News

Miller’s motion to be debated

Published

12 years ago

February 20, 2014

COUNCIL IN CRISIS

ON THE AGENDA at Friday’s meeting is a motion filed by Labour Group leader, Paul Miller calling for the Full Council to act as an investigatory panel into all allegations arising from the meeting of the Senior Staff Committee in Bryn Parry Jones’ office on September 28, 2011. The motion also calls for the immediate withdrawal of the pension tax avoidance scheme, described by the WAO as a “pay supplement” and the suspension of Bryn Parry Jones while the investigation takes place.

Councillor Miller has pointed out that at the same time as the Council was slashing staff numbers, cutting hours and freezing the pay of lowest paid workers in the name of balancing its books it gave the Head of Paid Services, Bryn Parry Jones, an effective pay rise of 5% on top of his already hefty pay packet.

Councillor Paul Miller told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “I’ve been clear from the start – Based on all the information I have seen to date, these pensions arrangements / pay supplements require a full and independent investigation. I’m pleased that, following meetings with the Crown Prosecution Service, the authorities have now decided that there will be a formal criminal investigation led by Gloucester Police.

“Clearly I will listen carefully to the debate tomorrow and will be interested to hear the case put forward by Mr Timothy Kerr QC. That said however, nothing I have seen to date has done anything to change my view; that the only way to move forward here is by commissioning a truly independent investigation and suspending Mr Parry-Jones while that investigation is undertaken.

“The people of Pembrokeshire are right to expect the highest standards of decision making and integrity from their elected members and chief officers. It would appear that there may have been instances where the authority has fallen short of that mark. If that is the case, council needs to act decisively and without delay. I and the whole Labour Group intend to do whatever is necessary to ensure that public faith is restored in our authority”

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.