to you the standards committee, and only you members of the standards committee, however I did it in my desperation to represent the views of my electorate and get their views heard and voted for.

Mr David Morgan thanked Cllr Tudor for his words and said they accepted his apology.

Cllr Tudor continued: “Never before have I seen such a huge amount of interest in one subject alone in all the years I have served as the county councillor for the Castle Ward. With that in mind it is highly imperative that we as county councillors listen to the needs of the people and take on board their concerns, we have a duty of care to at least do that.

“This is why I am seeking dispensation from you the standards committee to speak and vote on this important matter as an elected member who is also a parent governor of Sir Thomas Picton School.

“The proposals to have a centralised 6th form on the site of Pembrokeshire College to serve the Northern part of Pembrokeshire is one that certainly does not have the support of the Governing Bodies of Sir Thomas Picton, and Takers school.

“With the governing bodies of Sir Thomas Picton school, of which I am a Parent Governor, and the Governing Body of Taskers having over 200 years’ experience collectively is something that must be taken into account and the views of those Governing bodies should be respected and represented within the chambers of Pembrokeshire county Council by the elected members of Haverfordwest community.

“The Governing bodies of both schools strongly believe that the proposed new amalgamated school in Haverfordwest should also have the provision of providing a 6th form, in that we provide a choice to the pupils, the same way we have afforded the pupils in the South of the county a choice.

“Crymych, Tenby, Milford Haven, Pembroke are given a choice of having a 6th form, Haverfordwest, St Davids and Fishguard are not given a choice, that simply is not acceptable, unjust and simply completely unfair. Hence the reason why I am seeking dispensation to speak and vote.

“We all want the best for our children and young people and we should invest more time and research into this matter before we move forward with full elected member input in terms of voting and speaking within the chamber.

“Please in no way let there be any misunderstanding with my view of Pembrokeshire College, it is a good educational establishment serving the people of Pembrokeshire well since its creation. But a 6th form centre is best placed on the site of the proposed new school for Haverfordwest.

“We are talking about the education of the young people of Pembrokeshire, therefore all councillors have an interest in that, so do we all have a prejudicial interest, I would say yes, therefore we all should have full voting and speaking rights.”

Cllr Stan Hudson said: “Having argued previously for Haverfordwest members to speak and vote because as Tom as already mentioned he is representing a large number of parents in Haverfordwest and this is a county wide issue that I think it is important that Haverfordwest members are allowed to speak and vote.”

It was approved to give Cllr Tudor dispensation to speak and vote for the following year.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Crime

Crown Court backlog at a record high, Victims’ Commissioner warns

Published

on

THE VICTIMS’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, has voiced profound concern over the escalating backlog of cases in the Crown Court, which has surged to a record 67,573 outstanding cases. This latest figure not only signifies a 1% increase from the previous quarter but also marks a staggering 65% rise from pre-pandemic levels and a near double increase since June 2019.

Baroness Newlove, reflecting on the dire statistics, emphasized the intolerable delays victims are facing, often stretching to years, before their cases are heard in court. With 27% of all outstanding cases now pending for over a year, the situation has reached a critical point, resulting in unprecedented strain on victims and the frontline services supporting them.

The duration from the receipt to the completion of cases at the Crown Court remains significantly above pre-pandemic figures, showcasing an 82% increase from the end of March 2020 and an 84% rise from the end of June 2019. Specifically troubling is the average completion time for rape cases, which now stands at 393 days, surpassing all previous records and highlighting a 52% increase from before the pandemic.

The Victims’ Commissioner pointed out the growing burden on victim services and the potential for increasing numbers of victims to withdraw from the process due to prolonged wait times. The statistics reveal a 14% victim withdrawal rate post-charge in the latest quarter, coupled with 26% of cases being adjourned on the day of trial, further exacerbating the challenges faced by those seeking justice.

Baroness Newlove criticized the apparent systemic issues within the judicial process, noting that despite a 4% decrease in new case volumes, the backlog continues to rise, with completed cases also experiencing a decline. This situation underscores the critical need for systemic reforms to address the inefficiencies plaguing the court system, ensuring that victims do not continue to suffer from prolonged delays in obtaining justice.

As the Crown Court backlog hits another record high, the call for urgent action to alleviate the pressure on victims and the judicial system has never been more pressing, with justice delayed increasingly equating to justice denied.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Easter Extravaganza: ‘Into The Woods’ takes the stage in Pembs

Published

on

THE FISHGUARD and District Drama Society (FADDS) is set to dazzle audiences with its latest production, “Into The Woods”. Theatre enthusiasts across Pembrokeshire are in for a treat as the show embarks on a captivating three-day run at Theatre Gwaun starting Thursday, April 4th.

The production, which premieres at 7:00pm on Thursday, promises an exciting journey through a modern twist on beloved fairy tales, with additional performances scheduled for the following dates and times:

  • Thursday, April 4th at 7:00pm
  • Friday, April 5th at 7:00pm
  • Saturday, April 6th at 2:00pm and again at 7:00pm

Tickets are swiftly selling out, urging potential spectators to secure their seats promptly by booking through Theatre Gwaun’s official website.

For over three decades, FADDS has been a cornerstone of the local theatre scene, bringing a plethora of productions to life at Theatre Gwaun. Their adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into The Woods” marks yet another milestone, enriching Pembrokeshire’s cultural tapestry. Since its Broadway debut in 1987 and subsequent West End premiere in 1990, “Into The Woods” has been a fixture in the theatre community, even inspiring a Walt Disney film adaptation in 2014.

The story weaves a tapestry of fairy tale quests, exploring the intertwined fates of beloved characters as they venture into the woods, each harboring their own desires and secrets. Questions abound: What binds a cow as white as milk to hair as yellow as corn? Can Cinderella attend the King’s Festival? Will Rapunzel escape her tower? And who is the mysterious figure obsessed with greens?

FADDS promises a show brimming with intrigue, laughter, and the timeless music of Sondheim, delivering a “fast-paced, super fun” interpretation of these classic tales. This amateur production, orchestrated in collaboration with Music Theatre International (MTI), guarantees a magical night out for families and theatre aficionados alike, blending nostalgia with the thrill of live performance.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this vibrant take on “Into The Woods” – a theatrical journey where fairy tales and reality collide, revealing the heart and humour of these age-old stories.

Continue Reading

Education

Second Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament celebrates youth and skill

Published

on

THE SECOND Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament drew participants from 21 schools across the region, culminating in a day of intense competition and camaraderie.

The tournament, reported by Vicky Brown, saw young chess enthusiasts gather for a day marked by strategic gameplay and exceptional talent. Henry Burton from Redhill emerged victorious, claiming the top spot in a closely contested field. The duo of Steffan Hughes and Huw Holliday, also from Redhill, followed closely in second place, while Osian Griffiths (Ysgol Caer Elen), Bryn Williams (Milford Haven Community School), and Iolo Hughes (Redhill) shared the third place, showcasing the depth of talent present among the participants.

In recognition of outstanding sportsmanship, Carys Callan from Redhill was honoured with the ‘David Pinch Award’, embodying the spirit of fair play and respect that marked the tournament. A special mention was given to Tyler Davison-Hall from Johnston CP School for participating in the Game of the Tournament, further highlighting the event’s competitive yet friendly atmosphere.

The tournament benefitted significantly from the expertise of Ian Eustis from the Welsh Chess Union, who served as Arbiter, ensuring the smooth running of the games. The event was also supported by Martin Jones and Scott Hammett, who took on the roles of stewards, and the Friends of Redhill (FOR), who managed the refreshments, contributing to the day’s success.

The local chess community, including participants and spectators, expressed their appreciation for the organisational efforts that made the event possible. For those interested in furthering their chess skills, the Pembrokeshire Chess Club extends an invitation to meet on Tuesday evenings in Steynton. Martin Jones, contactable at 07884384131, is available for further details regarding membership and participation.

Looking ahead, Redhill is poised to host its next chess tournament on Saturday, 8th June, promising another opportunity for young chess players to demonstrate their skills and passion for the game. The success of this event not only highlights the thriving chess scene in Pembrokeshire but also sets the stage for future tournaments that continue to inspire and engage the youth in the noble game of chess.

Continue Reading

Business24 hours ago

Stephen Crabb leads inquiry on retaining community bank services  

PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP, and Chair of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee Stephen Crabb is leading an inquiry in Parliament that...

News1 day ago

Police ask motorists to avoid A44 trunk road due to heavy snowfall

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have issued an appeal to motorists to avoid a 25 mile section of the A44 trunk road between...

Crime2 days ago

Woman will quit the booze after seeing shocking drunken video in court

A HAVERFORDWEST woman this week vowed to undertake ‘a complete alcohol abstinence’ after being shown court video footage of her...

News3 days ago

Family heartbroken by loss of ‘larger than life character’ in M4 crash

THE FAMILY of the man who died in a collision on the M4 motorway say ‘he will be greatly missed...

Business3 days ago

Victory for WASPI women but the fight goes on

A LANDMARK ruling by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman could benefit around 5,000 women in Ceredigion born in the...

Entertainment5 days ago

A night to remember: Symphonica Tywi’s ‘Film Fantastics’ was a triumph

ON SATURDAY (Mar 23), Haverfordwest High School was ablaze with the soaring melodies and dramatic scores of some of cinema’s...

News5 days ago

Memorial for all those affected by Covid-19 unveiled at County Hall

A LASTING tribute for Pembrokeshire loved ones lost during the Covid-19 pandemic and those working on the frontline has been...

Top News6 days ago

Princess of Wales announces cancer diagnosis and treatment

CATHERINE, the Princess of Wales, has shared her recent health struggles with the public, revealing a diagnosis that has sent...

Charity1 week ago

RNLI lifeguards back on patrol in Pembrokeshire for the Easter Holidays

RNLI lifeguards will be on patrol once again in Pembrokeshire ahead of the Easter holidays. This Saturday, 23 March 2024,...

Community1 week ago

Neglected Pembrokeshire poodles find their forever homes 

THIRTY poodle type dogs were in total rescued after they were found in an unsuitable environment where their owner also...

Popular This Week