News

Simpson gains Conservative support in leader bid

Published

7 years ago

May 15, 2017

DAVID SIMPSON has gained the support of the Conservative group to replace Jamie Adams as the Pembrokeshire County Council leader.

This morning (May 15), Conservative members met in Haverfordwest and decided to support Cllr Simpson in his leadership bid, which brings the total number of members supporting him to 26. He would need 31 votes to secure the leader position, with a total of 60 seats at County Hall.

Cllr Simpson is also supported by the Labour and Plaid Cymru groups.

A spokesperson for the group said: “An initial AGM of the Conservative Group of Councillors elected to Pembrokeshire County Council took place this morning in Haverfordwest. All members were in attendance. This group is now the largest Political Party on Pembrokeshire County Council.

“The meeting decided by an overwhelming majority to support Cllr David Simpson for the Leadership of Pembrokeshire County Council. This matter will be decided on the 25^thMay 2017 at the AGM of full council.

“The support for Cllr Simpson, should he be elected, will however be met with very careful scrutiny revolving around policies on an issue by issue basis. ”

Last week, Cllr Simpson said: “The recent election results have sent a clear message that Pembrokeshire will not stand for the old way of doing things any more. The way the Council has been run in recent years has been unacceptable. Change is needed and nobody can pretend it’s not time for that change to happen.

“I will not buy support for my leadership by promising Cabinet seats and cosy ‘jobs for the good old boys’. People are fed up by votes being bought by nods, winks, and the promise of position. Pembrokeshire’s electors are not daft – they’ve had enough of a flawed system. I am asking my fellow councillors to support me only if they think I am the best person for the job.”

Cllr Simpson said that his wide business experience, and his previous stint as Cabinet member for housing, equipped him to drive forward improvements in the way council delivered services.

And he promised a more open administration, involving all 60 members, with party differences set aside in the interests of providing better services and value for money.

“Under my leadership, Cabinet members will be appointed on merit. If you want the best for Pembrokeshire, you have to pick the best people – not just those who will nod things through without scrutiny. Ability will count and that is what I will be looking for if I am elected leader by those who feel like I do: the time for change is now,” he said.

News

Cliff fire ignited by Fireworks near Lindsway Bay

Published

3 hours ago

November 1, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AT 10:11pm on Thursday (Oct 31), the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crew from Milford Haven Fire Station was called to a blaze near Lindsway Bay, St Ishmaels, Pembrokeshire.

Responding to a grass fire spanning approximately 180 metres along the cliff face, the crew deployed a range of equipment, including a water bowser, light portable pump, hose reel jet, main jet, two backpack sprayers, and a water relay system to tackle the difficult terrain. Firefighters remained on site until 1:49am on Friday (Nov 1) to fully extinguish the fire.

The fire was reportedly caused by fireworks set off along a section of the Wales Coast Path. Fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal to set off in public spaces. The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service strongly recommends attending organised displays rather than using fireworks in sensitive areas.

Coastal cliffs in Pembrokeshire are rich in biodiversity, and images taken the following morning (Nov 1) reveal extensive damage to the landscape.

Ahead of Bonfire Night, more information on fireworks safety is available on the Fire and Rescue Service’s website.

Business

West Wales man raising funds for craft cider venture

Published

5 hours ago

November 1, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A PENYBRYN resident is appealing for community support to launch a small-scale craft cider business in West Wales. Olly Craigan, the organiser of the GoFundMe campaign titled “Craigans Cider,” has already raised £545 towards his goal of £12,000. The funds will go towards purchasing essential equipment to establish a permanent apple press and cider workshop.

Since 2014, Craigan has honed his cider-making skills under the mentorship of experienced cider maker John Whitfield. Now living on a community organic farm in Pembrokeshire, Craigan is seeking to create a dedicated space for producing his craft cider.

The funds raised will help purchase an apple press (£4,500), scratter apple mill (£1,500), filtration and pumping systems (£950), stainless steel tanks (£2,500), and bottling equipment (£1,000). Any donations beyond the target will support operational costs and community cider-making workshops.

Craigan plans to thank supporters by inviting them to a grafting day on the farm, where attendees can sample cider and take home an apple tree.

Further information and donations can be made on the GoFundMe page here.

Community

Support and advice reminder as winter approaches

Published

5 hours ago

November 1, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL and partner organisations are reminding residents of support and advice available for those impacted by the cost of living as Winter approaches.

A number of organisations can help signpost anyone struggling to support and advice, along with practical advice on access financial support where eligible.

Pembrokeshire County Council has dedicated webpages to signpost to support for those with concerns about education and school costs, health and wellbeing, help for older people, claiming benefits and household and energy bills.

It also links to Pension Credit information, which is worth on average £3,900 per year and unlocks additional support including Winter Fuel Payments, help with Council Tax, NHS dental care and glasses and for those over 75, a free TV licence.

Find out if you are eligible by contacting the Pension Service at www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility. You can also apply by telephoning: 0800 99 1234, lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm. Before you apply have details of your and any partner’s national insurance number, all income and savings.

You must apply for Pension Credit by 21 December 2024 to qualify for the 2024 – 2025 Winter Fuel Payment.

The Pembrokeshire Community Hub is a one-stop-shop for all sorts of information from events, community activities, making connections to cost of living resources.

You can contact the Hub via its website, social media or by calling 01437 723660.

PAVS launched a Live Well for Less programme earlier this year that aims to help people take steps to maximise income and reduce expenditure using a range of tools and services. This can also be accessed through the Community Hub.

Cabinet Member for Social Services Cllr Tessa Hodgson said: “There are a number of resources available for those concerned about heating and energy bills and I would encourage anyone with concerns or looking for advice to contact the Pembrokeshire Community Hub as soon as they can.

“I would also highlight that residents can also check whether they are eligible for pension credits which can open doors to further financial help.”