News
Rapist councillor finally resigns following child sex conviction

A COUNTY COUNCILLOR convicted of raping a child has finally voluntarily resigned.
The Herald has seen documentation this morning (Aug 1) which confirms David ‘Dai’ Boswell has resigned from his position.
David Boswell, 58, formerly Mayor of Pembroke, was jailed last month after being found guilty of raping a girl and abusing another, when both were 10-years-old.
The resignation means that a by-election for the Pembroke St Mary North seat can now be arranged by Pembrokeshire County Council.
Boswell, of Bush Street in Pembroke Dock, had been elected to represent Pembroke St Mary North in May 2017, going on to become the Town Mayor.
Boswell then had to stand down from that role after less than three months due to the charges from the police.
A council spokesman told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “The Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire County Council has received a letter of resignation from David Boswell in relation to his role as County Councillor and also as Pembroke Town Councillor.
“As Returning Officer, Mr Ian Westley is making immediate arrangements to hold a by-election for the County Council ward of Pembroke St Mary North and also for the Town Council if called.
“The Council will, together with the Welsh Local Government Association, be lobbying Welsh Government for a change in legislation to address the lack of immediate powers of suspension following conviction and sentence for such serious offences.
“The Council has, throughout the past year, carried out extensive efforts with its partner agencies – including the Town Council – to put safeguarding first and to ensure that Mr Boswell did not carry out ward work, attend Council events or attend meetings which would place him in contact with, or make any key decisions in relation to, children.
“The Council has also, since the date of conviction, made every effort to bring the matter to a swift conclusion.
“Our thoughts go out to the victims and families affected and we thank them for their immense courage in bringing this matter forward. We also thank Dyfed-Powys police who have worked closely with the Council throughout this difficult period.”
Business
Tenby Stores wins £5,000 award for community support

TENBY STORES has been recognised as a Local Retail Champion, earning a £5,000 prize from Allwyn’s National Lottery Social Value Fund for its outstanding community support.
The shop has been praised for its commitment to helping the local area, providing free fruit to schools, assisting with the community fridge, and ensuring elderly residents receive their groceries with care.
Henry Tufnell MP expressed his delight at the recognition, stating: “Small businesses like Tenby Stores are the backbone of our communities, and I couldn’t be prouder to see them celebrated.”
The award highlights the important role independent retailers play in supporting local people.
News
Welsh Government’s £789m investment package approved by Senedd

THE WELSH GOVERMENT’S Second Supplementary Budget 2024-25 has today been approved by the Senedd.
The £789m funding package, which was published in February, received final approval today. It includes substantial investments which have been delivered throughout the year, including:
- £264m for public sector pay rises announced in September.
- £108m for NHS improvements, including £50m to reduce the longest waiting times by the end of March 2025.
- £63.5m to improve school standards and support education at all levels.
- £53.5m for school and college infrastructure repairs and digital improvements.
- £10m to increase social housing through the Social Housing Grant.
Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “We welcome the Senedd’s approval of this crucial budget. This investment strengthens the services that matter most to the people of Wales. The extra funding is supporting improvements in the NHS and schools; has provided pay increases for public sector workers and is helping to build more affordable homes for Welsh families.”
The Second Supplementary Budget also includes £166.7m for rail improvements and sustainable travel, £33.5m for road network safety, and £10m in emergency support for local authorities to repair damage caused by the winter storms.
The budget provides the essential foundation for the Welsh Government’s financial planning for 2025-26.
Crime
Domestic violence offender jailed after breaching court order

A LONG-STANDING Pembrokeshire domestic violence offender has been sent back to prison after breaching a domestic violence protection order.
Paul Webber was arrested on March 18 after being seen kissing his victim outside probation offices in Haverfordwest, despite a court order preventing contact.
A court order imposed by Llanelli magistrates earlier this month prevented him from making any contact with the female after being convicted of threatening to kill her, strangle her, and sexually assault her.
“On March 12, a report was made to police that he’d attended a probation appointment with the female, who remained standing outside the offices,” a spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
“Police officers viewed the CCTV footage and recognised the female as the victim.
“This was clearly a breach of the domestic violence protection order towards a vulnerable woman, and there’s also concern that she minimises incidents. He’s known as a domestic violence instigator with previous partners.”
Webber, of Winch Lane, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to breaching the domestic violence protection order.
He was sentenced to 28 days in custody.
“You were aware of the terms of the order but you deliberately breached it,” said the presiding magistrate when passing sentence.
“You showed a complete disregard for it.”
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