News

Lib Dems want free school meals for all

Published

11 years ago

February 6, 2014

AS part of their campaign, the Welsh Liberal Democrats are holding a debate in the National Assembly this week calling for the introduction of free school meals for all children of infant school age in Wales.

In last year’s Autumn Statement, the Coalition government announced that school children aged between 5 and 7 in England were to receive free school meals from September 2014.

The Scottish government has decided that the money it received, as a result of this announcement, would be used to introduce free school meals for Scottish pupils. However, the Welsh Labour Government has refused to do likewise.

In total, Wales will receive over £62m of Barnett consequential revenue funding for 2014-16 and over £4m of capital funding in 2014-15 because of the Coalition government’s decision to introduce free school meals in England.

William Powell AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat for Mid and West Wales, said:

“While the Scottish government has acknowledged the merit in introducing free school meals for all infants, the Welsh Labour government is stubbornly refusing to budge.

“The Welsh Labour government continues to use free school breakfasts as an excuse not to implement universal lunches. Yet only around 24% of primary age pupils in 2012-13 took a free school breakfast. That takeup is very low; our policy would be far more wide reaching.

“There are a number of positives which come from universal free school meals. Not only will it ensure that all pupils are enjoying a healthy lunch, which helps them concentrate better, but it is also a huge help to the family budget. The average family currently spends around £437 on school meals per year. The Welsh Liberal Democrats understand the financial strain families are under and we are doing all we can to help people in difficult times.

“I urge people to sign the petition on the Welsh Lib Dem website to help make this policy is a reality.”

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

20 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.