News

Local councillor quits following Banksy allegations

Published

4 years ago

May 23, 2022

Billy Gannon

A PEMBROKE DOCK town councillor has stepped down from their role after repeated claims that he is well-known artist, Banksy.

Councillor William Gannon worked for the local community as a town representative with Milford Haven Port Authority for some time before becoming a town councillor.

He said in a statement released on Facebook that he is resigning, “with immediate effect”, due to the suspicions that he is graffiti artist, Banksy.

Town Cllr Gannon, of Pembroke Dock’s Bufferland Ward denies the claims and said the constant allegations against him are undermining his ability to focus on the job.

On Monday, May 23, he stated: “As you may be aware an allegation has been repeatedly made that I am not who I say I am but that I am the Artist Banksy. A number of people believe that this allegation is true.

“This allegation is undermining my ability to do the work of Councillor and Council Rep properly. I do not want this allegation to undermine the reputation of Pembroke Dock Town Council. Therefore, I have decided to step down as both Town Councillor and Council Rep to The Port with immediate effect.

“Thank you for all of the support that you have given me in the past.”

The letter which was sent to the Town Council, has been shared on Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Citizens Forum Facebook page.

Many have expressed their sadness that cllr Gannon felt that he had no other choice but to stand down from his role in order to deny the claims.

Many members of the group have tagged Dyfed-Powys Police into the post and urged them to step in and investigate the allegations – which they believe are down to an ex-council member who they describe as a ‘controversial’ character.

One user said: “Really sorry to hear this, the bullies have won.”

Mr Gannon, has assured the public that this is not a case of the bullies have won, but gives him more of an opportunity to defend his name and prove that the allegation are false.

He said: “No they have not. This just frees me up to fight back more effectively. As a Councillor I had to protect the dignity of the Office and the Council. As a Community Artist I can engage in the argument in all sorts of creative ways.”

Many others in the group have claimed to be a subject of abuse in the same way as cllr Gannon, claiming to be victims of untrue allegations in order to intimidate them.

Another added: “Very sad to hear this. Billy is a lovely, kind hearted gentleman who will help anyone at the drop of a hat. I do understand why he feels the need to step down as the bullying has been relentless and very personal towards others including myself. I hope the Town Council will seek some kind of support for Billy and use any powers they have to bring in sanctions to combat bullying of this kind.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

5 minutes ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

21 minutes ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

34 minutes ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.