News
Penally: Whitehall at loggerheads over camp’s future
THE HOME OFFICE was left ‘extremely surprised’ and ‘annoyed’ by the Ministry of Defence’s public announcement that plans to accommodate asylum seekers at Penally Army Camp have been ‘shelved’.
The government said that plans are still very much at ‘an early stage’ and ‘no decisions have been taken by the Home Office regarding the future use of Penally Camp’.
Since The Herald broke the story after receiving information from a senior source within the Ministry of Defence (MoD) that the camp was part of plans to be used as a reception centre for asylum seekers, other local media outlets have reported the story as ‘rumours’, but there can be no denial that these are real plans. The MoD do not comment on rumours, and they certainly do not announce that rumours have been ‘shelved’.
These are plans that have been discussed between government officials at the highest level.
Whilst it is true that the Penally councillor Jonathan Preston has reported that the Ministry of Defence has recommended to the Home Office that the site of the Penally Army Camp is unsuitable to become a holding camp for individuals and families who are waiting for their asylum applications to the UK to be processed, it is not true that plans have been ‘shelved’ completely as the Home Office still needs to find a location and their decision will be final.
After holding lengthy discussions with Home Office Minister James Brokenshire, MP for Carmarthenshire West and South Pembrokeshire Simon Hart revealed that, “the process of identifying a site is at an early stage and it is still subject to consultation with the MoD – although the MoD have been saying publicly today (Mar 16) that the deal is off, which has left the Home Office surprised and annoyed.”
Mr Hart continued, “The MoD have been asked to assess the suitability of sites and their input will be critical in the final decision. It is correct that they have told the Home Office that Penally is unsuitable as far as they are concerned.
“However we do as a country have an obligation when it comes to asylum seekers, as we have for generations, and there will need to be temporary housing somewhere.
“So, although it is true to say no final decision has been taken, and won’t be for some time yet, it is also fair to say that I think it highly unlikely that Penally will end up being a preferred site.”
County Councillor for Penally Jonathan Preston announced on Tuesday (Mar 15) that he had received a statement from the MOD that read; “You are advised that the proposal to house Asylum Seekers in PenallyTraining Camp has been shelved,” but when contacted by The Herald, the MOD said ‘that no decision had been taken’ and that this was incorrect.
The worrying language that the news would ‘obviously come as a relief to the local community’ allegedly followed the statement that Mr Preston has received. Whilst many people have indeed voiced their anger over the plans, many have also pledged their support and it is extremely presumptuous to assume that it is a relief to all in the community.
Mr Preston added, “I have asked the MOD if I may reveal the source of the message but as yet I have not had permission to do that. All that I can say at this time is that the information has come from a person who would be ultimately responsible in overseeing such a proposal going ahead.
“Yes, I agree that decisions can be overturned and that there is still work to be done in Pembrokeshire in relation to the resettlement of refugees, cabinet member Cllr. Alison Lee holds that responsibility at Pembrokeshire County Council.
“However, it has been clear throughout that the camp at Penally is not suitable for many reasons for the purpose of holding large numbers of people with very specialist needs.”
In December 2015 the government shelved plans to house up to 1,500 migrants at a huge centre near the village of Littleton-upon-Severn in Gloucestershire after a barrage of complaints from local residents, many of which were worried it could interfere with village life.
In September 2015 David Cameron announced that the UK would accept up to 20,000 refugees from Syria over the next five years saying that the UK had a ‘moral responsibility’ to those living in camps near the border of Syria. Though opposition parties claimed that the UK should do more, with France taking 24,000 refugees over the next two years, attacked the number as being insufficient.
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
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