News
Council tax will rise 26% under Dyfed, says Leader
COUNCIL Leader, Jamie Adams, gave a passionate speech at full council yesterday where he warned that moving to a new Dyfed County Council or merging Pembrokeshire with Ceredigion council would cost cash strapped county residents money.
His comments came as members voted in a 3.4% rise in council tax for the financial year 2014/15.
He said to members: “We have as all councils have issues with the capacity we have to undertake services. The council tax rise of around 50p a week is the lowest rise in both cash and percentage terms in Wales. We remain by far the county with the lowest council tax, fees, and charges in Wales. In terms of our neighbours we are all aware that the Williams report is considering reconfiguration of local authorities in Wales.”
“If I was here today considering a rise for a new Dyfed County Council then it would be a rise of 26% or £193 per year. A move to Dyfed will cost residents of this county on a band D considerably more and exponentially more on other bands. If there was a merger with Ceregidion then that rise would be 15.9% or £118 per year.”
Cllr Adams concluded by saying: “People should reflect on those figures and understand that this council is truly committed to driving value for our residents.”
Cllr Bob Kilmister said: “I agree with Cllr Adams, Dyfed mark 2 will cost money and I have no confidence that it will provide better services. The financial facts speak for themselves.”
Band D Council Tax will increase from £741.17 to £766.55, an increase of £25.38 per year.
Community
Port launches waterway safety competition with monthly prizes
THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has announced the launch of its first Waterway Safety Competition, set to begin in April.
The initiative aims to promote safe and responsible use of the Milford Haven Waterway, one of the busiest and most diverse waterways in Wales. The waterway is used daily by paddleboarders, kayakers, sailors, swimmers, and large commercial vessels, making safety a key priority.
As part of the competition, participants are invited to showcase their own interpretation of the waterway through any creative medium. All art forms are welcome, and entries will be judged monthly.
Each month, winners will receive prizes designed to support water safety, including lifejackets and training sessions.
The Port hopes the competition will encourage greater awareness of safety while celebrating the unique character of the waterway.
For more information or to enter, visit: https://www.mhpa.co.uk/waterway-safety-competition/
News
Reform UK unveils Carmarthenshire Senedd candidates
REFORM UK Wales has announced its full list of candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin (Carmarthenshire) ahead of the Senedd election on Thursday, May 7.
Leading the list is Gareth Beer, the party’s Carmarthenshire chairman, a local businessman, father of four and Kidwelly town councillor. In the 2024 General Election, he came within around 1,500 votes of winning the Llanelli seat — Reform UK’s strongest result in Wales.
Beer said the party had assembled “a strong team of decent, hard-working people” ready to represent the county.
He said: “We have already started campaigning strongly across the constituency, and the reception we are receiving on the doorstep has been overwhelmingly positive.
“People have had enough of the lies they hear from politicians and want to give a new party a genuine chance to make real changes.”
He added that key issues raised by voters included NHS waiting lists, education standards, the economy and the cost of living.
Full candidate list
The Reform UK candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin are:
Gareth Beer – Businessman, Kidwelly town councillor and Carmarthenshire chairman for Reform UK.
Carmelo Colasanto – County and community councillor with a background in retail, compliance and multinational business operations.
Sarah Edwards – Retired dental professional and smallholder, known for campaigning on rural and environmental issues.
Christopher Brooke – Retired engineer and manager with more than four decades’ experience in manufacturing.
Alan Cole – Former senior corporate leader and business owner who has worked with small businesses across South Wales.
Michelle Beer – Marketing and PR professional and Reform UK county councillor for the Lliedi ward, elected in a 2025 by-election.
The party said the team brings experience from business, engineering, healthcare and public service.
Reform UK Wales said its campaign in Carmarthenshire would focus on reducing NHS waiting times, improving education, supporting small businesses and addressing the rising cost of living.
The party is positioning itself as an alternative to what it describes as the political “status quo” in Cardiff Bay.
News
Police watchdog investigates after gunshot fired inside Milford Haven flats
A POLICE firearm was discharged inside a block of flats in Milford Haven during an incident on Saturday evening (March 28), it has emerged.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed a single shot was fired at around 6:32pm after officers were called to reports of disorder at Bunkers Hill involving a person believed to be carrying a knife.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now confirmed it has been notified. A spokesperson said the force had made a voluntary conduct referral, which will be assessed before any decision is made on further action.
Police have stated that the firearm was not directed at any individual and that no injuries were reported.
A witness close to the matter told The Herald that the shot was fired as an officer entered the flats and moved up the stairs, with the bullet striking a breeze block wall. This account has not yet been officially confirmed.
When Herald reporters attended the scene on Sunday afternoon, a significant police presence remained, with officers seen going in and out of the building and carrying out checks around the rear of the flats.
The precise circumstances leading to the discharge remain under investigation.
More to follow.
-
Business6 days agoTaxi fare shock in Milford Haven as drivers switch to meters
-
News5 days agoWelsh Government outlines progress on flood resilience plans
-
Community4 days agoHero female officer keeps job after sexual touching finding
-
Health6 days agoAverage of 18 deaths a week in Wales linked to A&E delays, figures reveal
-
Education3 days agoYsgol Henry Tudor reassures parents over Sikh ceremonial kirpan
-
Crime6 days agoPolice stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation
-
Community6 days agoCalls to block Withyhedge landfill expansion amid ‘worst in Wales’ claims
-
Health7 days agoOwain Wyn Evans highlights hearing health concerns across Wales









Teifion
March 17, 2014 at 8:36 am
Anyone believe this man of all people giving financial advice when he cannot do his own expenses ? NO
Anyone believe ANYTHING this man says? NO
He’ll tell you why he made these figures up when he finds that fag packet in four years time ;(