News
Council leader’s Coronavirus update (Wed, March 18)
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Leader, Councillor David Simpson, has provided a further coronavirus update:
“Yesterday we highlighted a range of developments relating to the closure of our day centres; the suspension of Council meetings and support for Pembrokeshire businesses.
“Today I want to mention:
• the announcement by Welsh Government that it is bringing forward the Easter break for schools in Wales, Schools will close for statutory provision of education at the latest on 20th March. The statement on school closures in Wales is available at: https://gov.wales/statement-minster-education-kirsty-williams-school-closures-wales
• the Council’s own Business Continuity response continues to be ramped up and includes the formation of a Business Continuity response team and a more detailed plan; the implementation of an agile working approach for the Authority’s employees; a review of finance information, ensuring that data sharing protocols are robust and in place; keeping our building maintenance arrangements working effectively (such as council house repairs) and Contact Centre arrangements.
• yesterday I noted that Council meetings are being suspended. This means we need to look at ensuring governance arrangements for the Authority during the coronavirus outbreak are kept reviewed and remain robust. I am aware that key parties such as Welsh Local Government Association and the Welsh Government are urgently looking at this. When there is more detail around this I will update further.
“Today we have issued press releases covering:
• joint working between myself and my counterparts at Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion county councils and with the Chair of the Hywel Dda University Health Board
• advice relating to ceremonies provided by the Pembrokeshire Registration Service
“Our own staff are working hard on responding to this rapidly developing situation. As in most organisations they are one of our greatest assets. Latest advice comprising FAQs, guidance and internal updates are being made available to staff on the Council’s intranet.
“Public Health Wales continue to provide information and statements on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and I recommend you view their public website for the latest information and updates.”
Useful links:
• www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/coronavirus
• www.sir-benfro.gov.uk/coronafeirws
• https://phw.nhs.wales/
• https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance
Crime
Fence posts thrown into field damage farming equipment
POLICE are appealing for information after fence posts were removed and thrown into a field between Croesgoch and Llanrhian.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the alleged criminal damage happened sometime between Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3.
The posts, which were next to woodland between the two villages, were removed from the ground and thrown into a nearby field.
They later became lodged in farming equipment, causing significant damage.
Police said the area is only accessible via a footpath.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.
Quote reference: 26*366788.
News
Claire Archibald vows to ‘stand up for rural Wales’ after Senedd election victory
New MS says every constituent enquiry will be taken seriously as she opens doors to public
NEWLY elected Senedd Member Claire Archibald has pledged to be “available to all constituents” across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion after formally taking up her role representing the region.
Archibald, who was elected earlier this month, said she was “deeply grateful” to everyone who had placed their trust in her and promised to work hard on behalf of communities across west Wales.
In a statement issued following her election, the new MS said she intended to keep her offices open and accessible, with a focus on helping residents with day-to-day concerns.
Claire Archibald said: “I am honoured to have been selected as a representative for Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me.
“I want to be available to all constituents who need my support. My offices will be open, and every enquiry will be taken seriously. I will do my very best to help every single person here in our beautiful corner of Wales.”
Archibald said she entered politics because she believed Wales was “heading in the wrong direction” and wanted to help protect communities, family values and frontline services.
She added: “Above all, I want to make sure Cardiff Bay understands that rural communities matter too.”
Her comments are likely to resonate with many voters in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, where issues including healthcare access, farming pressures, transport links and cost-of-living concerns featured heavily during the Senedd election campaign.
Archibald joins the new intake of representatives following the first election held under Wales’ expanded Senedd system, with Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion now represented under the larger multi-member constituency model.
Taking office: Claire Archibald MS after being selected to represent Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion in the Senedd (Pic: Supplied).
Local Government
Pembrokeshire County Council welcomes new chairman
CLLR DELME HARRIES has been elected chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council for the coming municipal year.
Cllr Harries, who was elected in 2022 to represent the Bro Gwaun ward, is a member of the Independent Group.
He has worked for the NFU for many years and has extensive experience in agriculture, governance and community leadership.
Within the council, he has held several key roles, including chairman of the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee. He is also the council’s Members’ Champion for the Welsh Language and for Children and Young People.
Cllr Harries is deeply involved in education and youth development. He serves as a local authority governor at Ysgol Ger y Llan and Ysgol Casmael a Llychllwydog, and is club leader of Llysyfran Young Farmers Club.
He also chairs the POINT Youth Project in Fishguard, where he is a trustee.
Young Farmers background
Cllr Harries has held numerous senior leadership roles within the Young Farmers’ movement at county, national and international level.
These include chair of the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs from 2019 to 2024, chair of Wales Young Farmers Clubs, chair of European Young Farmers, and chair of Pembrokeshire YFC.
In recognition of his contribution, he has been awarded honorary life memberships and vice-presidencies within Young Farmers organisations at county, national and UK level.
He is also a director and trustee of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society.

Upon taking the chains, Cllr Harries thanked outgoing chairman Cllr Maureen Bowen.
He said: “I am truly humbled and honoured to have your support in appointing me as Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council for the coming year.
“When I was elected to represent the Bro Gwaun ward in 2022, this role was certainly not on my list of expectations. To now stand before you as your Chair is something I feel deeply privileged to do, and I am extremely grateful for the confidence you have placed in me to serve as the civic leader of this authority.
“I am particularly proud to serve as Chair in a year when Pembrokeshire will welcome the National Eisteddfod. This is a moment of huge significance for our county, and I hope we will all embrace this wonderful event, which promises to be one of the very best.
“I look forward to seeing many of you in Llantood this August as we celebrate our language, culture and heritage together.”
Cllr Nick Neumann was elected vice-chairman for the coming year. He was nominated by Cllr Di Clements and seconded by Cllr Mark Carter.
Caption:
New chairman: Cllr Delme Harries with new vice-chairman Cllr Nick Neumann, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed Meurig Raymond, High Sheriff of Dyfed Andrew Phillips, Presiding Member Cllr Simon Hancock and outgoing chairman Cllr Maureen Bowen.
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