News
No Wales team as strike talks continue
WALES rugby coach Warren Gatland delayed naming his side to face England on Tuesday (Feb 21), with the threat of a players’ strike still hanging over the fixture.
The news of the delay broke just minutes before the scheduled team announcement at midday. However, a press conference with Warren Gatland was scheduled after the postponed announcement at 12:30. That took place,and the Welsh coach offered a candid view of the issues affecting players.
Although Warren Gatland said he did not regret returning to Wales, he observed he wished he’d had a fuller picture of the Welsh game’s state beforehand.
The New Zealander confirmed he knew nothing about the players’ concerns and the situation regarding their contracts until after the Scotland game and was not told about them by the WRU when he agreed to return as Wales coach.
As things stand, more than seventy players contracted to the current Welsh regions will be out of contract by June. Those players have no guarantee they will be re-engaged, even on financially worse terms, and cannot negotiate with clubs outside Wales to secure their playing futures and incomes.
However, the Welsh coach said money is not at the top of the players’ grievances: “The players have said it’s not about money. I’m well aware the regions have been living outside of their means a little and that will be addressed.”
The New Zealander, who last week suggested that the same situation in his home country would be resolved by a meeting between all parties being locked in a room until they resolved their difficulties, added: “I think players have been given assurances that things will be sorted out, but unfortunately they haven’t. It finally came to a head. I think we’re all asking for things to get sorted.”
While the players insist their voice must be heard on the Professional Rugby Board, the best the Board has come up with is an invitation to the Welsh Rugby Players’ Association head to sit in on their meetings, subject to an invitation.
While it might be well-meant, that olive branch is unlikely to soothe players’ wish to have a say in decisions that affect them and their welfare.
Warren Gatland added: “What the players were asking for is reasonable. You have to find some middle ground. Hopefully the discussions today find something that everyone is happy with. It’s not always one side winning. It’s about finding some compromise.”
However, he was under no illusion about the strike threat, saying: “It is genuine, no doubt about that. But having spoken to a few people today, I’m fairly confident it will be resolved.”
Asked point blank if he had a contingency plan if all or part of the squad went on strike, Gatland’s one-word answer said more than any amount of waffle about “securing the future of the game”.
It was: “No.”
However, he added: “I don’t think there’ll be any lack of motivation for playing England. They’re off today and then they’ll come back fired up on Thursday.”
Business
Specsavers relocates to landmark new store following £1.2 million investment
HAVERFORDWEST will celebrate the opening of Wales’ largest Specsavers store on Monday 16 December 2024, following a transformative £1.2 million relocation to larger premises in the Riverside Shopping Centre.
The new state-of-the-art store, located at 21 Riverside Quay, promises cutting-edge facilities and enhanced services to meet growing community needs.
It will boast 14 test rooms, including two dedicated audiology suites, making it not only the largest Specsavers store in Wales, but one of the largest in the UK. Equipped with the latest technology, the premises will offer enhanced eye care, contact lens, and audiology services, easing the burden on local NHS services.
The store will also play a key role in education, supporting optometrists undertaking higher qualifications, such as Glaucoma and Independent Prescribing certificates, by providing hands-on opportunities to gain essential clinical experience.
‘This substantial investment reflects our commitment to delivering world-class eye and hearing care to Pembrokeshire,’ says Andy Britton, ophthalmic director at Specsavers Haverfordwest. ‘Our larger premises will allow us to meet growing demand, introduce advanced clinical services, and provide a dedicated training facility for optometrists pursuing higher qualifications.’
A recent YouGov survey, commissioned by Specsavers, revealed that 68% of Welsh adults wouldn’t think to visit an optician first for eye-related problems, and half (50%) would first contact another NHS service (GP, pharmacy, eye hospital, NHS 111 or A&E) if they woke up with eye issues, rather than their local opticians.
The survey also revealed that, of the 68% who would not visit an optician first if they woke up with an eye problem, more than a third (35%) didn’t know they could use an optician for these issues, while a quarter (25%) were concerned they’d have to pay for treatment.
Mr Britton explains: ‘We encourage anyone experiencing acute or chronic eye problems – such as sudden loss of vision, red or painful eyes, flashing lights, floaters, or headaches – to make their optometrist their first point of contact. Optometrists are equipped to manage a wide range of urgent eye issues, allowing patients to receive prompt care and avoid unnecessary trips to A&E or long waits for a GP appointment.
‘By offering quick access to eye health services, we can reduce the burden on the NHS in Wales and ensure people receive the help they need before their condition worsens.’
The grand reopening event on 16 December will feature live entertainment from the Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir and notable attendees, including several local mayors and other dignitaries. The event will also celebrate Specsavers’ community-focused ethos, with a series of fundraising and awareness initiatives planned for 2025.
This new chapter follows the addition of Wayne Jones, retail director, to the Haverfordwest team earlier this year. With a remarkable career and commitment to innovation in optometry, Mr Jones brings invaluable leadership to the practice. His appointment, combined with the relocation, marks a transformative era for the store.
Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Paul Miller, praised the move: ‘Specsavers’ significant investment is a strong vote of confidence in the future of Haverfordwest. The new store is a key part of the town’s ongoing regeneration, drawing important footfall through the town centre.’
The new Specsavers Haverfordwest store will be open seven days a week, offering flexible appointment times to cater to the community’s needs. To book an appointment or learn more about the services available, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/haverfordwest.
News
Tribute paid to ‘kind and caring’ solicitor who died in crash
THE FAMILY of Emily Thornton-Sandy, a 30-year-old woman from Pontarddulais who tragically lost her life following a collision, have paid heartfelt tributes to a wife and daughter described as an “intelligent, kind, and caring soul.”
Emily passed away after her vehicle was involved in a collision on the A48 between Cross Hands and Pont Abraham on Tuesday (Nov 5) while she was driving home from a veterinary appointment. Her beloved dog, Scout, also died shortly after the crash.
Despite being rushed to the University Hospital of Wales, Emily’s condition worsened, and she died on Monday (Nov 11), with her husband by her side.
Emily’s husband shared his grief in a moving statement: “This still feels unreal, and none of us can take it in. Emily was kind, compassionate, and had so much more to give. She used her intelligence in her work as a solicitor, where she strove to help others affected by industrial disease. Emily loved literature and was passionate about her house plants.
“Her passing has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled. I wake up every morning in disbelief at the fact that I will never see her smile again. Emily deserved a long and happy life, and the thought of what happened to her that day brings the greatest pain to all those who love her.
“Scout was the most gentle, affectionate dog you could ever meet, and I have not been able to grieve for her death as I should. She brought great happiness to both me and Emily, and the world has lost so much joy.
“I wish to thank all emergency services staff and persons at the scene for all the help they provided to Emily and Scout, and to the staff at University Hospital of Wales for doing everything they could for Emily in the days following the collision.”
Emily’s parents also shared their heartbreak in a separate statement:
“The loss of Emily, our only child, is devastating. She meant the absolute world to us, and our lives have been changed forever. Not only have we lost our baby girl, but we mourn the loss of the grandchildren that we will never have.
“Emily has always been our pride and joy, and she achieved so much during her short life. She was an intelligent, kind, and caring soul who touched the lives of so many people, both in life and in death. She will never be forgotten.”
Emily’s death has left a lasting impact on all who knew her, and her family’s tributes reflect the deep love and admiration they held for her.
Her employer, Thompsons Solicitors, said that they were deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Emily, who they described as a talented and dedicated lawyer at the firm, who passed away in hospital just days after a road collision in Wales on 5 November 2024.
Emily was an asbestos lawyer representing clients from Thompsons’ Llanelli and Cardiff offices. She had trained and qualified with the firm and was recognised as an exceptional lawyer in a highly specialised field. She worked tirelessly alongside the asbestos victim support groups in Wales, including Asbestos Awareness and Support Cymru, as well as Mesothelioma UK.
Emily’s clients deeply appreciated her commitment. One recently praised her hard work and unwavering support, describing her dedication as “outstanding” and expressing heartfelt gratitude, signing off by calling Emily a “star.”
In an official statement, Clare Mellor, Chief Executive of Thompsons Solicitors, said:
“The tragic loss of our friend and colleague, Emily Thornton, deeply saddens everyone at Thompsons. Her passing has affected us all, and we are united in mourning a remarkable young lawyer who left an indelible mark on our firm and the people she helped.
“Emily was a brilliant and compassionate asbestos lawyer. She earned her law degree from Cardiff University, bringing her determination to make a difference to Thompsons initially as a support assistant in our Asbestos team while studying for her Legal Practice Course at Swansea University, then as a trainee solicitor with the firm in 2017, qualifying into our Welsh asbestos team in 2020.
“Emily’s natural empathy and dedication to those affected by asbestos-related illnesses, coupled with the fact she was a technically gifted and highly able lawyer, made her an invaluable part of our team. She combined immense sensitivity with an unyielding commitment to justice, embodying the qualities essential to support clients through challenging times.
“Her work gave hope to those facing devastating situations, and her impact is best reflected by what her clients thought of her and the comfort she provided.
“We will miss Emily terribly, and our thoughts and hearts are with her family, including her husband, Stuart and her parents, John and Rhael. Emily’s legacy will live on in the lives she touched and the justice she pursued.”
Community
Public meeting for Haverfordwest’s new transport interchange
RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are invited to attend a public engagement event at HaverHub on Thursday, 21st November from 3:00pm to 7:00pm to meet the team behind the upcoming Public Transport Interchange (PTI) development. The event will provide an opportunity for local people to learn more about the exciting project, which is due to start its rebuild phase imminently.
The PTI scheme forms part of the broader South West Wales Metro project, designed to create a modern, integrated transport hub for Haverfordwest. The new facility will bring significant improvements to local transport infrastructure, including enhancements to pedestrian and cycle access, as well as a more efficient and accessible bus station.
Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, and Climate Change, said: “This is another exciting step in the extensive regeneration of Haverfordwest, and we look forward to seeing construction start on this important project.”
The new development will include seven bus bays, upgraded passenger facilities, and a multi-storey car park with around 280 spaces. The car park will also feature electric vehicle charging points, with provisions for future expansion, as well as solar panels on the roof. These green features are part of the project’s commitment to sustainability and the promotion of Active Travel, with a focus on walking and cycling.
Cllr Thomas Tudor, County Councillor for the Castle Ward, welcomed the public engagement event, saying: “This is a great opportunity for residents to come together and learn more about the ongoing regeneration projects that will improve the town for everyone.”
The PTI project will also improve car parking provision and local bus access at Haverfordwest railway station, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable transport network for the town.
Jason Taylor, Regional Director at Kier Construction, said: “We are excited to meet the people of Haverfordwest and share the plans for this important project. Kier is proud of its Welsh heritage and thrilled to contribute to the town’s development.”
Kier Construction, which has been awarded the contract to build the PTI, will also have a presence at Riverside Shopping Centre, where residents can drop in for more information once work begins this month.
Please note that the temporary Riverside car park has closed to make way for the development.
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