News

Leader’s update: Help us to drive down Covid-19 cases

Published

3 years ago

October 3, 2021

THE FOLLOWING is an update from the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Councik, Cllr David Simpson:
Hello everyone, I hope you are well.
I’d like to start by giving an update on the Covid-19 situation here in Pembrokeshire.
As I write the positive case rate locally is 457 per 100,000 people and across Wales it has now reached 650 per 100,000 – the highest it has been in 2021.
We remain at Alert Level 0 and I would like to reinforce that the Welsh Government advice is still to work from home if you can.
This is one of the most effective ways to reduce transmission of Covid-19.
Please continue to wear a face covering where required, meet outdoors if you can, wash hands regularly and get tested if you have any symptoms of Covid-19.
Please take up the offer of vaccination, it is the best defence we have against Covid-19.
Each of us doing our bit will really make a difference, especially as we head into the colder months.
In our schools, the number of Covid cases amongst learners remains higher than we would like it to be.
Families are reminded that where learners have symptoms they should remain at home and seek a PCR test.
They should self-isolate as required until either a negative outcome is returned or until the end of the 10 day isolation period for a positive PCR test.
All schools remain open and we are keeping our processes under review against the Local Decision Making Framework.
Schools remain in the moderate category in this framework and we thank our school staff for their ongoing commitment to learners and providing education.
Moving away from Covid now, you will no doubt have seen that there have been media reports of some petrol shortages across the UK over the past week.
I am grateful to the Dyfed-Powys Local Resilience Forum for reassuring that the vast majority of supplies across our region have been unaffected.
I echo the call to continue to purchase fuel responsibly and calmly to ensure there is plenty to go around, especially for our hardworking colleagues in the health and emergency services and all keyworkers.
Recently we announced that we would be joining other Local Authorities to help Afghan refugees in Wales and to do this we need your help.
We continue to seek suitable accommodation in the private rented sector to house Afghan Refugees.
If you have a property that is currently empty and could be made available then please get in touch with the Refugee Resettlement Coordinator, via our contact centre on 01437 764551 or email [email protected] and we can discuss this further with you.
This accommodation needs to be self-contained and available for a minimum of 12 months, but in return we will guarantee the rent for this period and support is provided to ensure that the refugees are able to settle into the area.
Finally, at the end of last week a group of young climate change campaigners marched to County Hall.
As this was happening outside, our managers were inside in a managers’ forum on climate change so it was very powerful for them to hear the young people chanting as they discussed the same subject.
As an administration we share the passion of those young people to respond to and tackle climate change.
The Council announced a climate emergency in 2019 and has since set up an action plan to steer the Council towards becoming a net zero-carbon local authority by 2030.
This document is available on our website and details what we have done so far, plus plans for the future.
Climate change is real and it is happening across the world and impacting on local communities in Pembrokeshire.
It is up to us to change this.
Stay safe everyone

Health

New Chief Medical Officer for Wales appointed

Published

4 hours ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PROFESSOR Isabel Oliver has been named the new Chief Medical Officer for Wales, bringing a wealth of experience to the role.

Prof. Oliver joins the Welsh Government from her position as Director General of Science and Research and Chief Scientific Officer at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). She will provide clinical leadership and offer independent professional advice to the Welsh Government on health and public health matters. Her role includes tackling health inequalities and leading efforts to improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes across Wales.

Having started her career in acute hospital medicine in the West Midlands and South West England, Prof. Oliver transitioned to public health. She previously served as Director of the National Infection Service at Public Health England (PHE) and is co-director of the National Institute for Health Research’s Health Protection Research Unit on Behavioural Science and Evaluation at the University of Bristol. She is also an honorary professor at University College London.

Cabinet Secretary’s Welcome
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles, praised the appointment, saying:
“Professor Oliver brings a wealth of experience to Wales after working at a senior level in public health in the UK, and I look forward to working with her.
“I’m delighted she has joined us as we work to improve health and wellbeing, and I’d like to offer her a warm welcome to Wales.”

Excited for the Challenge
Prof. Oliver expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating:
“It is an honour to be appointed as the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, and I am very excited to work with the dedicated health professionals and communities across Wales to create a healthier Wales and safeguard our NHS.

“Today, we face challenges from our ageing population, inequalities, and global factors such as climate change. For someone like me, with a great passion for health and wellbeing, Wales offers unique opportunities to secure major improvements in public health and health services, thanks to innovative policies and effective collaboration between sectors. It will be my privilege to serve the people of Wales to secure healthy, resilient, and prosperous communities.”

Prof. Oliver, a keen runner like her predecessor, is set to participate in the Newport Marathon later this year. She succeeds Sir Dr. Frank Atherton, who steps down at the end of January.

Contact Details:
William Davies
0300 0258 788
[email protected]

Let me know if further tweaks are needed!

Crime

Three men jailed for £620,000 cannabis production at former Llandysul school

Published

4 hours ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THREE men have been sentenced for producing cannabis worth up to £620,000 at a former school building in Llandysul.

Njazi Gjana, 27, and Ervin Gjana, 24, were each sentenced to two years and six months in prison, while Armeld Troski, 29, received a three-year and four-month prison sentence.

The operation followed a warrant executed by Dyfed-Powys Police on Friday, November 15, 2024, after reports from the public about suspicious activity at the site. Upon entry, officers discovered a large-scale and sophisticated cannabis cultivation setup spanning three floors. The building had been heavily modified to accommodate the illegal operation.

***Llandysul school burned down after the cannabis grow was discovered (Pic: Herald)***

Arrests made after pursuit

During their search of the property, officers heard movement downstairs and arrested two individuals, Njazi and Armeld, on-site. A third man, later identified as Ervin Gjana, escaped by climbing over a wire fence and fleeing into nearby fields. However, police used a drone and conducted a physical search, eventually locating Gjana on a roadside. He was soaking wet and scratched from brambles when arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis.

All three men were charged with producing a Class B drug and pleaded guilty at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, December 20, 2024.

***The police took photos after the grow was discovered (Pic: DPP)***

Police praise public for vigilance

Detective Constable Ben Nicholls said: “I’d like to thank the Llandysul community for their vigilance and proactivity in reporting suspicious activity to police.

“The information we receive from members of the community helps us build the picture of illegal activity that allows us to execute warrants such as this to ensure our area remains hostile to those who deal drugs.

“Monday’s sentencing serves as a reminder of our dedication to removing and preventing harmful substances damaging our communities, and we thank the public for the crucial role they play in this work.”

Signs of cannabis cultivation

Police encourage the public to report any concerns or suspicions about cannabis cultivation. Indicators include:

A distinctive aroma coming from a property and noises from ventilation fans.
Blacked-out windows to avoid detection.
People and vehicles arriving at odd hours.
Bright lights on continuously in seemingly vacant properties.
Excessive condensation on windows.
Unusual wiring or bypassed electricity meters.
‘Garden’ rubbish, such as plant pots, fertiliser, and chemicals.

Any information, no matter how small, could assist in tackling drug-related crime. Reports can be made via:

🖥️ | Online contact
📧 | [email protected]
💬 | Social media direct messages
📞 | Non-emergency: 101

For the deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired: text 07811 311 908.

For updates on local policing, appeals, and events, follow Lampeter, Aberaeron, and Llandysul Police on Facebook.

Community

Drop in sessions to help reshape Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

Published

4 hours ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is pleased to announce the launch of a series of community drop-in sessions designed to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders. This initiative aims to identify issues and challenges that may impact the delivery of the Community Risk Management Plan 2040 (CRMP 2040).

The CRMP 2040 outlines the Service’s commitment to addressing risks, threats, and challenges faced by communities. These drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of fire and rescue services in Mid and West Wales, ensuring safety and well-being remain a priority.

Shaping the future together

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Iwan Cray said: “We believe the best way to serve our communities is by involving them in the planning process. These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and collaborate with the people we serve.”

The drop-in sessions, details of which are available on the MAWWFRS website, offer a platform for open dialogue. Residents can share their insights, concerns, and suggestions, contributing to the development of a modern Fire and Rescue Service tailored to their needs.

A data-driven approach

The CRMP 2040 adopts a data-driven approach, focusing on prevention, protection, and response to reduce emergencies’ impact and enhance public safety. By tailoring services to community needs, MAWWFRS is committed to building safer and more resilient communities.

Get involved

Community members are encouraged to attend these sessions and provide their feedback. To thank participants, MAWWFRS is offering a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. To enter, simply attend a session and complete the survey.

For more information about the plan or the upcoming drop-in sessions, visit the MAWWFRS website or contact the team at [email protected].

About MAWWFRS

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is dedicated to protecting and serving the communities of Mid and West Wales. Through prevention, protection, and response, the Service works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.