News

‘Identity of Pembrokeshire is crucial for survival’

Published

12 years ago

January 31, 2014

THIS week a report published by the Williams commission recommended that councils in wales should merge.

Currently there are 22 councils in Wales, but the report wants to slash that to just 12. The amalgamation would see Pembrokeshire link up with Ceredigion. The last reorganisation came in 1996, but the report by former NHS Wales chief executive Paul Williams, focuses on how public services can be improved.

Councillor Peter Stock was among the campaigners to bring Pembrokeshire back on to the map in the 70s and he told the Herald:

“I firmly believe at the end of the day that the Williams report is taking a step backwards and we are reverting to what we know was a failed administration. People must not have short memories and they must look back to the Dyfed days and remember how Pembrokeshire lost out”.

Another option put forward was to merge Carmarthenshire with Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire to form a single local authority, but Councillor Stock does not want this to happen.

Cllr Stock continued:

“Dyfed was too big and too remote and we are now talking about situation of amalgamating with Ceredigion and even worse with Carmarthenshire as well. We will be looking at an administration that stretches from Angle to Aberystwyth. What worries me about the Williams report is that Welsh Government is trying to rush forward with these changes very fast without giving a chance for consultation and without giving the reasons as to why.

“I was involved in the fight to bring Pembrokeshire back onto the map from 1973. At that time we found that administration was all centred on Carmarthen to the detriment of Pembrokeshire. When David Hunt announced that Pembrokeshire was to come back as an administration he said that big was not always the best.

“There are times when small could be more efficient, and he believed that Pembrokeshire was one of those administration. Although things have not always been perfect, nothing is, but Pembrokeshire is as good as any administration in Wales. At the end of the day if something is not right, people have the opportunity to vote councillors out and elect new ones.

“The identity of Pembrokeshire is crucial for our survival. We are a tourism county. The name of Pembrokeshire is well known throughout the world and whatever happens in the future we need to keep the name Pembrokeshire.

“When Cardiganshire changed its name to Ceredigion it took years for people to realise where it was. I believe that many people felt after the change in name that they had made a mistake. There was, I believe, a detriment to businesses in the area”.

The report also recommends that the councils should be merged so that they lie within current health board and police force areas.

The report said that changes should be put in place “quickly and decisively”.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

9 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

9 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

10 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.