News
New ballot papers being issued to postal voters after printing error
POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS delivered to voters in three counties are being reprinted after the original papers provided misleading information to voters.
The error arose in respect of the ballots for the regional Assembly election, where voters vote for a party as opposed to a candidate and affects Ceredigion, Preseli Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.
Local returning officers have been ordered by Mark James CBE, the Regional Returning Officer, to reprint all postal ballots delivered thus far.
No other constituencies in the Region are affected.
In a letter to electoral agents for candidates, Mr James states that he discussed the situation with the Electoral Commission ‘at length’ and engaged the services of ‘the leading QC in the country’ to confirm that reissuing the ballot papers was necessary.
Mr James has blamed the mess up on ‘a most unfortunate error by the printers’
There is a clear expectation that voters who have already cast their postal ballots will return a second ballot paper or their votes will not be counted.
Bearing in mind the number of postal votes involved, the capacity for electoral chaos is significant, especially as those casting postal votes tend to be the more vulnerable members of society.
We spoke with William Powell, who is standing as both a constituency and list candidate, spoke with The Herald to express his concern at the effect of effectively scrapping thousands of ballot papers already delivered.
The incorrect grey paper currently reads:
| Etholiad Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru
Papur pleidleisio i ethol Aelod Cynulliad ar gyfer rhanbarth Canolfan a Gorllewin Cymru |
National Assembly for Wales Election
Ballot paper to elect the Assembly Member for the Mid & West Wales Region |
| Pleidleisiwch ar gyfer un ymgeisydd yn unig
trwy roi [X] yn y blwch ochr eich dewis |
Vote for only one candidate by putting a
cross [X] in the box next to your choice |
The correct wording for the statement, printed on the new ‘tan’ ballot papers, reads:
| Etholiad Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru
Papur pleidleisio i ethol Aelod Cynulliad ar gyfer rhanbarth Canolbarth a Gorllewin Cymru |
National Assembly for Wales Election
Ballot paper to elect the Assembly Member for the Mid & West Wales Region |
| Pleidleisiwch unwaith yn unig trwy roi croes [X]yn y blwch wrth ochr eich dewis | Vote only once by putting a cross [X] in the box next to your choice |
The Herald contacted the Press Office at Carmarthenshire County Council but nobody was available to comment.
A statement from the Electoral Commission is expected shortly.
Local Government
Pembroke’s Henry Tudor Centre awarded £249,813 National Lottery grant
PEMBROKESHIRE County Council, in partnership with the Henry Tudor Trust, has secured a £249,813 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the creation of the new Henry Tudor Centre at South Quay, Pembroke.
The Centre will bring to life the largely untold story of Henry Tudor – the son of Pembroke who carried the Welsh language to the English court and ultimately claimed the greatest prize of all: the crowns of Wales and England. His victory in 1485 established the Tudor dynasty, one of the most influential in British history.
The new attraction will explore Henry’s Welsh heritage, his formative years in Pembroke, and his lasting impact on the national story, Welsh identity and wider British culture.
Funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will help develop the Centre ahead of its opening in Spring 2027. The grant will also support a one-year Community Programme Coordinator role to deliver an events programme, establish a volunteering scheme, and create educational resources for local schools.
The Henry Tudor Centre forms part of the wider regeneration of South Quay, which also includes a new library, community café, and an integrated healthcare, social services and supported employment hub in the adjoining buildings.
Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said:
“Thanks to National Lottery players, these prominent listed buildings beside the magnificent Pembroke Castle have been rescued from dereliction and given a new purpose. The new centre will celebrate Henry Tudor’s deep connection to Pembroke and will be a major draw for visitors. It is a key element of our wider regeneration of Pembroke town centre.”
Andrew White, Director for Wales at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“We’re proud to support Pembrokeshire County Council and the Henry Tudor Trust in bringing the story of Henry Tudor to life. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will not only shine a light on Wales’ rich heritage and cultural identity, but also create a vibrant hub for learning, volunteering and community engagement in the heart of Pembroke.”
Crime
Man accused of Milford Haven burglary and GBH remanded to Crown Court
A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared in court charged with burglary and inflicting grievous bodily harm, following an incident at a flat in the town earlier this week.
Charged after alleged attack inside Victoria Road flat
Stephen Collier, aged thirty-eight, of Vaynor Road, Milford Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court today (Friday, Dec 5). Collier is accused of entering a property known as Nos Da Flat, 2 Victoria Road, on December 3 and, while inside, inflicting grievous bodily harm on a man named John Hilton.
The court was told the alleged burglary and assault was carried out jointly with another man, Denis Chmelevski.
The charge is brought under section 9(1)(b) of the Theft Act 1968, which covers burglary where violence is inflicted on a person inside the property.
No plea entered
Collier, represented by defence solicitor Chris White, did not enter a plea during the hearing. Prosecutor Simone Walsh applied for the defendant to be remanded in custody, citing the serious nature of the offence, the risk of further offending, and concerns that he could interfere with witnesses.
Magistrates Mr I Howells, Mr V Brickley and Mrs H Meade agreed, refusing bail and ordering that Collier be kept in custody before trial.
Case sent to Swansea Crown Court
The case was sent to Swansea Crown Court under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Collier will next appear on January 5, 2026 at 9:00am for a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing.
A custody time limit has been set for June 5, 2026.
Chmelevski is expected to face proceedings separately.
News
Woman dies after collision in Tumble as police renew appeal for witnesses
POLICE are appealing for information after a woman died following a collision in Tumble on Tuesday (Dec 2).
Officers were called to Heol y Neuadd at around 5:35pm after a collision involving a maroon Skoda and a pedestrian. The female pedestrian was taken to hospital but sadly died from her injuries.
Dyfed-Powys Police has launched a renewed appeal for witnesses, including anyone who may have dash-cam, CCTV footage, or any information that could help the investigation.
Investigators are urging anyone who was in the area at the time or who may have captured the vehicle or the pedestrian on camera shortly before the collision to get in touch. (Phone: 101 Quote reference: DP-20251202-259.)
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Mark Evans
April 20, 2016 at 6:14 pm
dont blame the printers – they are working from the proof of work they were given
tomos
April 20, 2016 at 8:53 pm
I’m certainly NOT complaining about James, guy in charge of ballots and carmarthenshire county council – last person who did that in her blog carmarthenplanning.blogspot is in danger of losing her home 🙁