News

Fifteen councillors want answers over grants scandal

Published

12 years ago

January 23, 2014

HAKIN councillor Mike Stoddart has submitted a requisition signed by 15 members to Pembrokeshire County Council chairman Cllr Arwyn Williams calling for an extraordinary meeting to reconsider his notice of motion to allow members access to information about the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock property grants.

His original notice of motion was rejected by the Independent Plus Political Group’s block vote at the December meeting of council.

But Cllr Stoddart claims that the process was flawed because the vote was based on a series of misleading and downright false statements by Cabinet member Cllr David Pugh.

Cllr Pugh was forced to issue an “unreserved apology” with respect to his claim that Cllr Stoddart’s failure to take into account “a third side elevation” at No 25 Dimond Street was either a “deliberate untruth” or “sheer incompetence” when the Hakin councillor proved conclusively that the third side elevation was a figment of Cllr Pugh’s imagination.

He is also challenging Cllr Pugh’s claim that most of the retail space at No. 29 Dimond Street (Paul Sartori) – the refurbishment of which is supposed to have cost £53,000 – was given over to an area set aside for storing and cleaning clothes.

Cllr Stoddart says the area in question amounts to about seven square metres out of a total of 50 square metres – less than 15%.

When he contacted Cllr Pugh to seek an explanation for this misleading claim, the cabinet member replied that he didn’t wish to continue the correspondence.

The original notice of motion followed a series of failed freedom of information requests and Cllr Stoddart also claims that Cllr Pugh gave a false account of the law on this subject.

Mike Stoddart’s website oldgrumpy.co.uk quotes Cllr Pugh as telling council: “ Before confidential information can be released permission has to be received from third parties” but he says this idea that third parties have a veto over the release of information is simply wrong, because, while they may be consulted, the final decision rests with the council after applying a public interest test. Indeed Cllr Stoddart points out that the council’s procedure manual, which is sent to all grant applicants, states quite clearly that, with regard to requests under the FoI Act, “it will be for the council alone to determine whether the documentation should be released” i.e. third parties do not have the final say.

Mike Stoddart told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “The decision taken on December 12 was based on patently false information and was in my view fundamentally flawed. I therefore emailed all councillors asking if they would support my quest to have the matter reconsidered at an extraordinary meeting of council where the issue can be decided on the basis of the truth. I am pleased to say that I had more than enough positive responses to enable me to collect the fifteen signatures required. Strangely, not a single member of the IPPG – the members who were persuaded to vote against my motion by Cllr Pugh’s false testimony – replied.”

The Chairman will now have seven days in which to call the meeting and, if he fails to do so, a request can be made to the council’s legal department to force the council to hold the meeting.

Mike Stoddart told our reporter: “It will be interesting to see whether our impartial chairman decides to act quickly, or whether he will try to delay proceedings by sitting on the requisition for the full seven days allowed in the constitution.”

Business

RM Training and Security Solutions shortlisted for major UK festival industry awards

Published

12 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Support service and supplier categories recognise Milford Haven firm’s work with outdoor events

RM TRAINING and Security Solutions Ltd has been shortlisted for two national honours at the Festival Supplier Awards 2026, placing the Pembrokeshire-based company among the top outdoor-event service providers in the UK.

The finalists were announced this week ahead of the awards ceremony, which will take place on Thursday, 29 January 2026, at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in central London. The annual event celebrates the teams and suppliers who deliver festivals and large-scale outdoor events across Britain.

RM Training and Security Solutions has been named a finalist in two categories — Best Support Service (Training) and Best Supplier — recognising its growing reputation for high-quality training provision, professional standards, and reliable on-the-ground event support.

Now in their eleventh year, the Festival Supplier Awards have become a staple of the industry calendar, providing a platform for companies to showcase innovation, specialist expertise and sector-leading achievements.

Event director Michelle Tayton said the standard of entries this year had been exceptional.

“Once again, we’ve been blown away by both the volume and calibre of entries for the Festival Supplier Awards,” she said. “Our finalists really highlight the creativity, capability and capacity that exists within the outdoor event industry. Making the shortlist is an achievement in itself and RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd has been recognised for its hard work and ability to deliver.”

Entries are judged by a panel of high-profile industry professionals, including representatives from Live Nation, IMG, London Marathon Events, CarFest, Engine No.4, Stable Events, and other major UK organisers.

The ceremony and gala dinner will take place in London on Thursday, 29 January 2026.

Community

Saundersfoot lights up for Christmas as crowds gather to see Santa

Published

13 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SAUNDERSFOOT’S Christmas lights were officially switched on Christmas lights were officially switched on yesterday evening (Friday, 5 December), with hundreds turning out in wet and windy conditions to welcome Santa, enjoy live music and celebrate the start of the village’s festive season.

The annual event began with performances from local singers and community choirs, who brought warmth to the cold evening with carols outside businesses in the heart of the village. Singers dressed in bright pink hats drew a large crowd as they performed under the twinkling canopy of lights.

The parade followed shortly after, led by a tractor decorated with illuminated antlers and towing Santa in his sleigh. Elves in festive costumes accompanied the convoy along the high street, waving to families who lined the pavements despite the rain.

Santa was joined by popular mascots including the RNLI lifeboat crewman, a giant crab character, and a familiar rugby mascot, stopping for photos with excited children throughout the evening. Many queued to meet Father Christmas at a glowing, bauble-shaped light installation — one of the most popular photo spots of the night.

As the countdown reached zero, the village’s towering Christmas tree burst into light, followed by the illuminated “Welcome to Saundersfoot” sign that frames the entrance to the village centre. Cheers rang out as the decorations lit up the night sky, marking the official start of Saundersfoot’s Christmas period.

Local businesses remained open late, and Harbwr Bar & Kitchen provided a bright backdrop as families gathered to watch Santa depart on his sleigh.

Despite the conditions, organisers said the turnout was “fantastic” and thanked volunteers, the Saundersfoot community groups, and emergency services for helping the evening run smoothly.

Photos: Gareth Davies/Herald

Community

Christmas cheer as Young at Heart group fills Pembroke Town Hall

Published

13 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE Town Hall was packed on Friday afternoon (Dec 5) as the Pembroke Young at Heart group held its annual Christmas service and dinner.

The well-attended event brought together members from across the community for an afternoon of music, food and festive celebration.

A freshly prepared Christmas meal was served, with organisers giving special thanks to Dai Powell, who cooked the dinner, and to the team of volunteers who helped run the event. The helpers included Liz, Ann, Anne, Kaylee, Jayne, Dennis, Jo, Gareth, Jenny, Rob, Mo, Heidi and Will.

Pembroke Town Council said the afternoon would not have been possible without the support of its volunteers, who ensured the hall was decorated, guests were welcomed, and everyone left in the Christmas spirit.

The event forms part of the council’s programme of activities for older residents during the festive season.