News

Plaid launches commissioner manifestos

Published

10 years ago

March 14, 2016

Critical of Christopher: Dafydd Llywelyn did not pull his punches

PLAID CYMRU candidates and members gathered in Carmarthen to launch the party’s national manifesto for the upcoming Police and Crime Commissioner election on May 5 – the same day as the Assembly election.

The Party of Wales ‘ candidates for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) in the four policing forces are Arfon Jones (North Wales), Linet Purcell (South Wales), Darren Jones (Gwent) and Dafydd Llywelyn (Dyfed Powys).

The candidate for Dyfed Powys, Dafydd Llywelyn, who is the former Principal Crime and Intelligence Analyst for Dyfed Powys police force, said that the manifesto was designed to create ‘a strong, just and safe Wales’ and that this ambition would be fulfilled with three main priorities.

He added that Plaid Cymru Police and Crime Commissioners would focus on creating strong neighbourhood policing teams to cut crime in communities, protecting vulnerable groups and supporting victims, and breaking the cycle of crime to reduce future offending.

Speaking at the launch, Dafydd Llywelyn added: “Our manifesto for the Police and Crime Commissioner elections is designed to secure a strong, just and safe Wales. At the heart of our proposals lie a commitment to community safety, victim support and breaking the cycle of reoffending.”

The former police analyst went on to say: “If elected, Plaid Cymru Police and Crime Commissioners would work to ensure that all parts of Wales have strong neighbourhood policing teams that will cut crime in our communities, that vulnerable groups and victims are protected and supported so that they’re not just statistics, and that the cycle of crime is broken as often as possible.

“Plaid Cymru puts the best interests of Wales first – nationally and locally. Our PCCs would champion the needs of communities as well as continue to campaign against further Westminster cuts which have led to severely depleted frontline services.”

Looking at local policing priorities, Dafydd Llywelyn published his 10 personal pledges under the themes of Trust and Efficiency and Security and Safety as his platform to be elected as the new Police Commissioner for Dyfed Powys.

Following his address to the gathered audience and members of the press, he spoke to The Herald.

We began by asking the Plaid candidate why he had put himself forward for election.

He told us: “As many people will be aware I used to work for Dyfed Powys for thirteen and a half years. When Police and Crime Commissioners were put in post I did feel that there was a change in the way that the police were being run. I found frustrating working under that set up. As a result of that I thought perhaps I needed to be looking outside in terms of employment.

“I now lecture in criminology at Aberystwyth University. Plaid Cymru hadn’t put anyone forward the first time round, so I felt that I wasn’t represented on the ballot paper. It was a chance discussion last year when I heard the decision had changed and that Plaid Cymru were going to field candidates. I decided then to put my name forward. My background in the Police stands me in good stead.”

Dafydd Llewellyn was very direct in his criticism of the current Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon: “We have a police commissioner who has zero policing experience and that was very apparent in his first tenure.

“While I haven’t served as a police officer I did work as a support staff member in the Dyfed Powys force. Being a lecturer I am able to look at it in a critical way. I very often do research and I look at the issues of crime. I think my former colleagues appreciate that my experience does give me an insight into real policing issues.”

Given the financial difficulties facing local authorities and the Dyfed Powys- Police force we asked the Mr Llywelyn how he planned to tackle drug and alcohol related crime in the area.

He responded by identifying the range of stakeholders that a PCC needs to work with: “Drugs and alcohol-related crimes are issues you can only tackle in partnership with unitary authorities. The authority here in Carmarthenshire has called time after time for CCTV and he (Christopher Salmon) has not fulfilled that requirement. As far as social economic issues, which are often seen as the causes of crime, they are issues the Police Commissioners cannot deal with in isolation. They have to work with partner agencies, with charities and unitary authorities themselves.”

He added that it was time for Wales to be in control of its own policing policy and priorities: “We would like for recommendations in the Silk report two years for the devolving powers of policing to Cardiff to be followed through.”

The Herald asked Dafydd Llywelyn if there was a greater role to be played in crime prevention rather than crime busting.

He said: “Community work and work within the community is critical in terms of prevention and intervention. There are good examples of crime prevention undertaken by people like the youth service. I mentioned in my speech that there is a fragmentation of funding in terms of youth services. We can address that and give for the five and ten year period a strategy in terms funding for some of these agencies. It would give them a stronger footing in terms of some of the activities they want to carry out.”

With an implied criticism of a decision reached by Mr Salmon, Dafydd Llywelyn continued: “The prevention aspect is very important. I mentioned CCTV as preventing incidents from happening because they are spotted. CCTV doesn’t work as a deterrent if people understand that it isn’t being monitored. For town centre violence in particular alcohol related violent crime the deterrent is there: especially if you understand it is being monitored.”

He went on to announce further plans as Police and Crime Commissioner if elected saying that he would include investment in a modern CCTV infrastructure, road safety and ensuring victims are properly supported.

We suggested that some people might believe that the cost of employing Police and Crime Commissioners would be better spent on front line policing services.

Without hesitation the candidate explained: “If you tot the cost of their offices up it amounts to around £3m. I would agree with you that it would be better spent on front line policing. My first course of action would be to scrap the role of Deputy Police Commissioner – an unelected role which costs tens of thousands of pounds a year.”

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

News

Welsh-language school praised for ‘happy, proud and friendly community’

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli

A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.

Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.

The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.

Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.

The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.

It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).

“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”

Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.

“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.

“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.

“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.

“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.

To find out more about Specsavers or to book an appointment at your local store, visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores.