Council deeply saddened by deaths of former Leader and Deputy Leader

Published

4 years ago

December 16, 2022

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL says it has been deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of two long-serving and respected senior former Councillors.

Maurice Hughes and John Allen-Mirehouse served as Leader and Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council respectively.

Maurice represented Merlins Bridge as Pembrokeshire County Councillor from 1995 – 2004.

A former Chairman of the Highways Committee, he went on to serve as Leader of the Council from May 1999 to May 2004.

It was under his leadership that the Leader and Cabinet model still used by the Authority came into being.

John, from Angle, was a Member of Council from 1995 to 2017 and served as Deputy Leader between 1999 to 2012 under the leadership of Maurice and later Cllr John Davies.

John also served on Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority for more than 20 years, as Vice Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed and High Sheriff of Dyfed.

Pembrokeshire County Council Presiding Member Cllr Simon Hancock, led a tribute to both former councillors before the meeting of Council on Thursday morning.

Cllr Hancock, who had served with both men, said: “I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former councillors Maurice Hughes and John Allen-Mirehouse.

“Both men were founder members of Pembrokeshire County Council in 1996.

“They were both highly capable councillors who served in senior positions throughout their careers.

“It was a real privilege to have served with both Maurice and John and we extend our deepest condolences to their families.”

Former Council Leader Cllr John Davies served in Maurice’s first Cabinet when John was Deputy Leader.

Cllr Davies said: “Both Maurice as Leader and Johnnie as his Deputy did not shy away from making difficult decisions if they believed they were for the long term good of Pembrokeshire.

“Maurice could be like a terrier and would fight the County’s corner with conviction and with genuine passion.

“Both were able to shine a light of hope and humour into the darkest of moments within any Council meeting.

“Both Maurice and Johnnie came from an era within Local Government which has now long moved on.

“Pembrokeshire has lost two very loyal servants of the county.”

Cllr Jamie Adams served as Leader of the Council and worked closely with John Allen-Mirehouse.

He said: “Johnnie was a character amongst characters at a time in local government when a sense of humour was a valuable attribute.

“His sharp wit was matched with the ability to dissect the fog around issues and identify solutions.

“He led endeavours around economic improvement and for many years served the community of Angle and the public of our county with his inimitable style, vigour and candour.

“It was a pleasure to serve with him, he will be remembered as one of Pembrokeshire’s finest.”

Pembs parents watch closely as Carmarthenshire schools shut in extreme heat

Published

30 minutes ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE parents are being urged to check school messages as neighbouring Carmarthenshire prepares to close all secondary schools on Wednesday and Thursday because of extreme heat.

The move in Carmarthenshire has raised questions across west Wales about whether schools in Pembrokeshire could also be affected as temperatures continue to rise.

All secondary schools in Carmarthenshire are set to close for two days, with some primary schools also deciding to shut. There has been no blanket closure decision for primary schools in that county.

In Pembrokeshire, no county-wide secondary school closure announcement has been made at this stage.

Parents should check directly with their child’s school for the latest information, including texts, emails, school apps, websites and social media pages.

The situation may vary from school to school, depending on building conditions, ventilation, classroom temperatures and local circumstances.

The closures in Carmarthenshire come as Wales faces exceptional weather conditions, with concerns about pupil and staff welfare during the heatwave.

Many school buildings, particularly older sites, can become extremely hot during prolonged periods of high temperature.

A Wales-wide picture is now emerging, with schools in several counties considering closures, early finishes or remote learning.

For Pembrokeshire families, the key message is not to assume schools are closed unless official confirmation has been received.

The Herald will continue to monitor updates from Pembrokeshire schools and the county council.

Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall

Published

5 hours 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

6 hours 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.