News

CCTV services to be reviewed

Published

11 years ago

April 4, 2014

DYFED-POWYS POLICE and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon is to review CCTV services originally installed to cut crime. He believes that provision across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys varies in effectiveness.

Budget pressures on local authorities mean that some CCTV services are being scrutinised by county halls. Mr Salmon said: “The police have never funded CCTV in Dyfed-Powys and any decision to cut funding is the responsibility of the local council.

“Nevertheless, I’m determined to ensure that our communities are kept safe. I’ve offered to contribute to CCTV provision with local authorities.

“I wish to simplify CCTV’s use, ensure it’s beneficial to communities and offer the public a clear understanding of its effectiveness.

“First, however, we must make sure we’re spending money wisely, so I’ve proposed a review, which my office will lead, to assess the appropriate future provision that balances safety, privacy and cost.”

Mr Salmon’s action, supported by Chief Constable Simon Prince, is to work with Dyfed-Powys’s four county councils to review CCTV provision. He will look at existing evidence of its effectiveness, the potential for improved or different technology to reduce crime, opportunities for more flexible monitoring and short-term options for greater consistency and flexibility.

Mr Salmon said: “Why this review? Down the years public bodies – although not obliged to do so – have installed a variety of CCTV systems with a range of technology, monitoring regimes and evaluation processes.

“The police have supported systems in a number of ways but I feel that, in the current financial climate, we need a more coordinated approach – one that is effective and efficient at a cost agreeable to all.

“Although the police do not fund CCTV right now, I am committed to providing a solution.”

In mid-March, following discussions with all four county council leaders, the Commissioner wrote to them outlining his proposed way forward.

He said: “Some town and community councils, businesses and others also have a stake in CCTV so we’ll ensure their needs are considered in the future work.”

Crime

Haverfordwest bank clerk accused of theft and fraud

Published

3 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST bank clerk has appeared in court accused of stealing a customer’s bank card and committing fraud by abuse of position.

Mary Roberts, 47, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, is charged with stealing a bank card belonging to Keith France on November 22, 2023.

She is also accused of dishonestly abusing her position while working as a bank clerk, intending to cause financial loss while in a role where she was expected to safeguard her customer’s interests.

Roberts appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 11), where she entered not guilty pleas to both charges.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing next month.

The offences are alleged to be contrary to the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Business

Cardigan shop wins St David’s Day competition

Published

4 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CARDIGAN Curiosities has won the St David’s Day shop window award for the Cardigan division, an accolade presented by Menter Iaith Ceredigion.

High Street businesses and Guildhall shops embraced the festivities, decorating their windows in a vibrant display to celebrate the national day of Wales and the arrival of spring. The event, which highlighted the Welsh language, saw enthusiastic participation from across Ceredigion.

To mark the occasion and show appreciation for the community, Cardigan Curiosities is offering the chance to win an exclusive piece of local artwork. The prize is a one-of-a-kind watercolour painting of the nave of St David’s Cathedral, created by a Pembrokeshire artist. The framed artwork measures 74×95 cm.

To enter the competition, participants must:

Visit the Cardigan Curiosities Facebook or Instagram page
Like the competition post
Comment with their favourite Welsh word

The winner will be drawn on March 20 by “Ddraig Goch” from inside a dragon egg, with the announcement made that evening on social media.

For those interested in viewing the artwork or the decorated shop window, Cardigan Curiosities is located at 32A Cardigan High Street and is open Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Community

Haverfordwest fire station hosts community engagement event

Published

4 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST FIRE STATION welcomed County Councillor Thomas Tudor for a community engagement event alongside Emyr and Amy from Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The event focused on the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2040, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing public safety across Mid and West Wales. The fire service is encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the plan by providing feedback through an online survey.

Councillor Tudor praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of community involvement in developing a safer and more resilient region.

Residents can participate in the consultation by visiting: www.mawwfire.gov.uk.