News

Call for council to take language ‘seriously’

Published

12 years ago

March 28, 2014

150 came to Haverfordwest on Saturday, 8 th of March to call on the County Council to start taking the Welsh language seriously in the first rally Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg has held in Pembrokeshire for some years. Cymdeithas members and supporters have been calling on the council for some months to make the Welsh language the language of the council; and are putting together a set of specific calls that the council can act on immediately in order to full fill this call.

This comes following a job advertisement for a social work post which noted that the language was a first language ‘for some people in parts of the county;’ and that the successful candidate could ‘master a few phrases in Welsh as a matter of courtesy” if they wish.

Addressing the rally Hefin Wyn said: “We call upon Pembrokeshire County Council to adopt a positive attitude towards the Welsh language so that ratepayers do not have to ask over and over again for various services through the medium of Welsh. Over 60 years ago Pembrokeshire County Council was united and supportive of the battle to keep the Preselau free of military presence. Several councillors were members of the Preseli Preservation Committee. That battle was won because the whole county was united in its opposition. We call upon the county council to be equally supportive of the efforts to preserve the Welsh language. We do not ask for concessions here and there but for clear unequivocal leadership. “No pride is shown in the fact that the language is still spoken in the county and that there are many of us who wish to see its survival. Welsh has not been confined to a particular remote corner of the county. We call for a meeting with the Chief Executive himself to discuss a positive strategy to enhance the use of the language.”

Residents from all over the county were given the opportunity to share their experiences of dealing with the council in Welsh, with examples ranging from failing to get swimming lessons in Welsh, the need for Welsh medium education and concerns about the effects of service cuts on the Welsh language.

One of the campaigners said:

“Its about time that the officials we have in this county to show respect towards Welsh speakers and the language. It should be essential for people working in the council to be able to speak Welsh. It is no different to someone needing the right licence before getting a job as a bus driver, or a doctor getting the right training and qualifications for the job.”

Crime

Police probe ball bearing damage in Haverfordwest

Published

3 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating reports of criminal damage in Haverfordwest after suspected metal ball bearings were used to damage a vehicle and a property.

Dyfed-Powys Police said damage was caused to the wing mirror of a blue Range Rover Evoque on Glenfields Road sometime between 11:10am and 11:20am on Sunday, May 10.

Officers believe metal ball bearings may have been used.

A second incident was reported at around 2:30pm on Tuesday, May 12, when the window of a property on Glenfields Road was allegedly struck by a suspected metal ball bearing.

Police said local officers are continuing to speak with residents after receiving a number of calls about ball bearings being found in the Glenfields Road and Old Hakin Road areas.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 26*375605.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

5 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

5 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.