News

Neyland: £15,000 CCTV system does not work at night

Published

8 years ago

September 9, 2016

shutterstock_190693001 A £15,000 CCTV system installed in Neyland to reduce anti-social behaviour does not work during the night, Dyfed-Powys Police have revealed.

Town councillors were told on Monday (Sep 5) in a meeting that they were not capable of providing the evidence required to reduce crime at Brunel Quay car park.

In the meeting, PC Jon Dunn said the CCTV system was doing “what it says on the tin during the day” but wasn’t what the police required at night since the images are not clear enough to identify faces or car number plates.

To make matters worse, one of the cameras is installed near a tree which obscures the view, which would allow over a dozen cars to be hidden from the camera.

PC Dunn continued: “If any of the boy racers wanted to be sitting there they would be totally out of the way.”

The cameras were installed by the security firm Ocon.

The Mayor, Cllr Simon Hancock, said: “We were told at the outset that these cameras would be good for evidence by reading number plates and identifying drivers. That was absolutely clearly stated, and that is not the case.”

Cllr Paul Smith then said that Ocon needed a “clear timescale” to sort the problems.

If the issues were not fixed in an appropriate timescale he suggested that the council should then “demand its money back or take court action.”

He continued: “If this was a business I was running we wouldn’t still be talking about it. We’re being strung along and this could go on for month after month.

“I cannot see why we’re being so reasonable with them, this is absolutely pointless.”

The manufacturer of the cameras, Avigilon, had a meeting scheduled with town clerk, Jane Clark, to look at and tune the cameras if required.

But Cllr William McGarvie felt this meeting should involve Ocon, not Avigilon: “Surely the contract is with Ocon, it’s for them to put it right, they’ve sold us a system that doesn’t work.”

In response the clerk said she wanted the manufacturer to be aware of the issues should they persist: “I don’t think Avigilon would want to be supplying cameras to a company that are going to have such dissatisfied customers.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

17 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

19 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

20 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.