News
Minister reflects on Coastguard decision
FORMER Under Secretary of State for Transport, Mike Penning MP, met Milford Haven Coastguard on Wednesday on his first visit since he decided to keep services functioning in Pembrokeshire.
He told the Coastguard that he had listened to what the public expect of him and explained that the decision was made on risk, pointing out that the decision to save Milford Coastguard over Swansea was made easier by the fact that Swansea closed and passed over duty to Milford Haven on the day he visited them. He then alluded to the fact that it was a very difficult decision, nationally, and also an economic decision. Speaking to the Herald, he said: “I had inherited the situation that there was going to be a reconfiguration of the Coastguard. I had to look carefully at what the decision was, and the decision meant Milford was going to close. I went around all the Coastguards and met a lot of the people that were protesting, I went everywhere, and at the end of the day I think I made the right decision for Pembrokeshire, and the Coastguards as a whole, to keep Milford open. “This is a social call as I’m here in another capacity, being responsible for health and safety. I was looking at the port and natural gas terminals, but I also wanted to make a personal visit here. I wanted to come back and see how it was working and it seems to be working really, really well. I am very impressed, seeing all the new technology. “There will always be local issues on health and safety but the record here is excellent. Any injury is one too many, of course. What the community need to do is work together for the future of this port.” Referring to his role as Minister of State for Disabled People, he said: “We must make sure that people with disability can live their dreams and have their aspirations and have a great life.” Stephen Crabb MP, who was also in attendance, applauded the saving of Milford Haven Coastguard as the ‘right outcome’ and went on to say: “The last time he (Mike Penning) visited Pembrokeshire was when I asked him to come down here when we had the great campaign to save Milford Coastguard station. “I asked him to come and see for himself the coastline here, and to meet with the Coastguard campaign group who were fighting to save the Coastguard, and asked him as the Minister then to reconsider the decision to close Milford Haven Coastguard. “So I am really pleased that he is back in Pembrokeshire, albeit with a different Ministerial hat, visiting the Coastguard station that he saved. Politicians and government are often accused of not listening and trampling ahead with proposals without really taking on board what local people are saying. “This is an instance where the local community made its voice heard very powerfully, through media and elsewhere. The Minister came down and met with the campaign group and with myself and went away and made a different decision. This is a great example of a government who listens.”
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
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