News
Haverfordwest: Multiple arrests made in county town day of action
A DAY of action was held in Haverfordwest over the weekend (Jun 16 – 17) targeting the crimes and issues that are having a negative impact on the community.
The activity took place on Saturday, June 16, and included tackling under-age drinking, drug dealing, drink driving, anti-social behaviour, and modern day slavery.
Officers teamed up with Wales Ambulance Service and Street Pastors to carry out a targeted day of activity clamping down on problems that have been reported to them by the community.
Amongst the many results for the day, three arrests were made.
33-year-old Paul Jenkins from Dew Street, Haverfordwest was arrested for failing to attend at court. He was transferred to the courts on Monday, June 18.
A 17-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of common assault and threats to commit criminal damage. He was released under investigation on June 16.
A 13-year-old boy from Haverfordwest, was arrested on suspicion aggravated burglary, vehicle theft, resisting arrest and assault. He was later released under investigation.
Sergeant Reuben Palin said: “It was a highly successful day that not only led to arrests and warnings, but also gave officers and partners the opportunity to show the local community that their concerns are taken seriously and while they may not see immediate action if they report something to us, they should be reassured that we will be building an intelligence picture in the background that then leads us to carry out enforcement and engagement action like this. It should also serve as a warning to any potential offenders that we will take robust action when appropriate.”
A test purchase operation targeted three licenced premises in the town. Two out of the three allowed the 16 and 17 year old test purchasers into the premises and served them alcohol with no questions asked around identification. The third business asked for identification. When none was provided they were refused entry. All three businesses were given immediate feedback and police will continue to work with them.
Two drugs warrants were carried out in Solva. The first was at a property on Bryn Seion. Cannabis worth over £1,000 was found at one property. Enquiries are being made against a man in relation to possession with intention to supply drugs.
The second warrant was carried out at Maes y Mor. Police Dog Dash searched the property and found cannabis resin. Joint patrols were carried out by Wales Ambulance Service and police. They dealt with a variety of things throughout the evening, including an assault in Tenby where paramedic assistance was required and a serious road traffic collision.
90 roadside breath tests were carried out and no drivers were found to be over the drink-drive limit. Officers also carried out vehicle spot checks.
A community engagement event was held at Withybush Retail Park round the issues of speeding. Information was also available about Sherlock and Goleudy, a service commissioned by the Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn for victims and witnesses of crime
Working conditions were checked at key locations in the town to ensure no employees were being forced to work there as a modern day slave.
A section 34 notice was put in place at Castle Square and the multi storey car park to address anti-social behaviour in the area. Nine section 35 notices were also issued, which bans that person from returning to a designated area for the next 24-hours.
Police at Haverfordwest urge members of the community to report anything they feel is suspicious or as requiring police attention, to report it to officers by calling 101, approaching an officer on the street or calling in at the police station.
News
Pembrokeshire tree surgeon ‘hits a nerve’ after derogatory remarks about his mother
A NARBERTH pub dispute left a local tree surgeon with a suspended sentence after he reacted to offensive comments made about his mother.
The incident unfolded on October 18 at The Dragon Inn, Narberth, where Ashley Williams, 34, allegedly retaliated after fellow pub-goer Paul Deary made provocative remarks about his mother. Both men had been drinking when, around 10:00pm, Deary reportedly launched into derogatory comments about engaging with Williams’ mother, according to Williams’ solicitor, Tom Lloyd.
“Out of nowhere, the complainant directed significant and completely inappropriate comments at the defendant,” said Mr. Lloyd.
In response, Williams, of Stoneyford Farm, Narberth, confronted Deary, pushing him backward and causing him to hit his head against a wall. The impact left Deary with a serious head wound requiring 45 stitches, which will leave a permanent scar, as confirmed by Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan.
In a victim impact statement, Deary expressed feeling “unsafe in my hometown” following the altercation and shared that he has since resorted to “sofa surfing” to avoid returning home.
The court also heard that Deary’s mobile phone and necklace were damaged in the confrontation.
Williams, who pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm, was represented by Mr. Lloyd, who highlighted the provocatory nature of Deary’s comments. “It wasn’t his intention to inflict such injury,” said Mr. Lloyd. “However, it’s crucial to consider the degree of provocation.”
Probation officer Julie Norman informed the court that Williams had consumed around eight pints after finishing work that evening. “Those comments hit a nerve. Had he not been drinking, he’d likely have walked away,” she said.
Williams was handed a 26-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £500 in compensation to Deary, including £200 for the damage to his mobile phone and necklace. He must also pay a £154 court surcharge and £85 in costs. Additionally, he is required to complete ten rehabilitation activity days and will be fitted with an alcohol monitoring tag for 120 days.
Business
Stena announces redundancy plan amid uncertainty for Pembrokeshire
FREIGHT carrier and ferry operator Stena Line, which runs services between Fishguard and Rosslare, has announced plans to cut up to 80 staff members following an internal review.
Uncertainty looms over whether any of these redundancies will impact staff operating our local ferry services.
Stena CEO Paul Grant shared the news in an email to employees on Monday, citing a need to “future proof the company.” He explained that an internal assessment revealed the company’s current organisational structure as “too big and expensive” compared to its revenue.
The decision comes amid rising costs and increased competition in the freight and travel sectors.
According to Mr. Grant, “Cost pressure due to higher inflation has led to our customers having less money to spend, and with the introduction of the European Emission Trading Scheme (ETS), increasing our prices, we see a decline in volumes for both travel and freight.” Additionally, disappointing sales during the summer season and unmet market growth expectations for 2024 contributed to the restructuring.
The program, designed to strengthen Stena’s long-term business viability, includes a reduction of costs, prioritization of investments, and staff cuts that will primarily impact support functions and consultants. The workforce will be reduced by 80 positions by early 2025, along with 30 consultants also set to leave the company. Discussions with unions and work councils are expected to last several months, with all affected staff to be informed of their status by January 31, 2025.
In response to this announcement, the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) has demanded a meeting with Stena Line to clarify the impact of these cuts, particularly on their members.
TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust expressed disappointment over the handling of the announcement, stating: “Our members are shocked by this news and outraged that Stena has chosen to sidestep established industrial relations processes. Stena must meet with us urgently to clarify who is at risk and address the potential impacts on our members.”
The layoffs are part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at securing Stena Line’s future amid sustainability challenges. CEO Niclas Mårtensson acknowledged the difficult decision, stating, “Stena Line has been a successful company over the past few years; however, we need to ensure a lower cost base to be able to future proof the company. With 40 vessels in Europe and the Mediterranean, we have significant sustainability challenges ahead of us, and this program will enable us to make necessary investments for the future.”
The TSSA’s letter to Stena reiterates the union’s commitment to supporting affected employees and calls for an immediate discussion to clarify the situation, especially for staff at Fishguard who may be impacted.
News
UK government to appoint first Wales Crown Estate Commissioner
FOR the first time, the UK government will appoint a Crown Estate Commissioner dedicated to advising on matters in Wales, further integrating Welsh interests in board-level decisions. This move supports existing efforts to ensure that Wales benefits from the push for clean energy, following an agreement facilitated by the Welsh Secretary.
An amendment to the Crown Estate Bill, with cross-party backing from Labour, Plaid Cymru, Liberal Democrats, and crossbenchers, will be accepted at today’s Lords Report Stage (Nov 5). This change mandates the appointment of a Wales-specific Commissioner through the Public Appointments process, with input from the Welsh Government. The appointee will bear “an additional responsibility” to represent Welsh conditions and interests, amplifying Wales’s voice within the Crown Estate.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has collaborated with the Treasury, The Crown Estate, House of Lords members, and the Welsh Government to secure this legislative advancement. The Crown Estate, instrumental in drawing international investment to Wales, supports projects like Floating Offshore Wind in the Celtic Sea, which promises cleaner energy and job creation.
The introduction of a Wales-specific Commissioner strengthens The Crown Estate’s mission to serve the entire UK while averting potential market fragmentation and protecting international investor confidence critical to the net-zero transition.
In a related effort, Great British Energy, the government’s new public energy firm, recently partnered with The Crown Estate to expedite renewable energy advancements. This initiative could attract up to £60bn in private investment, boosting the UK’s journey toward energy independence.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens stated: “This is a landmark step toward ensuring that Welsh prosperity is at the heart of the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower. Our nation stands to benefit hugely from investment in floating offshore wind, and we now have the representation we need to help seize that moment. This demonstrates how Wales benefits directly from its two governments working together, and I’m grateful to Lord Livermore, The Crown Estate, and others for helping to make this happen.”
Sir Robin Budenberg CBE, Chair of The Crown Estate, said: “In seeking to increase the number of Commissioners from eight to twelve, The Crown Estate welcomes the opportunity now presented by this amendment to bring even more direct knowledge and understanding of the areas in which we operate and further strengthen our ability to deliver benefit to the whole of the UK.”
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