News

New committee structures agreed

Published

10 years ago

February 29, 2016

THE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE has recommended a new structure for the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

countyhall

The committee met on Monday (Feb 8), and had a lengthy debate on a number of possible options to take forward.

Council Leader Jamie Adams suggested that the committee should recommend four options to the council labelled C, D, E & F.

The first of those (C) is to introduce a Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee to look at the roles of the Leader and Chief Executive and others.

Secondly, (D) there will be a new Service Scrutiny Committee/s, thirdly (E) a new policy scrutiny committee and finally (F) a new partnership committee.

Other councillors also said that there should be a committee to look at School performance and that was added to the recommendations.

Council Leader Jamie Adams said: “If we keep doing what we are doing would add no value to the way the council is having to move because of financial and organisational pressures.

“There are four elements that stick out for me and those are C, D, E & F but that forms the basis of a sensible way forward in the authority.

“There is currently no scrutiny holding myself, the chief executive, finance, HR, IT to account and there should be.

“D is a one committee role but I believe that we should have a standing committee for School performance and anybody who looks over that will recognise the need to maintain focus.

“E, as Cabinet we would find that enormously helpful in terms of some of the challenging situations we have to grapple with currently.

“F, more and more we are being asked to deliver things on a regional basis or in conjunction with other authorities and there is plenty of scope to improve that working within the county as well but there has to be a framework of holding that process to account.

“There is some ongoing work in scrutiny that needs to be brought to conclusion and we could begin this work in September.”

Cllr Michael Williams said that education was of such importance that it should be a stand-alone matter.

Cllr Guy Woodham said: “It is difficult to be asked to make a decision. I don’t feel there is enough information. It has got to be the right change and I wouldn’t like to see the council going down a particular route because it is too early at the moment. There needs to be much more member involvement.”

Cllr Jacob Williams suggested that councillors could be given free passes to speak at certain committees so that they could give their views on a topic that interests them.

Cllr Bob Kilmister said: “The current model doesn’t work. There is absolutely no pre-scrutiny work and that is completely wrong. All we are doing is looking at what’s already happened. We need to start this pre-scrutiny work in the new municipal year.

“The worst thing we could do now is to take the long grass option.” Cllr Keith Lewis said: “The existing system has performed very well over the last four years.

Cllr Michael Williams has continually made a valuable point that there is too much overview and not enough scrutiny within the existing set up. I think this is a very common sense approach. There is a need for radical change.

“In the last economy meeting there was a very good example of pre-decision scrutiny on Scolton Manor where Cabinet referred and out of that will come a recommendation on its future and that is the level of scrutiny that needs to be in place.”

Cllr Mike Stoddart felt that the new structure was very light on scrutiny performance and also said: “People say scrutiny is good but what I am told is that on certain committees, half of the members turn up month after month and never say a word and that is the problem.

“There is not enough robust scrutiny. Until you’ve overcome that problem I’m afraid moving the deckchairs around will not solve the problem.”

The Leader said that there was an awful lot of work that would now be done and the four options suggested and a school performance committee were approved with ten voting in favour and two abstaining.

News

A487 at Newgale reopens as council clears storm debris

Published

6 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Flood warning lifted but coastal roads still affected after overnight waves

THE A487 at Newgale has reopened this morning after Pembrokeshire County Council crews worked at pace to clear heavy shingle and debris washed across the carriageway during last night’s storm.

Machinery was deployed early today to remove pebbles thrown up by large waves, allowing the main coast road to reopen. Teams have now moved on to Welsh Road, Newgale, where further deposits are being cleared.

The Flood Warning for Newgale is no longer in force, though the council warns that large waves are still hitting coastal areas and visitors should remain cautious.

Debris has also been reported at Nolton and Broad Haven, with crews expected to attend once operations in Newgale are completed.

Significant storm wash has been recorded elsewhere on the coastline, including at Wiseman’s Bridge, where large stones and sand have been strewn across the roadway. The scene was captured this morning by local photographer Malcolm Richards.

Commons Road in Pembroke is currently flooded but remains passable with care.

***Scene at Wiseman’s Bridge after the storm (Pic: **Malcolm Richards**/Herald)***

Business

New sewing studio in Haverfordwest offering bespoke dressmaking and workshops

Published

15 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Councillor welcomes Seam Shop Atelier to Quay Street

A NEW sewing and dressmaking studio has opened in the heart of Haverfordwest, offering everything from clothing alterations to custom-designed garments.

County Councillor for the Castle Ward, Thomas Tudor, visited Seam Shop Atelier this week and praised the business for bringing new skills and services to the town. The studio is run by professional seamstress Flavia Santos, who has built a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and a passion for creative design.

Wide range of services

Seam Shop Atelier provides a full suite of alteration and repair services, including zipper replacements, hemming for skirts, dresses, trousers and coats, sleeve adjustments, and general garment repairs.

The shop also specialises in bridal and occasion wear, offering expert fitting and alterations for wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and prom dresses.

As a trained dressmaker, Flavia also produces custom designs and handmade items—ranging from bespoke dresses to accessories—tailored to each client’s needs.

In addition, the business offers curtain alteration services, including shortening, adding new tape and updating linings.

Workshops for all ages

The studio is set to host sewing workshops for different age groups, including introductory sessions for children aged eight to twelve, helping young learners gain confidence with sewing machines and garment creation.

Welcoming a new business to the town

Speaking after his visit, Cllr Tudor said he was delighted to see a new independent business opening its doors in Quay Street, adding that Flavia’s skills and enthusiasm would be an asset to the community.

Location

Seam Shop Atelier is located at 8 Quay Street, Haverfordwest.

News

Irish Ferries suspends Pembroke–Rosslare route this weekend as storms hit

Published

19 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ALL SAILINGS on the Pembroke to Rosslare ferry route have been cancelled this weekend due to severe weather, Irish Ferries has confirmed.

The operator announced that all Saturday and Sunday services on the James Joyce have been suspended, with passengers advised to travel from Holyhead instead. Check-in requirements remain at least one hour before departure.

Stena Line has also cancelled its 7:30pm sailing on the Ben My Chree on Saturday, December 6, citing the same forecast conditions.

Joint working between operators

The disruption comes during an unusual period of collaboration between Stena Line and Irish Ferries, who are temporarily sharing freight and passenger capacity across the Irish Sea.

The arrangement, in place since November 20, allows both companies to manage dry-dock schedules and accommodate the ongoing closure of Fishguard Port for essential maintenance.

Irish Ferries is carrying Stena passengers on the Pembroke–Rosslare route.

Stena Line is operating Dublin–Holyhead sailings with capacity set aside for Irish Ferries customers.

Weather forecast

Strong winds are expected across the weekend, with gusts of up to 50mph in Pembroke on Saturday and 28mph on Sunday.
Rosslare is forecast to see gusts of 42mph on Saturday and 23mph on Sunday.