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Pembroke Dock: Council staff walk out of meeting

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THREE members of staff of Pembroke Dock Town Council walked out of their meeting last night (Nov 2).

Cllrs had been discussing a vote of no confidence in three councillors caught up in bullying claims against council staff.

Town Clerk Sarah Scourfield resigned from her position last month because of the alleged bullying she has received.

Cllr Phil Gwyther stated that some people had said something the staff didn’t like and it was that point that Sarah, Deputy Town Clerk Amanda Dillaway and Admin assistant Mandy Hart got up and walked out of the meeting.

It left the Mayor, Cllr Jane McNaughton, with no option but to call the meeting closed.

Cllr Brian Hall said that they needed to show they were not happy with the three members by a vote of no confidence.

He said: “We need to resolve this problem of so-called bullying, harassment in this Town Council. Hopefully it will be resolved full stop. This has been going on and on.

“I personally think that the three councillors who are involved in this could have resolved this by apologising after the debate at the last meeting.

“We’ve got to draw a line under it so I will move that we have a vote of no confidence in them councillors.”

Cllr George Manning seconded the motion put forward by Cllr Hall.

Cllr Hall continued: “I really feel sorry for these ladies. There were loads and loads of emails relating to continual harassment and I couldn’t work in that situation.

“I did make a begging plea that Sarah the Town Clerk stays, I think we will drastically miss her and what’s made matters worse is the last town clerk, she’s already made a similar accusation that that is why she left and that is two, I don’t want to see a third, I don’t want to see it ever again.”

However, Cllr Stephen O’Connor said: If councillors act below the standard that is expected, they should be reported to the Standards Committee. This is an ongoing investigation at the moment. Until that investigation has concluded I don’t think we can take any action.

“The public have elected them so the vote of no confidence has no relevance to it.”

Cllr Dilys Burrell said she didn’t feel they could make that judgement before it was looked at by the ombudsman.

Cllr Manning said: “I have no problem in supporting the vote of no confidence, we won’t be sacking anybody, and they won’t be off the council. All we are saying is that we are not happy with what has gone on. Why can’t we establish that?”

Cllr Hall said most councillors feel they are doing a good job and that they didn’t want to be tarred with the same brush.

Deputy Mayor, Cllr Gordon Goff added that he agreed with Cllrs Hall and Manning and that it was the actions of the three councillors and what they had done to the town in blatantly lying, that made him think he had no confidence in them.

Cllr Phil Gwyther said: “We have three councillors who have complaints issued against them by staff members and what the councillors have said is that they have seen things going on that preceded this council that they think are wrong. Those councillors have spoken out on a number of occasions and the staff have not liked it.”

It was at that point that the three staff members got up and walked out.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

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A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

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Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

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ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

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Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

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MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!

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