News
Solva
Mark Carter
Welsh Conservative
“I was born in Essex and moved to Penycwm aged 9 in 1975 with my family attending Solva Primary and Ysgol Dewi Sant. I spent 5 years working for the district council before becoming self employed for the last 27 years , now heading the family business based in Newgale.
Together with my wife Samantha and 2 grown up children, we also run a residential caravan park and 5 long term affordable letting properties I am a Brawdy community council member and now feel the time is right to stand for County council with the backing of the Welsh Conservatives. I am very proud of the backing I have received from local people following nomination as candidate.
My key strength is my business experience and knowledge of budgeting. I also pride myself of spotting when something is wrong. I am not afraid to speak out.
We need to offer quality schools for our children, jobs and housing to allow young adults to remain in the area they grew up in and respect and support to the older generation. No councillor can turn the world around but they can get the best deal for the people they represent, making the voters voice heard in County Hall.”
Janie Harwood
Green Party
“Born and bred in Pembrokeshire; I grew up and spent my childhood on the coast of St.Brides bay, as did generations of my family before me.
I love my home County. I want to protect the environment and communities which mean so much to me. Beautiful unspoiled landscapes, traditional local crafts, activities, small local businesses, a great community spirit and encourage tourism. I value this in our community.
“I lived and worked abroad in Scandinavia & Spain which has given me great insight into how local governance can support & enhance local areas.
“I currently work as a sports coach. Previously, I’ve worked as a youth worker for PCC and at the Torch theatre teaching in the youth drama department. I also managed an organic small holding in Druidstone.
“I was a parent-governor while my 4 children attended Ysgol Dewi Sant, where they received excellent educations; which I want to ensure for all local children.
“The Green Party’s combination of environmental protection & progressive social policies are designed to better everyday living in communities just like ours.
“I am a single parent with an invisible disability. I understand problems faced by everyone and the importance of excellent local services within our unique and beautiful landscape. An introduction of modern ideas with new perspectives is needed in our County Council.
Keeping Solva/ Brawdy, clean & green
“Supporting our community:
- Fairness & equality in the county.
- Better access to health services.
- Retention of our community schools.
- Innovative Green solutions to the increasing effects of climate change.
- The Newgale road ‘improved not removed’ – all our roads accessible & in good repair.
- Improved public transport to our rural community.
- A new Green perspective in the council.
“These are the things I will be standing for on your behalf as a Pembrokeshire County Councillor.”
Joshua Phillips
Labour
Crime
Police issue update following incident at Tenby multi-storey
Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed this morning that they are investigating a collision on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park in Tenby, at around 4pm on Thursday, January 2.
The collision, police said, involved a grey Nissan Qashqai and a young child.
The child remains in a critical condition in hospital.
The family are being supported by specially trained officers.
One man, aged 33, has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving, drink driving, and drug driving. He remains in police custody.
Police issued a statement saying: “This is a tragic incident and is a live investigation.
“We ask that you do not speculate the circumstances and allow our officers to carry out their enquiries.
Anyone with information or dashcam footage that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to us, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
Quote reference 25*6238”
News
Milford sex offender’s child abuse images ‘most disturbing imaginable’
A 40-YEAR-OLD man from Pembrokeshire has been sentenced to 22 months in prison after being found with nearly 40,000 indecent images of children, including some of the most disturbing nature imaginable. Jason Church, a father of young children, appeared at Swansea Crown Court where he faced multiple charges related to child exploitation.
The investigation began when police traced suspicious online activity linked to Church’s home in Milford Haven. On August 23, 2023, officers executed a search warrant at his residence, during which Church admitted to having incriminating material on his mobile phone. He explicitly stated to the police, “It’s on my phone, what you’re looking for” when questioned about the nature of the images.
Upon examination of his Samsung device, authorities uncovered a staggering collection: 2,688 images classified as Category A (the most severe), along with 4,160 Category B images and an alarming 32,205 Category C images. Among these horrific images were videos depicting the sexual abuse of very young children, including a baby. Additionally, officers discovered a 170-page manual that provided detailed guidance on how to exploit children and evade detection.
In court, prosecutor Ashanti-Jade Walton highlighted the graphic content of the material found and emphasised the seriousness of Church’s offences. Despite his previous clean record, Church pleaded guilty to all charges against him. His defence barrister noted that Church was aware of the severity of his actions and had sought help from organizations aimed at preventing child exploitation.
Judge Huw Rees condemned Church’s actions as “unhealthy” and a significant danger to children. He stated, “These are not just images; they represent real victims,” reinforcing the gravity of Church’s crimes and the impact they have on real lives.
In addition to his prison sentence, Church is required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years following his release.
Community
Welsh Water distribute free cold weather lagging kits
AS the winter season is in full swing and the temperature drops, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water is offering free winter lagging kits to help households across Wales prepare for the colder months. With over 2,500 kits available, the initiative aims to assist residents in protecting their homes against frozen pipes and costly bursts.
Frozen pipes can lead to unwanted damage and unnecessary stress during the winter season, but with the right preparation the risks can be minimised.
The winter lagging kit includes pipe insulation and a tap jacket – with lagging designed to protect exposed pipes and a tap jacket to prevent outdoor taps from freezing and bursting.
“We understand how challenging winter can be for many people, which can be made worse should the unexpected happened – such as a experiencing a frozen or burst pipe,” said Euan Hampton, Water Demand – Delivery Manager at Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. “To help ease the pressures winter can bring, we’re offering free pipe lagging kits and tap jackets as part of our ongoing commitment to helping communities stay safe, warm, and secure throughout the colder months.”
In addition to distributing free lagging kits and tap jackets. Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water recommends the following tips to help residents prepare their homes:
Locate your stop tap: Knowing the location of your stop tap is essential in the case of an emergency. If your pipes freeze or burst, you’ll want to shut the water off to minimise damage.
Clear your gutters: Blocked gutters can lead to excess water accessing your home, especially during a storm.
Insulate pipes: Not only outdoor pipes need preparing, think of areas that may be at risk to cold weather – attics or uninsulated cupboards.
Fix those drips: Dripping taps can increase the risk of frozen pipes. Fixing it will also save you litres of water every day, saving both energy and money on your water bill.
Away from home? Empty buildings are at particular risk. If you’re leaving your home for a prolonged period, turn off your stop tap and drain down the system – so there is no water in the system to freeze. If you’re away for a short time, if you can, we suggest keeping your heating on low to help keep your home warm and prevent pipes from freezing.
The free kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To request a free winter lagging kit or tap jacket, customers can visit: www.dwrcymru.com/en/winter-ready
Alongside the helpful tips to prepare your home this winter and advice on how to manage any issues should they arise. Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water are also offering free water efficiency home visits to all domestic customers – and the free lagging kit and tap jackets can be installed as part of the visit.
If you would like to find out more ways you could start saving, visit: www.dwrcymru.com/en/help-advice/cartref/water-efficiency-home-visit
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