IN A RECENT exchange between Councillor Mike Stoddart and Councillor Alan Dennison, the Pembrokeshire Herald witnessed a heated debate regarding the Bluestone loan and shares controversy within Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC).

The discussion, on The Herald’s Facebook page, shed light on past and present issues, revealing political tensions and highlighting the need for accountability within the council.

Councillor Stoddart commended Councillor Dennison for his efforts to uncover the truth behind the Bluestone loan and shares fiasco. However, he emphasised that he had been addressing this issue for more than ten years. Stoddart directed readers to his website, oldgrumpy.co.uk, where he had previously published details on the matter.

Stoddart pointed out that the controversial financial arrangement was devised during the tenure of the Independent Political Group (IPG), then led by Councillor John Davies. He expressed disappointment that Dennison had recently joined the IPG despite promising to be truly independent and represent the voice of Milford North constituents.

Councillor Dennison defended himself, asserting that his election address remained unchanged and that his affiliation with like-minded individuals did not harm the interests of Milford North residents or any other county residents.

He reminded Stoddart of his previous support for the Independents’ attempts to keep council tax increases lower than the current administration desired. Dennison claimed that his questions aimed to understand the council’s returns from the Bluestone shares and any actions being taken to maximise income.

Cllr Alan Dennison (Pic PCC)

The exchange continued, with additional participants joining the discussion. Marcel Laval raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the decision-making process, highlighting the need for experienced project managers instead of political influence.

Alan Dennison concurred, expressing the view that politicians should be kept away from projects and the current administration should be held accountable for financial mismanagement.

The Pembrokeshire Herald stepped in to provide clarity on the Bluestone loan issue. The paper stated that when the IPG converted debt to equity, the right for the public to use the Blue Lagoon was relinquished.

The Herald also reported that the council had suffered a substantial loss of approximately 95% on its investment. It further emphasised that the public’s guaranteed right to use the Blue Lagoon pool had been lost as a result.

The debate continued, with Stoddart, Dennison, and others exchanging remarks on various projects and financial decisions made by the council. The discussion highlighted concerns over the Ocky White development, the multi-storey car park, the Castle, PCC-owned shops in Bridge Street, the airport, and other matters.

Alan Dennison pledged to fight against the indiscriminate waste of public funds, particularly regarding the Motorworld development. He urged Stoddart and others to focus on more pressing issues like better housing and lower business rates.

As the debate unfolded, the different viewpoints expressed underscored the need for transparency, accountability, and effective governance within the Pembrokeshire County Council.

The discussions have served as an obvious reminder that our councillors must prioritise the interests and well-being of their constituents above political affiliations.