News
Advice of officers ‘changed’ on grants
CABINET Spokesperson for Economy, Tourism and Communities David Pugh has confirmed to Councillors what The Pembrokeshire Herald previously told its readers: the method of auditing the multi-million pounds schemes DID NOT ensure the integrity of all transactions. Speaking at Full Council yesterday, Cllr Pugh did not reveal how the sample of transactions used to justify payments under the scheme were selected. Cllr Pugh did confirm that it was only after a referral to the Director of Finance and Leisure by Councillors Mike Stoddart and Jacob Williams in relation to an irregularity in the documentation relating to the redevelopment of 10 Meyrick Street, Pembroke Dock, that a referral to the Police was made.
Cllr Pugh appeared to misspeak himself and state that there was confusion by Cllrs Stoddart and Williams as to the nature of the information they had uncovered.
Councillor Pugh also confirmed that advice tendered to Cabinet members by senior officers had changed in light of the detailed examination of the documents ordered by independent Audit Committee chair John Evans MBE.
Cllr Paul Miller had earlier prompted the leader to explain why Councillors were repeatedly told there were no problems with the scheme and why the IPPG had tried to stymie debate and slur Cllr Stoddart’s good name. Defending his administration, Cllr Adams suggested that the advice given to Cabinet by officers was contrary to the allegations raised by Cllr Stoddart.
Responding to Cllr Pugh, Cllr Jacob Williams raised a point of order in which he clarified that it appeared to him that two copies of the document concerned had appeared on the file. One with handwritten annotations highlighting a number of arithmetical “errors” and one without.
In another petty dig at Cllr Mike Stoddart, IPPG leader Jamie Adams pointed out that it was the local authority which had referred the matter to the Police and not the member for Hakin.
The referral to the Police, as revealed in the Pembrokeshire Herald, was not made at 17:15 on Tuesday February 11, 2014, as claimed by Cllr Adams. A Council spokesperson previously confirmed to the Herald that a formal referral had been made only after the EGM on February 14, 2014.
Charity
Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities
ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.
The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.
This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.
For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.
Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.
Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.
Charity
£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital
THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.
Their 37th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.
They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.
The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.
Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.
“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”
Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.
Community
Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success
NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.
Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.
The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.
The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.
A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.
-
News5 days ago
Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route
-
Education6 days ago
Home Education: Delays and missed opportunities risk further tragedy
-
Business7 days ago
Pembrokeshire care home group hit by £150,000 budget blow
-
Community7 days ago
Tips for coping with Mental Health challenges this Christmas
-
Business4 days ago
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
-
Entertainment7 days ago
River-themed lanterns light up Cardigan in spectacular parade
-
Crime7 days ago
Couple falsely claimed £13,000 in Universal Credit
-
Charity6 days ago
Welsh teen wins photography competition with ‘perfect puffin pic’
Teifion
March 19, 2014 at 10:25 pm
Dear Mr Pugh, are you happy the police have to investigate you?