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”.

Crime

Police probe ball bearing damage in Haverfordwest

Published

1 hour ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating reports of criminal damage in Haverfordwest after suspected metal ball bearings were used to damage a vehicle and a property.

Dyfed-Powys Police said damage was caused to the wing mirror of a blue Range Rover Evoque on Glenfields Road sometime between 11:10am and 11:20am on Sunday, May 10.

Officers believe metal ball bearings may have been used.

A second incident was reported at around 2:30pm on Tuesday, May 12, when the window of a property on Glenfields Road was allegedly struck by a suspected metal ball bearing.

Police said local officers are continuing to speak with residents after receiving a number of calls about ball bearings being found in the Glenfields Road and Old Hakin Road areas.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 26*375605.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

3 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

3 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.