News

Email from Councillor prompts Pembroke Dock mayor to resign

Published

5 years ago

November 26, 2021

AN EMAIL enquiring to why the Mayor of Pembroke Dock had been absent from his civic duties has led to confirmation from the town hall that he has now resigned.

Cllr Paul Dowson had sent an email on Thursday explaining that many in his ward were expressing concern that the Mayor had not been seen in a while

His email to the Pembroke Dock Town Council read as follows: “I am somewhat concerned about the situation regarding The Town Mayor Mr Terry Judkins. It appears he is not performing any mayoral duties or attending civic functions, although I am not a member of Pembroke Dock Town Council, As a county Councillor for the town I am seeking an explanation for this highly unusual situation.

“It appears that I am not the only person to notice the absence of the Mayor, as there is a great deal of speculation within the town and we could do without any unnecessary scandal or untruths circulating on the subject.

“I would be grateful for an explanation regarding this matter.”

Cllr Dowson said he then received a message to say that the Mayor had resigned.

The Town Clerk told The Herald by telephone on Friday morning: “The Mayor has resigned and will be replaced temporarily by Cllr Josh Beynon as Acting Mayor. The resignation was for personal reasons.”

The Town Council said that they would send an official statement in due course, following their next meeting.

Cllr Joshua Beynon said: “As the Mayor of Pembroke Dock has resigned from the office of Mayor of the town, as Deputy Mayor, I have administered the mayoral oath of office and I have been sworn in as the Interim Mayor of Pembroke Dock.

“It’s an honour to be the youngest Mayor in both the town and Pembrokeshire’s history and I look forward to promoting the town and the values I hold dear of compassion, equality and kindness.

Sarah Scourfield, Town Clerk has released a statement saying: “It is with regret that the office of Pembroke Dock Town Council has been informed that the Mayor Cllr Terry Judkins will be stepping down as Mayor with immediate effect. “Cllr Judkins has thanked Councillors for support during his short term, but due to personal reasons and extra work commitments this has resulted in him being unable to attend events and give his full attention to the role.

“He therefore felt it was best for him to step down and allow the Deputy Mayor Cllr Beynon to take over the role for the remainder of the term to allow for events to be represented in events throughout the County.

“Cllr Joshua Beynon will undertake the role as interim Mayor until the next meeting of Full Council which will take place on Thursday 2nd December 2021 where the official voting will take place for Mayor and Deputy Mayor, who will remain in office until May 2022.”

Cllr Beynon takes office as Acting Mayor (Pic Facebook)

Local Government

Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall

Published

1 hour ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE ARMED FORCES flag is flying proudly at County Hall this week ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock were among those who marked the flag raising on Monday morning (June 22).

Also present were the Chairman of Council, Cllr Delme Harries, the Chief Executive, Will Bramble and the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards.

Cllr Hancock said: “It is always a very proud moment to see the Armed Forces Flag flying over County Hall.

“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve, as well as the families and communities who support them.

“Our county has a rich history of connection with the Armed Forces, and we are proud to uphold and strengthen that bond.

“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire receive the recognition and support they truly deserve and we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.”

Crime

Accused Milford Haven rapist to stand trial at Crown Court

Published

1 hour ago

June 23, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates accused of rape and sexual assault.

James Kershaw, 46, is charged with raping a woman in Milford Haven between February 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014.

He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female over the age of 13 by penetration with his finger between December 1 and December 30, 2012.

Kershaw appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23) by video link and denied both charges.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Kershaw is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.

He was released on conditional bail, with the sole condition that he must not contact the complainant.

News

Bus overturns in major incident near Kidwelly

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

All passengers rescued as emergency services remain at scene

A BUS overturned on the A484 between Kidwelly and Ferryside on Tuesday (Jun 23), prompting a major emergency response and lengthy road closures.

The incident happened shortly after 12:20pm near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.

Emergency services, including firefighters from Kidwelly, Carmarthen and Tumble, were sent to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving the bus.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all passengers were safely removed from the vehicle.

A spokesperson said: “All passengers have been safely removed from the bus and are receiving appropriate care.”

A rest centre has been established at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly, where welfare arrangements are being made for those involved.

The scale of the incident led Dyfed-Powys Police to declare a major incident earlier in the day, with officers urging members of the public to avoid the area.

The A484 remains closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog while emergency services continue their response and carry out investigations into the cause of the crash.

Police, ambulance and fire crews remain at the scene.

Motorists are being advised to find alternative routes and are warned that the road is expected to remain closed for a considerable time.

Emergency services have also issued advice for drivers caught in congestion during the hot weather, urging people to stay hydrated, keep vehicles ventilated and never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets inside parked vehicles.

The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.