News

Pembrokeshire ranked 2nd in Wales for local authority services

Published

10 years ago

September 7, 2016

County Hall PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has been ranked 2nd out of the 22 local authorities in Wales when it comes to providing local services, according to a report released today (Sep 7).

The report ‘Local Government Performance 2015-16’ looks at a range of local authority services throughout the whole of Wales. It is based on data gathered by the Local Government Data Unit Wales.

Cllr Jamie Adams, Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said he was delighted and thanked members of Council staff for their dedication to delivering high-quality services to local people.

“We are very proud of this report,” he said. “It shows that, despite the budgetary pressures on the Council and the significant savings we have had to make, we are continuing to deliver exceptional services – overall, the second best in Wales – to the people of Pembrokeshire.

“Our aim is to further improve this high level of service while continuing to be sensitive of the need to keep Council Tax as low as possible for hardworking local people.

“I am mindful that the public we represent rightly challenge members, particularly myself as Leader. I can now demonstrate that we are delivering outstanding value for money for our residents.”

The report looks at 40 indicators which are part of the Performance Improvement Framework for local authorities in Wales. The indicators reflect key priorities identified by the Welsh Government and local government in Wales.

Pembrokeshire County Council rated especially highly in safeguarding children, where it was ranked 1st in Wales in two of the indicators, and 2nd in another indicator.

Pembrokeshire scored very highly when it came to the education of children in care, who, following a significant improvement on last year’s result, achieved better results than any in other authority in Wales.

The County was also the 2nd highest authority in Wales when it came to recycling waste, 4th highest in Wales for visits to Council-run sports and leisure facilities, and 5th highest for roads in a high or acceptable level of cleanliness.

Cllr Adams said Pembrokeshire’s performance built on last year’s success, when it was rated the most improved local authority and 4th in terms of overall performance.

He continued: “I’d also like to pay tribute to the efforts of my members, in particular cabinet members. To achieve further improvement against the backdrop of having to save more than £25 million over the last two years is testament to the determination and focus that they have given in very challenging circumstances.”

Crime

Drug and weapon charges after Pembroke Dock arrest

Published

52 minutes ago

April 10, 2026

Court Reporter

Man remanded in custody following Diamond Street vehicle search

A MAN has been remanded in custody after appearing at Swansea Crown Court charged with drug, weapon and driving offences following an arrest in Pembroke Dock.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers from Pembrokeshire Roads Policing and response teams searched a vehicle on Diamond Street on Saturday (Apr 4).

Following the search, Zamurd Hussain, 43, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Hussain was later charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, and driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

He appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Apr 6), where he was remanded in custody.

His next court appearance is due to take place at Swansea Crown Court at 9:00am on May 8.

Crime

Woman fights order taking four dogs from her

Published

1 hour ago

April 10, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Swansea Crown Court hears appeal after long-running barking dispute in Trefin

A PEMBROKESHIRE woman has told Swansea Crown Court that complaints about her dogs are unfair as she appeals against the sentence imposed on her by magistrates, including the order that led to four of her dogs being taken from her.

Julia Goodgame appeared before His Honour Judge Simon Hughes on Friday (Apr 10) in the latest stage of a long-running case arising from complaints by residents in Trefin about persistent dog barking.

The appeal follows a ruling by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court in December, when Goodgame, of Bryn Y Derwydd, admitted breaching a Community Protection Notice issued by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Magistrates ordered the immediate forfeiture and seizure of four Border Collies, which Goodgame said were the only dogs in her possession.

The court heard on Friday that residents had complained of constant barking, with only short breaks of around 30 minutes, sometimes continuing until 10:00pm.

The dogs have reportedly remained in kennels since December while the appeal is dealt with.

Goodgame told the court: “My dogs are exceptionally well behaved.”

She also raised concerns about the conditions the animals are being kept in, saying the kennels were exposed to the weather and did not provide a suitable environment.

Goodgame said she had attended conflict resolution classes and had tried her best to resolve the issues raised by neighbours, but said she could not understand why the dogs had not been returned.

The original case followed months of complaints from residents in Trefin about dog noise and control. In addition to the forfeiture order, magistrates imposed a fine, costs and a Criminal Behaviour Order.

The case continues.

News

Plaid Cymru commits to review 182-day rule

Published

1 hour ago

April 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SUPPORTING local tourism businesses is key, Plaid Cymru said as it launched its manifesto and confirmed it would review the 182-day threshold for holiday accommodation in Wales.

The party said it would also introduce clear and reasonable national exemptions in cases where accommodation should not be treated as a private home.

Plaid Cymru says many holiday-let business owners in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire are struggling to meet the 182-day threshold each year due to factors beyond their control, including poor weather, and that this is having a serious impact on both their businesses and their wellbeing.

Under the party’s proposals, national exemptions would be introduced to ensure genuine holiday-let operators are treated fairly and given the support needed to help their businesses succeed.

Kerry Ferguson, Plaid Cymru Senedd candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, said: “As a business owner myself, I know how much financial pressure small businesses are under at the moment and the toll that can take on owners, their friends and families.

“We have heard directly from many furnished holiday-let owners in both Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire that lowering the 182-day threshold for overnight stays would make a huge difference to their businesses.

“I am pleased that Plaid Cymru has committed to reviewing the 182-day rule for non-domestic rates in Wales and to introducing national exemptions to help genuine businesses that are unfairly affected by the rule, while excluding self-catering accommodation that cannot be used on the open housing market.”