News

Independent Group calls for Council Leader David Simpson to go

Published

2 years ago

April 18, 2023

ON TUESDAY, April 18, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Independent Group – the largest opposition group – confirmed it had submitted a notice of no confidence in the local authority’s leader Cllr David Simpson.

The no-confidence motion arrived on the first anniversary of last May’s local elections.

Cllr Simpson has led the Council since 2017.

AUTHORITY’S FINANCES IN DISARRAY, SAYS JAMIE ADAMS

Cllr Jamie Adams, leader of the Independent Group and previous leader of the Council, said: “The people of Pembrokeshire deserve a change from the downward trajectory which Cllr Simpson has overseen for many years.

“Within the last few months, there has been a spate of issues with the administration running the authorities’ finances into disarray.

“There’s been a damming Audit Office Public Interest Report; overspends into the millions on the Haverfordwest Transport Interchange, Haverfordwest Quayside Haverfordwest Castle, and Pembroke’s South Quay; and the simple, yet costly, mistake of not ensuring rent increase letters are delivered on time.”

“All of this happened while the administration hiked residents’ Council Tax higher than necessary and now threatens to close much-needed public toilets, adding a disadvantage to our most vulnerable residents and harming our vital tourism economy,” Jamie Adams said.

FORMER LEADERS RULE THEMSELVES OUT

Cllr Adams said he would not be a candidate to replace Cllr Simpson if the no-confidence motion succeeded.

“The public voted many new councillors onto the Council in May 2022, signalling they want a change.

“I won’t seek re-election as leader of the Council, but I feel it is only right that the people of Pembrokeshire should not be burdened financially by this current Leadership’s failures.”

Cllr John Davies, a previous council leader and Independent Group member, added: “I will not seek re-election to lead the Council. However, I strongly feel that under Cllr Simpson’s leadership, much of Pembrokeshire has been left out in favour of large, unaffordable projects.

“Due to the significant challenges the authority now faces, the Council requires a strong, effective, and visible Leader at the helm”.

County Councillors must submit nominations for a new leader by May 2. If the no-confidence motion succeeds, a new leader will be selected in the May 12 council annual general meeting.

We will be updating this breaking story throughout the day.

For more reaction and analysis, see this Friday’s edition of Pembrokeshire Herald.

David Simpson responded strongly to the Independent Group’s statement.

He said: “I have been proud to lead an ambitious administration that has brought the Freeport bit to Pembrokeshire.

“Over the administration term, I am also proud of the Marine Energy projects that we have actively encouraged and that will grow the County’s economy. “I am also proud that we have increased Budget engagement on an unparalleled scale and moved away from being dictated to on the day without scrutiny. A lot of what Cllr Adams says are failings are public due to more and better scrutiny, which this administration has encouraged. You certainly wouldn’t have seen that level of engagement when the “Independent Group” led the Council.

“We have brought democracy back into the Chamber and away from shabby deals done behind closed doors or from senior officers leading members by the nose, backed by the old and unaccountable IPG bloc vote.

“This administration can be proud that we have worked hard to sort out the finances left in a mess by the IPG. We’re rebuilding the services, creating the infrastructure, and regenerating Pembrokeshire’s economy; all of which the Independent Group neglected for twenty years and which they would jeopardise in the future.”

Calls for resignation: Cllr David Simpson

Community

Leisure centres open until 9:00pm to support those affected by Storm Darragh

Published

11 hours ago

December 8, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE’S Leisure Centres are stepping in to provide essential services for those left without electricity or utilities following Storm Darragh. All centres, except Fishguard, will remain open until 9:00pm on Sunday, December 8, offering warm spaces and more to residents in need.

Facilities available include:

Warm spaces with free hot drinks.
Charging stations for electric devices.
Hot water, with visitors encouraged to bring flasks for filling.
Shower facilities for public use.

Locations and availability Leisure centres in the following areas will remain open:

Crymych
Haverfordwest
Milford Haven
Pembroke
St Davids
Tenby

Fishguard Leisure Centre remains closed due to storm damage. As an alternative, Letterston Memorial Hall will offer limited facilities until 9:00pm.

Normal service resumes tomorrow

From Monday, December 9, all centres will resume their usual opening hours, with the exception of Fishguard, which will remain closed until repairs are completed.

For further updates, visit the Pembrokeshire Leisure website.

(Cover image: Martin Cavaney)

Community

Police advise to check on any vulnerable neighbours and family without power

Published

14 hours ago

December 8, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE is facing widespread power outages tonight as Storm Darragh wreaks havoc across the region, leaving approximately 7,000 customers without electricity.

Dyfed-Powys Police have issued an urgent appeal for assistance, encouraging communities to check on vulnerable neighbours and family members, particularly the elderly and those with medical needs, if weather conditions allow.

The police have taken the unusual step of asking those in immediate need due to the power outages to contact them directly via 101 or through their social media channels.

In a statement, Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are aware there are significant numbers of people across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys without power. We are asking anyone requiring urgent support to reach out to us. Your welfare is our priority.”

A yellow weather warning remains in place for much of Mid and West Wales, with gusts of wind and heavy rain complicating recovery efforts.

Local authorities are working to address storm damage, including fallen trees and debris blocking roads. Residents are urged to report power cuts by calling 105 and fallen trees through their local council contacts:

Pembrokeshire County Council: 0345 6015522
Carmarthenshire County Council: via their website
Ceredigion County Council: via their website

For updates on travel, weather, and flooding, the following resources are recommended:

Travel: Traffic Wales North & Mid / South
Weather: Met Office
Flood alerts: Natural Resources Wales at 0345 988 1188

As the storm continues, authorities are urging the public to use caution, stay indoors where possible, and only travel if absolutely necessary.

For life-threatening emergencies, always dial 999. For less urgent health concerns, NHS Wales advises using the 111 Wales online symptom checker.

Stay tuned to The Herald for further updates as the situation unfolds.

Community

Councillor visits fire station for electric blanket safety event

Published

14 hours ago

December 8, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CASTLE WARD County Councillor Thomas Tudor visited Haverfordwest Fire Station on Thursday (Dec 4) to witness a vital safety initiative in action. The fire service hosted a free electric blanket testing event for residents, providing advice on fire protection and prevention.

The initiative aimed to highlight potential fire hazards posed by faulty electric blankets, helping ensure residents stay safe during the colder months. Fire officers also educated attendees on other safety measures, including the importance of carbon monoxide detectors to guard against the dangers of the “silent killer.”

Councillor Tudor described the event as an eye-opening experience, praising the fire service’s commitment to promoting safety and raising awareness within the community.

For those who missed the event, fire safety tips and advice on carbon monoxide monitoring are available on the fire service’s website and through local outreach programs.