News

Politicians question Hart’s £800 tickets and hospitality from bank firm

Published

7 years ago

July 19, 2018

SIMON HART MP has been embroiled in controversy as it has emerged he accepted £800 worth of hospitality from a bank who has recently shut branches in the county.

Earlier this year, Mr Hart, MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, hosted a high profile public meeting with NatWest and local community leaders in what appeared to be an attempt to prevent the bank closing branches in Pembroke and Narberth.

It followed similar closures in St. Clears and Whitland, which have left many rural towns without any banking infrastructure, a move which has dismayed and angered local small businesses. Branches have been replaced with a weekly 45 minute mobile bank visit.

Mr Hart also expressed dismay that the mobile NatWest bank in Narberth is going to be placed on the outskirts of town and not in the High Street or the main town car park.

Yet The Parliamentary Register of Members’ Financial Interests shows that Mr Hart accepted £800 worth of tickets and hospitality to attend test match cricket at Lords from NatWest’s parent company, The Royal Bank of Scotland.

Local Labour Politicians Cllr Vic Dennis and Parliamentary Candidate Marc Tierney say that they are shocked Mr Hart would accept such a substantial gift when businesses and the wider community are unhappy at the way the big banks are treating rural constituencies like Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.

Cllr Vic Dennis said: “During our meeting, called by Simon Hart, I made it clear he should lobby the Treasury to tell RBS and NatWest to think again before proceeding with their closure programme. The closure of NatWest in Narberth also meant the removal of the town’s last remaining ATM on the High Street.

“I’m assured by businesses and customers that Narberth was a busy branch but our MP has failed to do what he set out to do, retain the bank and protect our most rural towns.

“I was horrified to learn that our MP has been accepting gifts of this nature particularly whilst this closure programme was underway.”

Marc Tierney said: “Our rural, coastal constituency deserves the best public representation. Local voters will be rightly feel betrayed by the insensitive actions of their Tory MP, who on the one hand is courting publicity for appearing to listen to local concerns, meanwhile when he is away in Westminster is accepting very generous donations from a bank who is actively acting against local interests.”

Mr Hart was not available for comment on the issue.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.