News

Now we are 6 (months): Part II – The Empire Strikes Back

Published

12 years ago

January 6, 2014

Assistant editor Jon Coles continues his countdown of the Herald’s Top Ten Stories since its launch in July 2013.

Having read the paper back and forth while preparing this countdown, I was struck by how many articles make it in to each copy of the Herald. My colleagues on the Courtroom beat have covered cases ranging from offences ranging from rape and serious assault to ones involving car-clocking and mitigation offered more in hope than expectation. Those stories are told with humanity and – where appropriate – with wit. The one that sticks in my mind is the one of the relieved young lady who, on leaving Court, told the District Judge “loves ya, babes!” There are truly some things that cannot be made up.

There is an aphorism that it is bad news that sells papers, but our experience at The Pembrokeshire Herald has been that for every instance of scandal and allegation of sharp practice, there is plenty of evidence that Pembrokeshire’s people are a far closer and warmer community than perhaps even we appreciate. The stories we have carried about acts of charity and kindness are ones that show how much people care about their communities and about other people. One of those makes my personal top five.

I was delighted to be asked to give a speech to the Ladies’ Circle in Walwyn’s Castle, the members’ friendly interest in current affairs was bracing and I hope they enjoyed the evening as much as I enjoyed the comments of one of our publisher’s former teachers who happened to be in the audience that night! Dearie, dearie me… It seems appropriate, somehow, to start this week with one from our publisher’s alma mater

5. Government probe school’s ‘anti-gay’ policy

We led our eighth edition with the revelation that Tasker Milward School, Haverfordwest had placed a policy document on its website that breached the terms of the Equality Act.

The policy statement echoed the notorious Section 28 brought in by the Thatcher government in 1988. The policy had remained on the School’s website despite the repeal of Section 28 in 2003. The school stated that the policy dated from 2008 and was one that had not been in operation at the school. The school withdrew the policy statement without explaining how a document posted in 2008 referred directly to legislation repealed in 2003.

The news unfolded as part of a larger national story on a controversy that engulfed 45 schools across England and Wales which were discovered to have unlawful policies breaching the Equality Act, either in operation or present on their websites.

We received a strong response to this article, most but not all critical of the school; we had a few (very few) criticising Tasker Milward for taking down the policy when the matter came in to the public eye.

4. Summer Events

BUT WHAT A SUMMER OF EVENTS of events in Pembrokeshire it was. Of course, I take full credit for launching the paper at the height of the summer months to enable us to capture the best that summer in Pembrokeshire had to offer, and I am not the person who advised a launch date later in the year…

Iron Man hit our county’s roads, as competitors pushed themselves to the limit in pursuit of the prize.

While Ironman and Red Bull’s Cliff Diving World Series are relatively new to Pembrokeshire, the cornerstone of the Pembrokeshire Summer is Pembrokeshire County Show. This year the best of Pembrokeshire was on display from livestock to fresh produce, crowds flocked to Withybush Showground to see it all. The smaller local shows and carnivals also enjoyed bumper crowds.

BY THE TIME the last splash had faded at Abereiddy after the cliff diving, the glorious summer had already begun its long descent into damp autumn.

3. Walk on Wales

As reported extensively in this newspaper, 11 teams of four people have carried a silver baton around the Welsh coast which has been inscribed with the names of 50 Welsh Guardsmen who have lost their lives in conflicts around the world since WWII. The walk began and ended on the steps of the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, after taking in the breath-taking scenery along the length of the Welsh coast. Intrepid walkers raised money for the Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal and Combat Stress. 870 miles and 61 days after starting, the last group of walkers reached Cardiff.

We were lucky to have regular updates from our columnist Dennis O’Connor throughout the event. Dennis, who walked and then hobbled his way along the route around the south of our county and then on to Carmarthenshire. But good natured ribbing of our columnist should not obscure the importance of the causes for which Walk on Wales raised money.

Dennis wrote: “Spending time in the company of quiet, dignified veterans of conflicts fought in places such as Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, Bosnia, The Falklands and Iraq has been a humbling experience. Being privy to conversations about their experiences of war and conflict, listening to them speak of their fallen comrades and witnessing their frankness about their own mental scars has left me with a long lasting perspective of the ravages war and of those who defend our country.”

2. What next for Witybush?

The future of health service provision in Pembrokeshire has been the subject of impassioned argument for some years. Each successive quango appointed to run the show has lurched from one crisis to the next while services have been salami-sliced away, all the diminishing the range of health care in Pembrokeshire.

At least Hywel Dda LHB cannot be accused of saying one thing and doing another: they said they wanted to close minor injury units at South Pembs and Tenby and they closed them. They said they wanted a Level 2 special care baby unit at Carmarthen and – by gum – they now “aspire” to have one (whatever that means).

Our old friend, Badger, has expressed fairly trenchant views elsewhere in this paper: none of what he says, however, could be half as trenchant as some of the views expressed at the Picton Centre on 21st November this year, when a packed meeting expressed no confidence in the Health Board and vowed to fight any move of SCBU, maternity and paediatric services from Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest to West Wales General, Carmarthen.

The fallout from local Welsh Labour AM’s failure to support a Senedd motion calling to secure the future of core services at Withybush and for an unambiguous statement from the Local Health Board on Withybush’s future, is not yet quantifiable. The opinion expressed at the time was that, with both Pembrokeshire seats being key Westminster marginals, AM’s votes on the party line may cost their party candidates valuable votes come May 2015.

1. Bryn’s pension

LET’S make no mistake about it: the big story in Pembrokeshire this year has been about Bryn Parry-Jones’ pension pot. As I write this piece, the Wales Audit Office has still not disclosed what it intends to do next with a decision on next steps likely to be given early in New Year.

One thing is certain though, Carmarthenshire County Council has rowed back from the brink of open confrontation with the Audit Office. Sulking and grizzling it may well be, but the tax free bunce it doled out in lieu of pension contributions for its Chief Executive has ceased.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s ruling group are being uncommonly secretive about what their intentions are. Perhaps they are drawing straws to see who will be brave enough to approach their CEO and ask for the money back.

The whole argument is about a decision reached in a meeting in the Chief Executive’s own office to pay him a large wodge of tax free cash to enable him to avoid tax on the very large pension he has built up at Council Tax payers’ expense. That decision was challenged by the Wales Audit Office and that has had the Council reaching for their very expensive briefs. The IPPG Cabinet have said they made the decision to ensure the retention of the Council’s top staff. Bearing in mind that the decision to ensure Bryn had a happy finish to his career was reached at the height of the scandal affecting Pembrokeshire’s education system we can only guess how difficult it was to persuade Bryn to accept the money.

Jon Coles writes: In 2014 I would be surprised if there was not even more on Withybush Hospital and the Local Health Board. A storm is brewing about local health care in Pembrokeshire and there will be plenty of thunder and lightning. With challenging decisions in the offing about local education, that is a fair bet for extensive coverage. The Welsh Government is rumbling about reorganizing the whole apparatus of local government and education in Wales and I do not doubt there will be a great deal of heat and very little light in that argument. In the meantime, the activities of Pembrokeshire County Council’s ruling group seem to be the news gift that keeps on giving.

Business

Mounting complaints: More Computer Solutions Wales customers claim losses

Published

2 hours ago

February 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Business owner issues legal threats and IPSO complaint to this newspaper while refusing to answer detailed questions about customers who say they were ‘ripped off’

MULTIPLE customers and former associates have come forward to The Pembrokeshire Herald alleging they were left out of pocket after dealings with Computer Solutions Wales, a business operated by Steven Grant.

Following our earlier reporting more people have come forward. The Herald has now spoken to a growing number of individuals who describe similar experiences involving upfront payments, missing equipment, delays, and difficulties obtaining refunds or wages.

The allegations span a period from 2024 into 2025 and involve sums ranging from hundreds to several thousand pounds.

Grant denies wrongdoing and has refused to provide detailed comment on specific allegations, instead issuing legal threats demanding the newspaper cease reporting on the matter.

The Herald investigation is continuing.

Customers describe similar experiences

While each case has its own circumstances, complainants who contacted the newspaper independently described recurring themes:

• Requests for payment upfront
• Delays or lack of communication
• Explanations involving disputes with landlords or access to premises
• Assurances that work had been completed or refunds issued
• Difficulty recovering money or property

The Herald has reviewed bank statements, payment confirmations, correspondence, and message exchanges relating to several of the complaints.

There is currently no finding of criminal liability, and disputes of this nature are typically matters for civil courts. However, the number of individuals reporting similar experiences has raised public-interest concerns.

NHS worker says she lost laptop and repair payment

One of the most recent complainants, Emma Venables, an NHS worker, says she paid £589 in October 2024 to have her son’s water-damaged laptop repaired.

Bank records seen by the Herald confirm a Faster Payment of £589 made on Friday (Oct 11, 2024) to Computer Solutions.

Ms Venables says communication became sporadic despite repeated attempts to contact the business.

Messages reviewed by the Herald show Grant stating the laptop had been repaired but was locked inside premises due to a dispute with a landlord.

Ms Venables later gained access to the premises through a letting agent but says the laptop was not present.

Grant allegedly suggested the device may have been taken by others with access to the building.

Despite later agreeing to refund the payment, Ms Venables says no money was returned and she has been left both without the device and out of pocket.

She told the Herald the situation caused significant distress during a period when she was grieving the death of her husband.

Animator claims nearly £3,000 loss

Cardiff-based animator Rebecca Merrell says she transferred £2,964.55 in December 2024 for a custom-built computer system which she says was never delivered.

Bank documentation supplied to the Herald confirms the transfer was made via Faster Payments to an account linked to Grant’s business.

Ms Merrell alleges she received repeated assurances the computer had been completed and would be delivered, including claims it was already in Grant’s vehicle awaiting transport.

She further alleges she was sent screenshots appearing to show a refund had been issued, but no payment was ever received.

The Herald has reviewed copies of documents she provided.

Ms Merrell says she was unable to work for months without a replacement computer and had to borrow money from family to purchase another system elsewhere.

She described the experience as having a serious impact on her confidence and mental wellbeing.

Another customer reports lost laptop and payment

The Herald has also spoken to another customer who says they lost both a laptop valued at approximately £1,500 and £589 paid for repairs after handing the device to the business.

They say they were later told the computer had been inside premises affected by a landlord dispute and could not be accessed.

No refund was received.

Further individuals have contacted the Herald describing disputes involving payments for goods or services they say were not delivered or completed.

These claims are currently being reviewed.

***Computer Solutions Wales former shop in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire (Image: Facebook)***

Former worker alleges unpaid wages

Separate to the customer complaints, the Herald has also been contacted by a former worker who claims they carried out work connected to the business but did not receive agreed payment.

Documentation relating to that claim has been shared with the newspaper.

The Herald understands the individual believes they are owed money and has considered pursuing recovery through civil action.

Grant has not provided a response to that allegation.

Timeline of disputes

Information provided to the Herald suggests the disputes span several months.

Some complainants describe making payments in late 2024 and experiencing ongoing communication issues into early 2025.

Others report refund promises that they say were not fulfilled.

The Herald is continuing to verify additional timelines as more individuals come forward.

Grant refuses detailed comment

The Herald contacted Steven Grant with detailed questions covering each allegation and the evidence provided by complainants.

He declined to respond to the specifics.

In correspondence, Grant said: “My mental health isn’t great.”

He also warned that further articles would result in legal action.

Legal threats issued to newspaper

Grant subsequently sent what he described as a “final and formal legal notice” to the Herald demanding:

• Immediate cessation of reporting
• Removal of published material
• A retraction
• Written confirmation within seven days

The Herald is continuing its reporting in the public interest.

Grant has also lodged a complaint with the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO).

Right to reply offered

Grant has been given multiple opportunities to respond to the allegations raised by customers and former associates before publication of this article.

He declined to provide any substantive comment.

Customers considering legal action

Some complainants say they are considering civil claims or seeking advice from Trading Standards.

Others say personal circumstances prevented them from pursuing action sooner.

Investigation continues

Since the Herald began reporting on Computer Solutions Wales, additional individuals have contacted the newspaper with further accounts.

Journalists are currently interviewing witnesses and reviewing documentation to establish whether those complaints can be reported on the record.

Anyone with relevant information is invited to contact the newsroom confidentially.

Health

Health board confirms major hospital changes across west Wales

Published

3 hours ago

February 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Emergency surgery centralised as Withybush role shifts toward planned care

MAJOR changes to hospital services across west Wales have been approved following an extraordinary meeting of Hywel Dda University Health Board on Thursday (Feb 19).

Board members agreed the next steps in the organisation’s Clinical Services Plan, covering nine services identified as under pressure or “fragile”, including emergency general surgery, critical care, stroke and orthopaedics.

The decisions will see some specialist services concentrated on fewer hospital sites, alongside plans to expand planned care at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest.

Health chiefs stressed that no immediate changes would take place, with implementation expected to happen gradually over several years.

***At Bronglais General Hospital in Aberystwyth there will be increasing focus on acute and emergency care***

Consultation and decision process

During summer 2025, the Health Board carried out a major public consultation involving more than 4,000 questionnaire responses and engagement events attended by over 4,000 people.

An independent report produced by Opinion Research Services summarised the feedback, while board members also considered workforce pressures, clinical standards, estate issues and financial factors.

Twenty-two alternative proposals submitted by the public were formally assessed against criteria including sustainability, accessibility and deliverability.

Emergency surgery changes

Under the plans, emergency general surgery operations will be concentrated at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen and Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth.

Patients from Pembrokeshire requiring surgery will be transferred to Glangwili when operative treatment is needed.

However, emergency departments will continue operating as normal at all four hospitals.

***The Health Board promises increased planned care activity while continuing initial emergency access at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest***

Other service changes

Across the region, the approved direction includes:

• Intensive care units remaining at Bronglais, Glangwili and Withybush, with Prince Philip Hospital providing enhanced care for less critically ill patients.
• Dermatology services primarily based at Prince Philip Hospital, supported by community clinics and telemedicine.
• Endoscopy procedures brought together at Prince Philip while retaining bowel screening across sites.
• Ophthalmology services concentrated mainly at Glangwili with community provision elsewhere.
• Orthopaedic surgery expanding at Withybush for less complex procedures.
• Radiology retaining emergency imaging at all hospitals with new diagnostic hubs planned.
• Urology inpatient care centralised at Prince Philip Hospital.

Stroke services remain under review, with further public engagement planned before final decisions.

***The Health Board said that Glangwili Hospital there will be increasing focus on acute and emergency care***

Future role of hospitals

The Board confirmed the intended future roles of the four main hospitals:

• Bronglais Hospital — broad range of services.
• Glangwili Hospital — increasing focus on acute and emergency care.
• Prince Philip Hospital — expanding planned care role.
• Withybush Hospital — increased planned care activity while continuing initial emergency access.

Health leaders emphasised there would be no change to how patients access emergency departments or minor injury units.

Board leaders respond

Health Board Chair Dr Neil Wooding said the changes were necessary to secure services for the future.

“Our ambition is for people to live healthier lives for longer by supporting people to keep well and preventing ill health,” he said.

“These decisions are not easy, but as a Board we have a duty to ensure that our services provide the best outcomes for our patients and meet the highest standards.”

Lee Davies, Executive Director of Strategy and Planning, said most services now had a clear direction.

“Our priority is always to deliver the highest standards of care for our patients across Hywel Dda and neighbouring communities,” he said.

Next steps

Detailed implementation plans will now be developed, with further engagement expected in areas where decisions are not yet finalised, particularly stroke services.

Patients are being advised to continue attending appointments as normal while the changes are planned.

More information, including board papers and meeting recordings, is available via the Health Board website.

Community

Town council grant helps secure community arts activity in Milford Haven

Published

5 hours ago

February 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN’S Torch Theatre has been awarded a £7,500 grant by Milford Haven Town Council, continuing a long tradition of support for community arts at the iconic venue.

Established in 1977 with significant backing from the Town Council, the Torch Theatre remains one of only three building-based professional producing theatres in Wales. It is widely recognised for its in-house productions as well as its extensive youth and community programmes.

The theatre, which operates as a charity, receives public funding through the Arts Council of Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council, alongside support from local businesses and organisations including Milford Haven Port Authority. Leaders at the venue say funding remains essential to maintaining its broad programme of events and activities for the community.

Chelsey Gillard, Interim CEO and Artistic Director at the Torch Theatre, said: “Being awarded grants such as this one from the Town Council helps us to deliver quality arts to the people of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire and further afield.

“We are very grateful for this continued support and appreciate the work of the Town Council to ensure important provision is supported across Milford.”

The Torch hosts more than 2,000 events and activities each year, attracting over 100,000 visitors. Its community facilities include The Junction, home to the Torch Youth Theatre and a rehearsal space for professional productions. The main auditorium seats 300 people, while the Studio Theatre accommodates 102. The Joanna Field Gallery showcases local exhibitions, and Café Torch serves meals throughout the year.

Ms Gillard added: “We do so much more than what audiences see on stage. Just to name a few of our regular activities, we run a very popular Youth Theatre for ages seven to eighteen, facilitate relaxed environment screenings and shows, host a Welsh learners’ group, Coffi Cymraeg, and hold regular clothes swaps.

“The Torch is also home to Welsh National Opera’s critically acclaimed Cradle Choir for people living with dementia and lots of high-quality classes for adults with disabilities run by Arts Care. All this activity relies on our team of brilliant volunteers and support from grants, trusts and donations.

“This grant will go towards ensuring these activities can continue — thank you.”