Villager ‘irate and furious’ over Tory election signs [VIDEO]

Published

9 years ago

May 16, 2017

THIS VIDEO shows the moment a Tory MP’s campaigner appears to attack a furious local with his van door before driving at him – in a furious row over election posters.

John Kilcoyne, 59, infuriated villager Adam Morres, 36, after he put up signs promoting MP Simon Hart in a field near the local’s home in Manorbier.

He tore them down and billed the local Tory party for rent and damages – but then caught Mr Kilcoyne putting them back up a day later.

But police were called after tempers boiled over when guest house owner Mr Kilcoyne insisted he had permission to put them up.

A video appears to show Mr Kilcoyne – one of Mr Hart’s closest allies – pulling his car door into Adam and repeatedly driving his van at him.

Police arrived moments later and are now investigating the stand off over the signs which have allegedly been torn down and reinstalled three times.

Meanwhile, Simon Hart’s persistent campaigners have put the signs back up.

But Adam claims police warned him not to touch them in case the MP accuses him of criminal damage.

John Kilcoyne, 59: Caught up in the sign row

Adam, whose ex-partner, 37, rents the field from a private landlord, said: “I’m absolutely disgusted. I was angry and irate and furious, but now I am just sickened.

“It was just his attitude towards me. The smug way he talked to my friend telling her ‘no I can’t take them down’ – it was horrible.

“And the fact he is working on behalf of an MP, I don’t think that says very much about the calibre of them.

“It’s an appalling reflection on the Tory party. To be honest I would have voted Tory simply as I don’t like the Labour Party.

“But after this I would now campaign quite happily for anyone standing against the Tory Party.

“Normally, I would choose who to vote for based on their policies, but in this instance I will be choosing based on the party I think has employees who aren’t going to attack me.”

The furore began on Sunday, May 7, when Adam was out for a walk with his ex-partner in fields she rents for her horses.

They spotted two blue signs supporting incumbent MP Simon Hart nailed to a fence post inside the field.

Adam claims he phoned the Electoral Commission who he said told him they could be removed, so he took them down the next day.

He sarcastically invoiced Camarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Conservatives £50 for rent and damages.

“The damages are in case out neighbours thought the signs meant we were Conservative voters,” he added.

Signs: Erected in a field in Manorbier

He claims John Kilcoyne – named as the seconder on Mr Hart’s 2015 election nomination document came to both his home and his partner’s house, on the Tuesday (9).

He said he claimed he had permission of the land owner to put the signs up, and left.

Moments later Adam spotted him back next to his ex’s field getting new ‘Simon Hart’ signs out his van and the pair clashed.

Video appears to show the pair arguing before the volunteer sharply pulls his van door into Adam’s arm before seemingly mockingly saying: “Watch out, watch out.”

Adam phoned the police and when he stood in front of the van to record the licence plate, claims Mr Kilcoyne repeatedly drove at him,

Another video – taken moments before police arrived – appears to show the car inching towards him as he moves away across the road before driving off.

Astonishingly Adam woke up the next day to find the signs had been reinstated.

“The police have told us not to touch them in case they get damaged and Simon Hart claims criminal damage,” said Adam.

“Now we’re stuck with them up there. It’s like rubbing lemon juice into a paper cut.”

Dyfed-Powys Police said: “The force received a report of an assault without injury at approximately 9.40am on Tuesday, May 9.

“The incident took place at Wheelers Way, Manorbier. The investigation is on-going.”

The Welsh Conservative Party and Simon Hart refused to comment.

Mr Kilcoyne, from Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire, said: “Have you spoken to Mr Hart?

“I’m in the same position as Mr Hart. There is a police officer dealing with it. I have nothing at all to add.”

Plaid urged to move faster on farming reforms amid subsidy concerns

Published

2 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Conservatives accuse Plaid Cymru of failing farmers as ministers call for patience over changes to agricultural support

CONCERNS over the pace of farming reforms in Wales have intensified after the Welsh Conservatives accused the Welsh Government of failing to act quickly enough on promised changes to agricultural subsidy schemes.

The criticism comes after Welsh Government Rural Resilience and Sustainability Minister, Llyr Gruffydd, urged farmers to be patient as major changes to support payments continue to be developed.

Speaking to ITV Wales, Mr Gruffydd acknowledged that “change is difficult” as the government seeks to reshape agricultural support across rural Wales. The comments come at a time of growing unease among parts of the farming community over the future of post-Brexit subsidy arrangements and concerns about financial pressures facing farms.

The reforms centre on replacing previous support systems with a new approach intended to balance food production, environmental sustainability and rural resilience. However, some farmers and unions have warned that uncertainty over payments and policy changes risks damaging confidence in the sector.

Reacting to the minister’s remarks, Welsh Conservative Shadow Farming Minister, Andrew RT Davies, said Plaid Cymru was not moving quickly enough to deliver on commitments made to Welsh farmers.

Mr Davies said: “Change is not difficult – contrary to Plaid Cymru separatists’ claims.

“If the will is there, there’s no reason reforms can’t be implemented immediately.

“Plaid Cymru separatists must fulfil their promises to Welsh farmers now.”

The comments reflect wider political tensions over the direction of farming policy in Wales, with opposition parties arguing that delays and uncertainty are creating anxiety for agricultural businesses already facing rising costs and economic pressures.

Farming remains a major part of the Welsh economy, particularly in rural counties such as Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, where many communities rely heavily on agriculture and associated industries.

The Welsh Government has previously said changes to support schemes are aimed at creating a more sustainable long-term future for farming, though ministers have acknowledged the transition period will take time and may prove challenging for some in the industry.

The debate over subsidy reform is likely to remain a key political battleground as the government finalises details of its future support model and seeks to reassure farmers concerned about their livelihoods.

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

2 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Business

WestJet’s first Toronto flight lands at Cardiff Airport

Published

2 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New seasonal service restores direct link between Wales and Canada after nearly 20 years

CARDIFF AIRPORT has welcomed the first WestJet flight from Toronto, marking the return of a direct air link between Wales and Canada for the first time in almost 20 years.

The inaugural service from Toronto Pearson International Airport landed at Cardiff on Saturday (May 23), officially launching a new transatlantic route between South Wales and North America.

Passengers on the first arrival were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, while Penarth choir Criw Canu welcomed the crew and customers with Welsh songs at the aircraft steps.

The new route will operate four times a week using WestJet’s Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Cardiff Airport said the service would open up new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural links between Wales and Canada.

Toronto Pearson is also a major hub, offering onward connections to more than 100 destinations across Canada and the United States, including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver and Florida.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS, attended the launch alongside guests including Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Cllr Lis Burnett, Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Ontario’s Agent-General in London Sophia Arvanitis, Visit Wales and aviation industry partners.

Mr Price said: “WestJet’s inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.

“Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK.

“Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, described the launch as a landmark moment for the airport and for Wales.

He said: “The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America. It firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales.

“We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”

Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, said the route was an important addition to the airline’s transatlantic network.

He said: “WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities.

“Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada.”

The Cardiff to Toronto service departs Cardiff at 11:35am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Toronto to Cardiff flights depart at 10:10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.