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Money for the boys: The mega salaries of our top council officers revealed

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THERE are nine council workers earning over £1,000,000 in wages between them at Pembrokeshire County Council, according to new figures released by the TaxPayers’ Alliance.

Each of them on over £100,000 a year.

But in Carmarthenshire County Council there are even more high earners, with 23 of its employees on a six-figure pay deal – that’s more than any other local authority in Wales.

While cuts are being made to local services, there are still plenty of officers with eye watering salaries it seems.

A shocked Jonathan Isaby, Chief Executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “Local authorities that are providing more for less and delivering council tax cuts clearly have talented people at the helm, but taxpayers living in poorly performing areas will be furious at the scale of some of these massive pay awards.
“After more than a decade of reckless spending and council tax hikes, local politicians now have to make necessary savings and the pay and perks for the town hall elite have to come under the spotlight.
“We all deserve to know how our money is being spent, and taxpayers should have the right to decide if they are getting value for their money from public servants.”

The figures released cover the period 2013-14.

On the list is Pembrokeshire’s own Bryn Parry Jones, the former Chief Executive and Retuning Officer of our Local Authority who had a whopping pay package of £204, 795.

In the same period this was topped by only one other council employee in wales – the former Chief Executive of Gwynedd, Harry Thomas, who was on a staggering £306,813.
In the same year, Carmarthenshire County Council’s top officer – Chief Excecutive Mark James had earned £184, 473 – more than the prime minister.

A Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) spokesperson said they recognise that at a time when councils are making deep cuts to services it’s right that top pay should come under scrutiny.
A WLGA spokesman told The Herald: “Local government senior pay is not disproportionately high or ‘out of control’ and the TaxPayers’ Alliance’s figures show Wales is near the bottom of the league table on senior council pay.
“While we recognise that a salary of over £100,000 per annum is considerably more than many people earn, these are some of the most demanding public service jobs in Wales and council chief executives are responsible for managing incredibly complex, multi-million pound businesses in the most challenging period for public services in recent times.”

Bryn Parry Jones had a salary of £204, 795 when he quit his post

 

Entertainment

Hubberston Girls exhibition launches new space at Waterfront Gallery

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A NEW exhibition exploring memories of growing up on a council estate has opened at the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven.

Artist Lynn Stuart is launching the gallery’s new exhibition space with her solo show, Hubberston Girls, which runs until Saturday, May 30.

The exhibition features a deeply personal series of works drawn and painted on brown paper. The material was chosen for its connection to everyday memories, including lunch bags and magazines wrapped in paper.

Once oiled, the paper becomes semi-transparent, allowing paint to be applied to the reverse and creating layered, intimate images.

The Waterfront Gallery is extending its opening hours for the exhibition and will be open Monday to Saturday, from 10:30am to 4:00pm.

A private view will be held on Thursday, May 14, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, and all are welcome.

The gallery is based in the Old Sail Loft on Discovery Quay, Milford Waterfront, Milford Haven. It is one of south west Wales’s leading art galleries, a registered charity, and home to the Wales Contemporary annual competition.

The gallery is run by artist volunteers who exhibit there regularly.

 

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Community

Vintage tractor tour sets off from Pembroke Dock for Ireland

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FIFTY-three vintage tractors left Pembroke Dock Ferry Port on Saturday (May 2) as part of a long-running tractor tour to Ireland.

The group boarded the ferry for the latest stage of an exchange which has been running since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

Organiser Alun Mason said: “The Tour of Ireland has been ongoing since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

“A large contingent travelled from Ireland and continue to do so every other year, with our visit this weekend and the Irish tractors due to visit in 2027.”

Some of the tractors taking part travelled from as far as Burry Port, Bridgend, Llandrindod Wells, Llandovery and Ceredigion before gathering at the ferry port.

The event brought together vintage tractor enthusiasts from across Wales ahead of the crossing to Ireland.

Pictured are organisers Jo Richards and Alun Mason, and the group waiting to embark at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port.

Vintage tour: Jo Richards and Alun Mason with tractors at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port (Pic: Martin Cavaney).

 

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Community

Volunteers praised as Rath paddling pool gets summer makeover

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Questions raised over new netting as community pitches in to prepare popular spot

VOLUNTEERS have been praised for their efforts to get Milford Haven’s Rath paddling pool ready for summer – but a new addition has sparked debate among locals.

A group of residents, including Caroline Jones, Derek Abbott, Jordy, Tina Hawkins and Isla, were pictured this week installing colourful netting along the fence surrounding the pool.

The work forms part of ongoing efforts by the community to clean, maintain and improve the popular splash area ahead of the warmer months.

Caroline explained the netting had a practical purpose as well as an aesthetic one.

She said: “It’s partly to try and prevent some of the grass cuttings getting into the pool but also to brighten the area up.”

Others suggested it could also help reduce the amount of litter blowing into the water – an issue that has been raised in previous summers.

The efforts were widely welcomed online, with many residents thanking those involved for giving up their time.

One commenter wrote: “A bit of praise for these volunteers who give our little ones a bit of enjoyment at the paddling pool. Well done all.”

Another added: “Well done and thank you everyone.”

Some questioned the need for the netting, with one resident saying: “I don’t understand the netting around the pool. It looked lovely as it was.”

The Rath paddling pool is a well-used facility during the summer months, particularly by families with young children, and relies heavily on volunteer support to keep it clean and operational.

Local groups, including TipTop Wheelies, are understood to be involved in helping prepare the site for the season.

Despite mixed views on the netting, the overwhelming response has been one of appreciation for those working behind the scenes to keep the facility open.

 

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