News
Welsh councils have written off nearly £90 million in debts
WELSH CONSERVATIVE research has revealed that over the last 5 financial years, Welsh councils have written off at least £86,990,313 in debts, including council tax, benefits, rental income, non-domestic rates, court costs, invoices and various debtors.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Local Government Minister, Sam Rowlands MS said:
“While debts are often written off with good reason, the huge sums of money currently being lost by some councils raises serious questions.
“The Labour Government need to look into whether or not there is a cost benefit to pursuing some of these debts more vigorously to ease the pressure on council budgets and by extension the taxpayer.”
Welsh Conservative Shadow Finance Minister, Peter Fox MS added:
“This substantial amount of written off debt adds further argument against the council tax rises we will see across Wales this year of up to 12.5%.
“Given that Welsh councils have over £2 billion in useable reserves and have written off tens of millions, the Labour Government need to urgently review the situation to see if their assistance can allow excess funds to be mobilised to ease the pressure on hardworking bill payers.”
As part of the Welsh Conservative action plan, the party has called for a proportion of council reserves, above a threshold, to be used to freeze council tax over the next two years.
Particularly shocking totals include: the over £19 million written off by Cardiff Council and the nearly £13 million written off by Swansea Council, in the last 5 years.
Entertainment
Open-air theatre brings mystery and musical adventure to Carew Castle
SUMMER evenings at Carew Castle will be filled with mystery, music and family entertainment as two much-loved stories are brought to life in the historic castle grounds.
Audiences are being invited to pack a picnic, bring a rug or low-backed chair and enjoy professional touring theatre in one of Pembrokeshire’s most atmospheric settings.
Hot drinks and ice creams will also be available during the performances.
The first of this summer’s open-air productions takes place on Thursday, July 30, when the critically acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company presents a new adaptation of Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles.
Featuring live music, audience interaction and inventive theatrical comedy, the production follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate the deadly secret behind the Baskerville family curse.
Suitable for all ages, although parental guidance is advised, the show promises an evening of suspense, mayhem and laughter.
The entertainment continues on Tuesday, August 4, when Immersion Theatre brings its trademark energy to a musical adaptation of The Jungle Book.
Packed with original songs, audience participation and larger-than-life characters, the production follows Mowgli, Baloo and Bagheera on a fast-paced jungle adventure.
The story features cheeky monkeys, a slithering snake and the fearsome tiger Shere Khan.
Recommended for children aged four and above, the show promises a funny, exciting and entertaining evening for the whole family.
Daisy Hughes, manager of Carew Castle, said: “What works so well about outdoor theatre at Carew Castle is the relaxed, sociable feel of it.
“People can bring a picnic, settle in with family and friends, and enjoy professional touring theatre without the formality of a traditional auditorium.
“This year’s productions offer two very different experiences, from the suspense and humour of Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles to the colour, music and energy of The Jungle Book.
“They are exactly the kind of performances that work beautifully outdoors, with plenty for families and theatre fans to enjoy.”
Gates will open at 5.30pm for Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles, with the performance beginning at 6.30pm.
The show will run for approximately two hours, including an interval.
For The Jungle Book, gates will open at 4.45pm and the performance will begin at 5.30pm.
The show has an approximate running time of one hour and 25 minutes, with an interval between acts.
Tickets cost £16 for adults and £12 for children aged between three and 16.
A family ticket, covering two adults and two children or three adults and one child, costs £50.
Booking is essential through the Carew Castle website.
Tickets are non-refundable and performances will go ahead in wet weather. Visitors are advised to wear warm, waterproof clothing and bring a torch.
Caption: Live theatre returns to Carew Castle this summer, bringing stories, songs and suspense to the historic grounds.
Crime
Operation Lion returns to tackle summer antisocial behaviour in Tenby
A JOINT policing operation aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour in Tenby and across Pembrokeshire will return during the busy summer holiday period.
Operation Lion brings together Transport for Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police and British Transport Police to provide an increased visible presence in the area as visitor numbers rise.
The annual operation, first launched in 2015, will run throughout the six-week school summer holidays, with dedicated patrols every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
British Transport Police officers will patrol Tenby and the surrounding area, working alongside Dyfed-Powys Police to respond to incidents and reassure residents, businesses and visitors.
Transport for Wales security teams will also patrol train services between Tenby and Pembroke Dock, while additional cover will be provided on the final service to Carmarthen.
The operation aims to reduce antisocial behaviour, public disorder and vandalism, while improving public safety through a visible police and security presence.
Organisers say the initiative has helped reduce summer incidents in previous years and has received positive feedback from businesses and communities in Tenby.
Transport for Wales security manager Simon Turton said: “We’re proud to once again support Operation Lion alongside our colleagues from British Transport Police and Dyfed-Powys Police.
“This initiative is a great example of partnership working in action. Through a proactive, community-focused approach, we have helped reduce antisocial behaviour in Tenby and across Pembrokeshire over the years, and we are committed to building on that success again this summer.
“Our aim is simple: to ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy everything these fantastic areas have to offer in a safe and welcoming environment.”
Community
Letterston Fun Week raises more than £2,500 in memory of Mabli
LETTERSTON came together for a packed week of entertainment, sport and community spirit, raising more than £2,500 in memory of local girl Mabli.
Letterston Fun Week featured a treasure hunt, bingo, pool, junior football, men’s and ladies’ darts, a quiz night and children’s disco, before concluding with a hugely successful Fun Day.
Organiser Tim Evans thanked the volunteers, performers, sponsors and residents who helped make the week possible, describing the support received at every event as “incredible”.
The Fun Day began with a chicken wing challenge, won by Shaun McVey of Letterston, before young singers Arthur, Mila, Etta and Nancie from Ysgol Ger y Llan took to the stage alongside Cassidy from Tonna.


They were followed by dancers from the Lowri Jones School of Dance, who performed in front of a packed field.
Live music came from Chrissy D and Steve Bartram, while children were entertained by Crazy Clayton.
As the evening continued, the Fishguard and Goodwick Rugby Club Choir delivered what organisers described as an outstanding performance.
Local band Roccanna then took to the stage, led by Letterston’s own Tristan Mansell, before headline act Forever Elton brought the celebrations to a close with a tribute to the music of Elton John.
Tim said: “This year has been a challenging one to organise, with plenty of obstacles along the way, but seeing the whole week come together so successfully made every bit of hard work worthwhile.
“To every volunteer who helped set up, sold raffle tickets and programmes, marshalled events, cleared away afterwards or simply stepped in wherever needed, I honestly could not be prouder.
“You worked your socks off to give Letterston an event to be proud of, and I cannot thank you enough.”
More than £2,500 has already been raised, with organisers expecting the final total to increase as the remaining proceeds are counted.
Fun Week is held each year in memory of Mabli, whose life continues to be celebrated by the Letterston community.
Paying tribute, Tim added: “Rob, Gwen and all the family, it is a privilege for us to organise this event each year and create a day where Mabli’s life can be celebrated by the whole community.
“We send you all our love and look forward to doing it all again next year.”
Organisers thanked everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, performed, sponsored or supported the events.
Letterston Fun Day will return on Saturday, July 17, 2027.
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