News

Councillor blocked from asking questions at Full Council

Published

7 years ago

April 27, 2018

A COUNCILLOR’S quest to find out why the council is spending so much money on agency staff to cover a lack of social workers in Pembrokeshire has hit a stumbling block. The member says it is because officers don’t want him to be asking awkward questions about poor planning and management regarding out of hours mental health social work.

Cllr Paul Dowson, who represents Pembroke Dock Central ward has told The Herald that temporary staff are being charged to the cash strapped Authority at £50 to £60 per hour, plus agency fees – but little or nothing is being done to recruit full time social workers, to assist with the long term care of local people in need.

Cllr Dowson submitted questions to be raised at the Full Council meeting on Thursday, May 10.

He is questioning how much money has been spent on out of hours social workers (Approved Mental Health Professionals) per year.

Cllr Dowson also wants to know what is being done to recruit for the posts, and what is being done to address the poor management complaints that the leavers were making.

However the legal officer for the council, Claire Incledon, has ruled that the questions were too late and cannot be raised at the meeting next week – because the questions were received at 1.34am on May 25 and not before midnight on May 24.

Cllr Dowson said: “This 94 minute delay, probably caused by the councils own servers being slow, makes no actual difference to the Authority as Committee Services do not work during the night. I have also had it on good authority that amendments or corrections to at least one other member’s questions were accepted the next working day – clearly showing that the council is trying to hide something or has a problem with me.”

He added: “I have also submitted a question about fly-tipping and dog fouling. The council has not had anyone qualified to issue fines or penalties to people fly tipping or dog fouling in the Local Authority area. With the summer coming up and holiday makers on the way, we need to get dog fouling under control – and we have all seen on social media the disgusting level of fly-tipping recently – but not one person in the Local Authority is qualified to enforce the law. That is wrong.”

“As a councillor I have been working tirelessly to get an enforcement officer for the last twelve months, and frustratingly so far this has not happened. My second question to Full Council, which also has not been accepted, sought to address this issue. It cannot wait until the July meeting as by then we will be well into the summer.

“The council needs to stop hiding behind petty excuses and archaic bureaucracy, and allow members to ask the questions which are important for the county. I understand there is a need for rules and deadlines, but an email received minutes late is not important to the people of Pembrokeshire – but tens of thousands of pounds being wasted on agency staff covering a lack of social workers who are mental health trained, dogs fouling in an important tourist area with no one to enforce the law, and a fly-tipping problem which we are nowhere to having a grip on is important to the people of Pembrokeshire!

“I know I am not popular with some officers in the Council because I am not a nodding donkey and don’t toe the line. A couple of weeks ago I was in a meeting the Chief Executive’s office and for some reason the Council’s Legal Officer Claire Incledon was present. She butted in to the conversation, in my view, unfairly, and I told her that ‘I didn’t give a f**k about her legal opinion.’

“Officers need to remember that it is not the tail which wags the dog, but the dog that wags the tail. This is now an officer led council, and we the democratically elected representatives of the people need our voice to be heard at Full Council on important issues. It is not a nodding shop for retired professionals to cover their funeral plans, but the collective voice of Pembrokeshire.”

News

First UK broadcasting devolution study gets go ahead

Published

3 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST four-nations study of broadcasting policy in a devolved UK is set to begin following the awarding of a major research grant to a Welsh expert.

Leading the study, Professor Jamie Medhurst from the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth University will work alongside Dr Phil Ramsey from Ulster University, Dr Inge Sorensen from the University of Glasgow, and Dr Tom Chivers from Goldsmiths, University of London.

***Professor Jamie Medhurst from the Department of Theatre, Film and TV Studies at Aberystwyth University***

Many policy areas, such as health and education, are the responsibility of the devolved governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

However, the legislative and ministerial powers for broadcasting remain in Westminster; held by the Secretary of State for the UK-wide Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

There is growing pressure from political parties in the devolved nations for broadcasting powers to be devolved, most recently in the Plaid Cymru and Scottish National Party manifestos for the 2024 General Election.

Professor Jamie Medhurst from the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies has been awarded a £79,600 Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Curiosity Grant to conduct the research.

Professor Medhurst said: “The concept of the UK – as a unitary state, made up of four nations – is coming increasingly under pressure, and the issue of how broadcasting both reacts to and shapes these debates is a growing issue on policy, political and academic horizons.

“This two-year project will provide a unique and novel forum for discussion, knowledge exchange and cooperation on current and future broadcasting policy in an evolving UK, with a focus on the devolution of broadcasting powers to Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.”

Dr Patrick Finney, Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Aberystwyth University said: “This research will make an important and timely contribution by helping to inform future debate and decision-making; benefitting policymakers, researchers, stakeholders and wider public understanding at a critical moment in the future of UK public service broadcasting.”

The research team will hold a workshop in each of the nations, bringing together academics, policymakers, politicians, and broadcasters to consider how broadcasting might operate in a more devolved United Kingdom.

Following each workshop, a briefing paper will be produced, drawing together the main issues discussed, together with policy recommendations.

In April 2027, a UK-wide conference will be held, where the final project report will be published. The report will reflect on the findings of the project and will provide a strong evidence base for decision making and policymaking going forward.

Community

Haverfordwest Carnival to make a comeback after six-year hiatus

Published

4 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MUCH-LOVED Haverfordwest Carnival, which has been absent from the local summer calendar for six years, is set to return in 2025. The event, which last took place in 2019 before the pandemic caused large gatherings to be cancelled, is eagerly anticipated by locals who are hopeful for a vibrant revival.

The carnival, known for its bright floats, marching bands, and community spirit, will once again fill the streets of the county town next year. It is being organized by Pure West Radio in partnership with Haverfordwest Town Council, and they are now reaching out to the public for input on key details, including the theme, preferred date, and ways to support the event.

Pure West Radio shared the exciting news on social media, announcing, “After six years, Haverfordwest Carnival is back for 2025! We’re partnering with Haverfordwest Town Council to bring back this iconic event, and we want to hear from you. What theme would you like to see? What day works best for you? And how would you like to get involved? Share your thoughts with us here.”

The announcement has been met with excitement from the community. Emma Flan reminisced, “The carnival was always the highlight of the summer when I was growing up. The town would be buzzing, with everyone out enjoying the day and night. So happy to see it returning, and I hope everyone gets involved.”

Others, like Michelle Dukes, agreed, saying, “It’s great news – the town really needs an event like this,” while Lucy Lulu Eagles fondly recalled, “I loved the carnival! I’d always look forward to the band playing and seeing the floats with the kids.”

One memorable edition of the carnival took place in 2006, when it was held at the Picton Playing Fields, featuring a Queen tribute act and a junior talent show. The 2018 carnival marked a major revival of the event after a few years’ absence, with a maritime theme celebrating the ‘Year of the Sea.’ Despite the wet weather, the procession, which started from County Hall, drew a big crowd and made its way through the town to Bridge Meadow.

The 2019 carnival saw the event moved to a Sunday as a grand finale to Haverfordwest Festival Week, and the sunny weather ensured a wonderful day out for all involved.

While the weather remains unpredictable for 2025, local input is highly encouraged to help make the event one to remember. If you have ideas or feedback, you can share them via the survey linked above.

Community

Classic motorcycles roar into Haverfordwest this weekend

Published

7 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CLASSIC bike enthusiasts are gearing up for a spectacular event at Haverhub this Saturday (May 3), as the Pembrokeshire Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Club hosts its eleventh annual Classic Bike Show.

The event, which runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm, is free to attend and promises a stunning display of 55 classic motorcycles, spanning from the 1920s through to the 1990s.

The show supports a range of worthy causes, including Milford Haven Sea Cadets, VC Gallery, Blood Bikes Wales, the Welsh Air Ambulance, road safety initiatives, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Liver Transplant Centre – which serves patients across Wales – and Haverhub itself.

Crowd favourite Becket “The Bullet” Thomas will be providing live entertainment during the afternoon, adding to the festival atmosphere.

Although entry is free, organisers are encouraging visitors to make donations to the supported charities, all of which provide vital services both locally and nationally.

A spokesperson for the club said: “We are really excited to showcase these wonderful machines and to support so many good causes at the same time. It’s a great day out for all ages.”

The event takes place at Haverhub, Quay Street, Haverfordwest. All classic bikes are welcome.

For more information or to register a bike, contact Glyn on 07795 485724 or email [email protected].