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Cath takes on top planning role

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top roleA PEMBROKESHIRE planner is to play a key role in her profession this year. Cath Ranson was inaugurated as President of the Royal Town Planning Institute earlier this month.

The mother-of-three from Crymych takes over in the Institute’s Centenary year at a time when planners across the UK and Ireland are facing the demands of difficult economic times, a housing crisis and controversial issues such as fracking. Cath, who has been Development Plans and Conservation Manager for Pembrokeshire County Council since 2009, is looking forward to meeting the challenges during her year in office.

“The Centenary is about both our past and our future,” she said.

“We must use the anniversary not just to reflect on what has gone before in the 100 years of professional planning, but also look to the future in both the medium and long term and try to anticipate and meet the challenges we will face.”

Born and raised in the Midlands, Cath came to Wales initially to study Geology at the University of Wales, Swansea.

Her route into planning began through holiday jobs and a job creation post at West Glamorgan County Council before working for several local authorities in Wales, including the Snowdonia National Park Authority and, for a spell in its early days, the Welsh Government. She has a post graduate diploma in Town and Country Planning at Bristol Polytechnic (now University of the West of England) and a post graduate certificate in Leadership for Collaboration at Bangor University.

Planning, she says, is not merely a process but something to feel passionately about because it affects everybody’s lives – although people are often unaware of it.

“It affects the way that we live and regulate ourselves in society and without it there would be chaos,” she said.

“As planners we plan for and manage new development, to secure the right development, in the right locations and at the right time and to ensure that the community has a voice in such decision making, to deliver development that is sustainable, fair and transparent.”

Councillor Rob Lewis, Deputy Leader said he was delighted with Cath’s new role.

“She is a wonderful ambassador for both planning and Pembrokeshire,” he said.

 

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Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

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A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

 

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Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

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Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

 

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Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

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Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.

 

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