News
Council considers City of Culture bid
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.
Crime
Arrest made following community outrage at man messaging teenage girl
DYFED-POWYS POLICE have confirmed that a 60-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual communication with a child. The arrest follows widespread community outrage and a protest held last night (Feb 1) in Pembroke Dock.
The man, whose identity has not been formally released by authorities, has been released on bail pending further enquiries. The arrest is understood to be linked to allegations involving inappropriate messages sent to a 14-year-old girl, which had sparked significant concern among local residents.
A protest organised on Upper Park Street drew a large crowd of demonstrators demanding action against the accused individual and calling for better safeguards to protect children in the community. The organisers of the event expressed relief at the arrest but emphasised the importance of seeing justice served.
“This is a step in the right direction,” one protester told The Herald. “We’ve been deeply concerned about the safety of our children, and we’re grateful the police are taking this matter seriously.”
Dyfed-Powys Police have urged the public to allow the investigation to proceed and reminded residents to avoid speculation on social media that could jeopardise the case.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation develops.
Business
Beloved Qube Restaurant in Tenby to reopen as Tudor Mount Gastro Bar
THE QUBE RESTAURANT, a cherished culinary landmark in Tenby’s Tudor Square, has announced its closure as it undergoes an exciting transformation into Tudor Mount Gastro Bar. The family-run establishment, known for its award-winning service and commitment to local produce, has been a staple in the community for years.
The Qube has long been celebrated for its seasonal menus, featuring fresh fish and shellfish during the summer months and hearty dishes in the winter, all sourced from local businesses. The restaurant also offered exclusive private dining in its subterranean cellar, accommodating up to 18 guests in a cozy, rustic setting.
The new Tudor Mount Gastro Bar is set to open its doors on Valentine’s Day, 14th February. The community eagerly anticipates the next chapter in this beloved establishment’s journey.
For updates on the transformation and upcoming opening, patrons are encouraged to follow the restaurant’s official channels.
Crime
Girl, 14, guilty of attempted murder in school stabbing
A 14-YEAR-OLD girl who stabbed two teachers and a pupil at a Carmarthenshire school has been found guilty of attempted murder.
Fiona Elias, Liz Hopkin, and a student were hospitalised after the attack at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in April last year.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, denied three counts of attempted murder but admitted carrying out the stabbings.
After hearing a week of evidence and reviewing CCTV footage, a jury at Swansea Crown Court reached its verdict.
Planned attack
The court was told the girl had brought a weapon to school every day. On the day of the attack, she took her father’s multi-tool knife from her pocket and first targeted Ms Elias.
Student witnesses said the girl had spoken of her intention to stab Ms Elias and “do something stupid” that would lead to her expulsion.
During the attack, the teenager was heard shouting, “I’m going to kill you,” before turning on Ms Hopkin, whom she did not know.
Both teachers later told police they believed they were going to die.
Pupil also targeted
Following a “stand-off,” the girl moved to another part of the school, where she ran towards a pupil with the knife, shouting, “I’m going to kill you,” before stabbing them.
She was eventually restrained by teacher Darrel Campbell and later arrested.
Sentencing is expected at a later date.
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