News
Calls for new foster carers
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is continuing its drive to recruit more foster carers with a new awareness-raising campaign at local leisure centres.
New banners are being displayed encouraging visitors to leisure centres to consider whether they could become a foster carer.
Every year, more than 200 Pembrokeshire children of all ages need foster placements because, for a variety of reasons, they cannot live with their family and need a stable and secure home. For some children this is temporary or short term, but for others it is longer.
The council is keen to ensure that wherever possible, children are looked after close to their own homes and in family-based care in their communities.
“The Family Placement Team need more people who are willing to offer a home to siblings groups, so that they do not have to be separated from each other at an already difficult time,” said Colin Driver, Assistant Team Manager.
“We also need more people to foster children with disabilities and additional learning needs whose families need a short break to recharge their batteries; and teenagers who want support while they learn to live more independently.”
Colin added that foster carers come from all walks of life.
“Some have children of their own, and some have children who have left home,” he said.
“Childless couples, same sex couples and single people also become foster carers.
“If you have a spare bedroom, enough time to care for a child, patience, tolerance and a sense of humour and can be open and honest, you can become a foster carer.
“It’s about providing the everyday things that we take for granted – a warm bed, a hot meal, a bedtime story, praise and a listening ear. More than anything you need to be there and care.”
The new recruitment banners continue the collaboration between Social Services and Leisure departments who hold regular monthly coffee mornings for foster carers in leisure centres throughout the county, as well as a successful Easter Activity day for foster carers and children.
The coffee mornings offer an opportunity for anyone interested in fostering to meet members of the Family Placement Team and more importantly, existing foster carers to talk about the benefits and challenges, of fostering.
In addition to practical support and advice from the Family Placement Team, training and a weekly allowance, foster carers also receive a discounted Passport to Leisure membership to enable themselves and the children they look after to enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle.
Crime
Detective Chief Inspector describes child’s death as ‘heartbreaking’
POLICE have described the death of seven-year-old Louis Linse at the hands of his mother as a “heartbreaking incident” that has deeply impacted officers and the local community.
Papaipit Linse, 43, from Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility at Swansea Crown Court earlier this week. Louis was found unresponsive in his bed on January 10 after Linse called emergency services to report his death.
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Williams, who led the investigation, reflected on the tragic events and the challenges faced by his team.
“This was a truly heartbreaking incident, involving the death of a young child at the hands of his mother,” DCI Williams said. “Officers who attended the scene were met with an incredibly difficult and emotive situation, yet they acted with professionalism and care, ensuring that a thorough investigation was conducted.”
The case has not only shocked the local community in Haverfordwest but has also brought to light the deep personal struggles and trauma faced by Linse in the years leading up to the tragedy.
A troubled family history
Linse, originally from Chiang Mai, Thailand, is the estranged wife of 51-year-old Edward Linse, a former businessman now detained in a psychiatric facility. Their marriage was marked by years of domestic violence, financial hardship, and failed business ventures.
In 2017, Edward assaulted his wife at their £1.2m Cheshire home during an argument about visa issues. The attack, carried out with a children’s book as a weapon, highlighted the volatile nature of their relationship. His lawyer, Peter Malone, told the court that Edward struggled to control his emotions, which he traced back to difficulties experienced during his boarding school years.
The violence escalated over the years, with Edward eventually convicted of a brutal assault on his own parents. Following his incarceration in a psychiatric facility, Linse was left to care for their two children alone.
The breakdown of their marriage was compounded by financial woes. After the failure of a café venture in Chiang Mai, the couple relocated to the UK. In 2022, their landscaping business, Alderley Landscapes, ceased trading, leaving Linse to move to Haverfordwest with her children in search of a fresh start.
Life in Haverfordwest
Neighbours in Upper Market Street described Linse as a quiet, reserved figure who homeschooled her two children. Despite her struggles, those close to the family said Louis appeared well-cared-for, with one neighbour, Dr Sean Phelan, expressing disbelief at the tragedy.
“I never thought something like this could happen,” Dr Phelan said. “The children were polite and seemed happy. It’s shocking to think of what must have been going on behind closed doors.”
Forensic teams have been working at the scene since the incident, piecing together the circumstances surrounding Louis’ death. Floral tributes have been placed outside the property as the community mourns the young boy’s loss.
Police dedication
DCI Williams praised the dedication of the officers involved in the investigation, acknowledging the emotional toll such cases can have on emergency responders.
“Our team has worked tirelessly since January to uncover the circumstances of Louis’ death and to ensure justice was brought for him,” he said. “While no result in court can undo this loss, we hope it offers some measure of closure to those who knew and loved Louis. Our thoughts remain with them during this devastating time.”
The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of early intervention and support for families facing domestic violence and mental health issues. Police urged anyone in similar situations to seek help from local services.
Awaiting sentencing
Linse has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on December 13. The court is expected to consider the impact of her mental health struggles and the years of abuse she endured when determining her sentence.
As the investigation concludes, the police and community alike continue to grapple with the profound loss of a young life under such tragic circumstances.
Papaipit Linse: Admits killing her son, but denies murder
Business
Deposit Return Scheme diversion ‘illogical’ says Pembrokeshire brewery
TENBY HARBOUR BREWERY and local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz have urged the Welsh Government to reconsider its decision to withdraw from a UK-wide Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) due to its insistence on including glass.
Earlier this week, Climate Change Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies announced that the Welsh Government would no longer participate in the development of a UK-wide DRS, citing issues arising from the UK Internal Market Act 2020. This decision is believed to be influenced by the Welsh Government’s plan to include glass in its scheme—a factor that contributed to the collapse of Scotland’s DRS in 2023.
The move has been met with frustration and anger from numerous organisations, who argue that this divergence will increase costs for Welsh producers and consumers.
Commenting on the matter, Samuel Kurtz said: “This decision is deeply frustrating, and to diverge from a UK-wide scheme shows that it is not one made with the best interests of Welsh consumers and producers at its core.
“The UK market is so interlinked that any decision which places Welsh businesses at a competitive disadvantage should not proceed. These calls from a range of industry and business representatives have been ignored by the Welsh Government.
“For the sake of our businesses and consumers, I urge the Welsh Government to reconsider its decision, align itself with the UK-wide scheme, and provide proper support to Welsh businesses.”
Industries, especially the micro-brewery sector, would be especially hit hard in Wales by the Welsh Governments choice.
Speaking following this announcement, Richard Johnson, Head Brewer at Tenby Harbour Brewery said:
“The brewing industry has had to tread a path through covid lockdowns, energy price increases, a cost of living crisis and rising wage and national insurance bills, making it increasingly difficult for brewers get good returns and re-invest in their businesses.
“Wales is a recycling nation, so a blunt ‘one size fits all’ approach creates additional logistical and financial burdens on the smallest producers, when the very largest producers are generating the majority of the recycling demand.
“It also seems illogical to diverge away from a UK wide scheme which will put Welsh brewers and drinks producers at a disadvantage.
“The UK and Wales has a proud brewing heritage, but adding in measures such as DRS to small brewers means that their time and money are directed to these activities, instead of using their time for innovation and R&D, of which the UK brewing scene is known and revered for.”
Business
Bluestone crowned ‘Best Small Company for UK Parks and Lodge Holidays’
BLUESTONE is celebrating a major win after being named the Best Small Company for UK Parks and Lodges Holidays at the prestigious British Travel Awards 2024.
The announcement was made at the prestigious awards ceremony this week, marking yet another significant achievement for the popular West Wales destination.
This award recognises Bluestone’s commitment to providing exceptional family holiday experiences at its 500-acre resort in the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award,” said Bethan Rees, Head of Marketing at Bluestone. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who create magical and memorable experiences for families all year round. We are incredibly grateful to every single one of our guests who voted for us and who choose to visit us year on year.
“When you look at the array of other finalists, the award demonstrates why we’re so proud of winning it. This is due to our continued investment, team, and commitment to environmentally sustainable tourism.”
This award builds on Bluestone’s impressive track record. It has consistently received high praise for its family-friendly facilities, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to providing outstanding customer service. Earlier this year, Bluestone was again recognised by Which? as one of the UK’s top holiday destinations and the best rated in Wales.
The British Travel Awards are the largest consumer-voted awards programme in the UK. Winning this award highlights Bluestone’s position as a leader in the family holiday market and reinforces its reputation as a top choice for unforgettable family getaways.
Bluestone, which employs over 800 people and is one of the largest employers in West Wales, is also committed to investing in its people and local community. It provides extensive training and development through its People Services team and the Bluestone Academy. In addition, it supports a wide range of local projects and initiatives through the Bluestone Foundation.
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