News

The devil is in the detail

Published

12 years ago

February 20, 2014

DOCUMENTS OBTAINED by Hakin Cllr Mike Stoddart and seen by The Pembrokeshire Herald seem to show an astonishing irregularity in the tendering process for works done under the Town Heritage Initiative and Commercial Property Grants Scheme in Pembroke Dock.

On this page are two tender documents for the same job. One is the tender document provided to local firm G & G Builders, the other one provided to others tendering for the same contract.

The documents suggest that Kinver Kreations, the firm which prepared the tender documents, provided G & G with a massive competitive advantage in the tendering process by only asking them to tender for a fraction of what their competitors were being asked.

G & G were selected for the contract even though they were not the lowest bidder. However, the tender documentation shows that a number of arithmetical errors totalling £11,500 are made in their tender submission. Combined with the difference in tender documentation, the firm’s bid would have been the second most expensive had they been asked to do the same job as their competitors.

“Time to stop pussyfooting around”

Councillor Stoddart told The Herald:

“These documents provide the clearest possible evidence that the tender process had been slanted to favour of G&G.

“On Tuesday afternoon I came to the conclusion that I had unearthed some documents that were conclusive proof of the malpractice that I have long suspected and it was time to stop pussyfooting around.So, armed with the evidence, Cllr Jacob Williams and I presented ourselves at the offices of the Director of Finance.

“We left the director of finance’s office with a firm assurance that, first thing in the morning, the matter would be reported to the police and that an email would be sent to all members and the relevant officers apprising them of the situation. Indeed, at one time during the meeting it was even suggested that the police should be contacted there and then, but that was rejected because it was already past 5.00 pm.

“When the email failed to appear in my inbox the following morning, I immediately suspected that someone had decided on a change of plan. We are now told that the police have been “informed” and if evidence of fraud emerges a formal complaint will be lodged.

“If this patently corrupt tender process isn’t evidence enough of fraud, then I give up. I suppose news of another police investigation on top of the one announced into the pensions’ business would not be a welcome development. However, I am not happy with these delaying tactics hence my decision to put the facts into the public domain.”

HERALD COMMENT

The news is sure to be a body blow to the already damaged credibility of Cllr David Pugh and his leader Cllr Jamie Adams, who have both repeatedly ridiculed Cllr Stoddart and those seeking to probe the apparent scam.

The IPPG spent December’s Full Council meeting seeking to deny access to the documents on this page, even on a confidential basis.

We can all now see why they were so anxious.

The delay in referral to the Police can only be because of political considerations affecting the IPPG ahead of today’s crucial debate on the future of embattled CEO Bryn Parry Jones, the beneficiary of an unlawful IPPG-backed scheme to avoid tax on his pension.

In light of the seriousness of the allegations, The Herald has provided a copy of this material to Dyfed Powys Police and asked them to examine the issue as a matter of urgency.

Something doesn't add up, the Tender documents obtained by Councillor Mike Stoddart

Something doesn’t add up. The Tender documents obtained by Cllr Mike Stoddart.

News

Cadw invites families to step into West Wales history this half-term

Published

1 hour ago

May 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

STRATA Florida Abbey and Laugharne Castle will host family events as part of Cadw’s May half-term programme.

FAMILIES in West Wales are being encouraged to explore historic sites on their doorstep this May half-term, with events planned at Strata Florida Abbey and Laugharne Castle.

Cadw’s programme runs from Saturday, May 23 to Sunday, May 31, with activities across Wales aimed at bringing history to life for children and families.

At Strata Florida Abbey, near Pontrhydfendigaid, a craft fayre will take place on Sunday, May 24, from 11:00am to 3:00pm, featuring local arts, crafts and produce, alongside family-friendly activities and guided tours.

Laugharne Castle will host Rainbow Gecko Bubbleman on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Bubbleman and the Bubble Faerie will perform giant bubble displays, bubble animals and frozen creations, with visitors able to join in and learn tricks.

Other West Wales events include a Children’s Activity Day at Strata Florida Abbey and HMS Wales Naval Living History at Laugharne Castle.

Kate Roberts, Chief Executive of Cadw said: “May half term is the perfect chance for families to get out and explore the incredible history on their doorstep in Wales.

“This year’s programme has been designed to be hands-on, engaging and genuinely fun, giving visitors of all ages the chance to connect our nation’s past and spend quality time together outdoors.”

Cadw said membership includes free event entry and unlimited access to more than 130 historic places across Wales, with children going free with any adult membership.

Business

Mayor opens new Sapphire showroom in Milford Haven

Published

2 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New Charles Street base brings windows and doors firm closer to Pembrokeshire customers

THE MAYOR OF MILFORD HAVEN has officially opened a new showroom for Sapphire Windows & Doors in the town centre.

The company welcomed visitors to its new base at 61 Charles Street on Monday (May 18), with Mayor Mark Woodward attending the opening.

Sapphire Windows & Doors, established in 1989, supplies and installs windows, doors and glazing products across South and West Wales.

The new Milford Haven showroom has been opened following growing demand from customers in Pembrokeshire, many of whom had previously travelled to the company’s Ammanford showroom.

The Charles Street premises will allow customers to view products in person, compare colours and finishes, try different styles, and speak directly with the Sapphire team.

Products on display include uPVC windows, composite and aluminium entrance doors, aluminium sliding and bifold systems, and internal and external Crittall-style aluminium and steel doors.

Shaun Matthews, Director of Sapphire Windows & Doors said: “We are incredibly excited to open our new Milford Haven showroom and welcome both returning and new customers through the doors.

“We have already received such a lovely welcome on Charles Street, and we are looking forward to becoming part of the local community.

“When people are investing in new windows and doors, it is important they feel confident in what they are choosing. The showroom gives customers the opportunity to properly see the products, explore the options available, try them for themselves and receive clear, honest advice from our team.”

The company manufactures its own uPVC products in-house at its factory in Ammanford, while installations are carried out by directly employed fitting teams.

Sapphire says it offers free, no-obligation quotes and takes a no-pressure approach to sales.

Every installation is backed by a ten-year guarantee and a FENSA insurance-backed warranty.

The new showroom is now open at 61 Charles Street, Milford Haven, SA73 1SA.

For more information visit sapphirewindows.info.

Community

Cardigan family’s urgent appeal after father suffers devastating stroke

Published

2 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Former pilot left unable to speak or swallow after collapsing while mowing lawn

A CARDIGAN family has launched an urgent appeal for help after a 72-year-old father suffered a massive stroke while mowing his garden, leaving him unable to speak, swallow or move the right side of his body.

Les Bell collapsed on Monday, May 11, after suffering what doctors described as an intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) – a serious form of haemorrhagic stroke caused by bleeding in the brain.

His daughter, Jessica Grieve, said the bleed was extensive and that her father remains in a critical condition on an acute stroke ward.

The former pilot, who now works as a flight training consultant at Gatwick Airport, is currently being fed through a tube and can only communicate through eye contact, small nods and grunts.

Jessica said: “Dad has lost the right-hand side of his body, has to be tube fed as he’s not conscious enough to perform a swallow test, although it would seem the muscles on the right side of his throat aren’t working.

“He can’t talk. He can only communicate with brief eye contact, small nods and grunts.”

She added that doctors are still unable to predict her father’s long-term prognosis.

“We don’t know the prognosis, only time will tell, but he is in a critical condition and it’s likely to remain that way for some months,” she said.

The family is now facing a financial crisis after Les, who was the main income earner, became suddenly incapacitated.

Jessica said her father managed all household finances, while her mother is unable to work due to disabilities and her brother, Jake, is still suffering the effects of cancer treatment and cannot work full-time.

She is now applying for lasting power of attorney in order to access her father’s bank accounts, but said the process could take up to ten weeks.

In the meantime, the family say they are struggling to pay rent, bills and other essential costs.