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News

Council considers City of Culture bid

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THE CITY of St Davids, the smallest city in the UK, could soon be in the running to be named as the UK’s City of Culture for 2021.

Pembrokeshire County Council is exploring the possibility of making the bid and a report is set to go before Cabinet on Monday, February 13.

The deadline for registering an interest in applying is at the end of this month.

It had not yet been possible to discuss the matter with all the key partners but steps are in place to do so as soon as possible.

Although any bid will have to involve the local authority, the Council’s Director of Development, Dr Steven Jones, says that St Davids City Council would be an obvious lead organisation.

The City Council is scheduled to consider the City of Culture opportunity tonight (February 6).

Dr Jones said that initial discussions with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and partners on the Pembrokeshire Public Service Board had been ‘very supportive.’

The report says that the aim of the UK City of Culture programme is to encourage the use of culture and creativity as a catalyst for economic and social regeneration, to promote the development of new partnerships, and to encourage ambition, innovation and inspiration in cultural and creative activity.

Any area outside of London is eligible to apply. Part of the programme can also be delivered in a wider hinterland. However, bids with a strong central focus will be favoured.

In making the case for St Davids, the report states: ‘St Davids is Britain’s smallest city; it is also a spiritual, historical and cultural centre of major significance in Wales.  It is steeped in history and heritage with a remarkable asset base for its size, including for example a fine Cathedral, palace and a national gallery.

‘It has successfully hosted large-scale events such as the annual St Davids Cathedral Festival and the National Eisteddfod which came to the city in 2002.

‘St Davids and the surrounding area also benefits from a number of community and business leaders, and significant social capital from the wider community that could be brought to bear in support of an application.’

Dr Jones says that there is also a case to be made beyond St Davids, perhaps including North Pembrokeshire and as far as Fishguard.

At next week’s meeting, Cabinet Members will be asked to endorse the principle of a Stage 1 application and to begin discussions with a number of stakeholders.

The aim of the City of Culture initiative, which is administered by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, is to ‘build on the success of Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture 2008, which had significant social and economic benefits for the area’.

Derry, Londonderry was given the first title of City of Culture in 2013 and it was given to Kingston upon Hull for 2017.

Community

Carmarthenshire County Council appeals for help after illegal waste dumping

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CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S Environmental Enforcement Team is investigating a major incident of illegal waste dumping after a large container filled with rubbish was abandoned in a lay-by on the C2704 road leading to Llansaint.

The container was discovered on or before Monday (Jan 27), and officials are urging anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area to come forward.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Your assistance is crucial in identifying those responsible for this environmental crime.”

Members of the public can report information online or via the council’s contact centre at 01267 234567. All reports will be treated confidentially.

Tough penalties for fly-tipping

Fly-tipping is a serious offence in Wales, with fines of up to £50,000 or imprisonment for those caught illegally dumping waste. Householders are reminded that they have a legal duty to ensure their waste is disposed of correctly. If waste is found to have been fly-tipped, the owner could face a £300 fixed penalty notice.

Anyone caught fly-tipping can receive a £400 Fixed Penalty Notice or face an unlimited fine and up to 12 months in prison if convicted in court.

Council vows action

Cllr Edward Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services, said: “Fly-tipping is not only an eyesore but a serious environmental crime that affects our communities, wildlife, and public spaces.

“We are dedicated to tackling this issue and ensuring those responsible are held accountable. I encourage anyone who has seen suspicious activity or has information to come forward.”

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Crime

Police announce amnesty for owners of Top Venting Blank Firers

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DYFED-POWYS POLICE is joining forces across the UK in holding a four-week firearms amnesty for Turkish manufactured top-venting blank firers (TVBFs) branded as BLOW, CEONIC ISS, EKOL and RETAY, which are now illegal to possess following testing by the National Crime Agency.

While gun crime in the UK remains lowest in the world, following the concerns raised over these four specific types of TVBFs and their ability to be converted into firearms with the ability to fire live ammunition, The National Police Chiefs’ Council Criminal Use of Firearms Lead, has agreed with Chief Constables that an amnesty will run from Monday 3 February to Friday 28 February 2025, enabling you to safely dispose of your firearm.

Following the amnesty, anyone in possession of any of the four types of Turkish top-venting blank firer (TVBF) could be subject to prosecution and up to 10 years imprisonment. 

Inspector Fencott-Price of Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Whilst people will have purchased these believing they were legal for their intended use, it is important you are aware of the changes in the law rendering them a prohibited firearm.

We understand that people will have purchased these legally, however they are now no longer to be kept in your possession and we encourage you to take part in this four-week amnesty.

In their legal state, they are designed to discharge only blank cartridges, and are sold with 50 per cent of their visible surface painted in bright colours to help them stand our as non-viable firearms.

Unfortunately, though, they are appealing to criminals and offenders who convert them, changing them from their legal state and since 2021, UK law enforcement, have recovered more than 800 of the guns in criminal circumstances.

We want as many Turkish Top-Venting Blank Firers (TVBF) as possible to be handed in. Individuals or organisations surrendering the firearm during the amnesty period will not be prosecuted for the possession of a prohibited weapon and if you wish you can do so anonymously.

“We encourage anyone who may own the TBVFs to take part in this national amnesty, and hand them in to one of our chosen police stations below before 28 February 2025, to help stop them getting into the wrong hands in the future.”

Our chosen locations for the amnesty are:

Carmarthenshire: Ammanford, Carmarthen and Llanelli Police Stations

Pembrokeshire: Haverfordwest Police Station

Ceredigion: Aberystwyth and Cardigan Police Stations

Powys: Brecon, Llandrindod Wells and Newtown Police Stations

You can visit the stations between the hours of 8am-4pm Monday to Friday. Those who wish to take part in the amnesty are reminded to transport them responsibly.

If you can not travel to one of the locations during the amnesty, you can call us on 101, where we can discuss this with you to ensure you can take part.

If you are ever in doubt, we urge you to make contact with us.

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Entertainment

Torch Theatre invites public to share views on accessibility

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THE TORCH THEATRE in Milford Haven is calling on the local community to share their views on accessibility as part of a national scheme aimed at improving inclusivity in theatres across Wales.

Over the past nine months, the Torch has been one of five theatres benefiting from the Craidd programme, which examines ways to enhance accessibility both on and off stage. As part of this initiative, the theatre is hosting a Coffee Morning to gather public feedback on how it can improve its services.

Coffee morning to encourage discussion

The event will take place on Wednesday, February 12, from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the Torch Theatre. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Angharad Tudor-Price, the theatre’s Agent for Change, and Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth & Community.

“We want people from all walks of life to come along and tell us what they think of the Torch – what we do well and where we can make changes,” said Tim Howe. “The coffee will be free, and the drop-in session will be informal. We want to work with the people of Pembrokeshire for the benefit of the Torch, as well as the audiences and artists of the future.”

Current accessibility initiatives

The Torch Theatre already offers a range of accessibility options, including subtitled screenings, British Sign Language (BSL) performances, relaxed performances, and dementia-friendly screenings through its ‘Movies and Memories’ programme. However, organisers believe more can be done to enhance inclusivity.

“We know there is much more we can do to improve accessibility,” added Tim. “From simple things like signage and large-print brochures to bigger projects such as reconfiguring the building layout or expanding our programme. We welcome all ideas and encourage community input.”

Craidd programme driving change

Craidd is a collaboration between five Welsh organisations: The Torch Theatre, Theatr Clwyd, Sherman Theatre, Pontio Arts, and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. The initiative aims to improve representation and accessibility for Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals across Wales.

“The first stage of the collaboration involved an audit of each organisation, industry discussions, extensive training, and defining a roadmap for the next five years,” explained Angharad Tudor-Price. “Following consultation, Ramps Cymru changed its name to Craidd, meaning ‘core’ in Welsh, reflecting the ambition of the partnership to embed accessibility at the heart of theatre-making.”

She added: “This Coffee Morning is about hearing from everyone on how they access everything the Torch has to offer. Craidd is about sustainable, long-term change, and we all have a role to play in fostering inclusivity.”

The Torch Theatre’s Craidd Coffee Morning is open to all. For more information, visit torchtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on 01646 695267.

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