News

Kickstart scheme ‘success in Pembrokeshire’ says MP

Published

4 years ago

November 20, 2021

PRESELI MP, Stephen Crabb has welcomed the news of the success of the Kickstart scheme locally.

The UK Government’s Kickstart scheme, aimed at delivering more job opportunities for 16-24-year-olds in the wake of the pandemic, can be labelled a success story in Pembrokeshire with 110 individuals benefiting directly.

The success of this scheme comes on top of the positive unemployment figures for October. The unemployment rate in the constituency is now down to 3.8% and there were 50 fewer people claiming unemployment related benefits than in September. Figures in Preseli are lower than the average across the UK, which stand at 4.8%.

The Kickstart Scheme is part of a range of measures aimed at tackling long-term unemployment including an increase in the Minimum Wage and reduction to the Universal Credit withdrawal rate for people moving into work.

Mr Crabb believes that the drop in unemployment figures and the improving jobs market overall points to much stronger employment prospects in the future, particularly as the economy continues to rebound from the effects of Covid. Locally, Pembrokeshire has benefitted from the boom in staycations owing to the restrictions on international travel, but many hospitality firms have pointed to the difficulties in filling job vacancies.

Commenting on this week’s employment figures, Mr Crabb told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “The pandemic has been tough for young people, especially those looking for a job. I am delighted that the Kickstart scheme, which launched in September, has already had a direct impact in Pembrokeshire.”
“The measures announced in the recent Budget mean that we have the best opportunity in more than a generation to bring down long-term unemployment in this country. I was particularly pleased about the recent reduction in the Universal Credit withdrawal rate which will help smooth the path for people to move off benefits and take up paid work.”

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

52 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

20 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.