News

Councillor questions ‘cover-up’ over former headteacher

Published

9 years ago

December 19, 2017

A COUNCILLOR has said that Pembrokeshire County Council attempted to ‘cover up’ allegations against former Saundersfoot CP School Headteacher Helen Lester.

Cllr Jacob Williams submitted a late question to the meeting of Full Council that was held on Thursday, December 14, and Chairman Cllr Paul Harries allowed the following questions to be raised.

In his submission Cllr Williams said: “The Education Workforce Council’s Fitness to Practise Committee recently determined that Helen Lester, “acted with unacceptable professional misconduct” by, among other things, changing pupils’ test results in an effort to “make the school look good.”

“During the hearing it was claimed that concerns were brought to the attention of Pembrokeshire County Counil’s education department by the new Headteacher, Nick Allen, ten days after he started at the school, who was told there was no need for an investigation as the Headteacher in question had left.

“As a matter of urgency, under requisite powers, could the leader or cabinet member please respond to this incident, specifically addressing:

“When concerns were first brought to the education department’s attention, how these were treated, what the outcome was and if this is now being reviewed?

“Whether any efforts are being made to establish if similar practices have occurred at other schools, and to try and prevent future occurrences?”

Cllr David Lloyd, Cabinet Member for Education, responded saying: “This is a very serious matter. Initial concerns were raised by the new Headteacher with the Education department. However no evidence was provided to substantiate those concerns.

“Following consideration within the education department, the Head was advised that a re-test could be done to see if they were able to answer the questions. The Head notified the Education Department of the outcome but no further action was taken.

“On June 17, 2016, the Education department was contacted by someone making allegations against the former head. A further email was received by the chief executive with more detailed allegations were made under the association of headteachers and following conclusion of the investigations, the matter was referred to the Education Workforce Council for Wales for their consideration.

“The National Test Results were examined for all Schools in Pembrokeshire where there was any association to Helen Lester but no more concerns were raised.”

Cllr Lloyd went on to say that since that had taken place all schools were reminded of their duties by the Counter Fraud Awarness and training for Headteachers was also taken up.

Cllr Jacob Williams said: “This serious allegation had gone, so far, uncommented on by Council and I thought that the public were due a statement on this to reassure that a cover up hadn’t happened or that it had happened and it would be looked in to.

“Cllr Lloyd’s reply was quite helpful but deeply concerning. The concerns were brought to the Council’s Education department two years ago and rather than look at the allegations that test results had been fiddled or improper practices had been undertaken, their response was to put right the test results.

“It wasn’t until 2016 when further whistleblowing that this was investigated and it seems the right thing did happen. I do intend to take this further and I am quite clear now that there was an attempt to cover this up, it’s totally unacceptable.”

Cllr Williams went on to ask who it was that dealt with the allegation when they were first made in 2015 and if there was a policy in place that was followed.

Cllr Lloyd responded stating he did not know the answers to those questions.

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

3 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

5 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

5 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle