News
Bluestone promises to consider local residents at operational review following Herald petition
BLUESTONE NATIONAL PARK has promised to review its banning of the residents of Pembrokshire from The Blue Lagoon water park at its next ‘regular operational review’.
The announcement came in a press release just days after The Pembrokeshire Herald launched a petition to persuade the firm to allow Pembrokeshire residents back into the facility.
At the time of writing the petition had been signed by nearly 600 locals.
Since Covid, Bluestone have allowed only Bluestone guests in, despite public money being pumped into the facility.
That public money was by way of a loan – granted on the basis that the public could use the park.
But at a controversial secret meeting in 2009 the previous council administration – the IPPG – signed away these rights and swapped the loan for shares. At the current rate that dividends are being paid of the shares the public could be waiting 370 years for its money back.
In response to questions asked by this newspaper, and following the launch of the petition, a spokesperson for Bluestone released the following: “The Blue Lagoon water park is one of Bluestone National Park Resort’s major attractions for guests staying at the resort, near Narberth, due to its all-weather facilities.
“Following the pandemic, and due to a combination of covid restrictions and the safety of our staff, guests, and residents of Pembrokeshire, the difficult decision was taken only to allow staying guests access to the venue, which remains in place but is under constant review.”
A spokesperson added: “As part of these regular operational reviews, we are once again considering this and the impact on the overall guest experience at the water park. This includes considering potential opportunities for Pembrokeshire residents. We are hoping this review will be completed shortly and hope to announce any plans in the summer.”
“In the meantime, access to Blue Lagoon is free for all guests staying on an overnight Spa break or a short break in our resort accommodation and for any employee of Bluestone and their families.”
In the meantime Bluestone encouraged people to get a job with them to get access to the water park. Arnatively, they company said, there is “currently an option” to purchase ‘guest visitor day passes’ to access the water park if you have a friend or family member staying at the resort.
Cllr Mike Stoddart said “Congratulations to The Pembrokeshire Herald for the success of its efforts to have Bluestone reconsider the decision to stop Pembrokeshire residents from using the Blue Lagoon.
“This shows the power of the press working with the public. I hope Bluestone will now press on and allow locals access to a facility we have all paid for.. It’s worth remembering that the same people who nodded through the deal are now trying to return to power through the back door.”
To sign the petition please click HERE
Crime
Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case
A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).
On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.
When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.
Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.
Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).
While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.
After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.
The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.
“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.
“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.
“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.
“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”
On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.
If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
In an emergency, always call 999.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
News
Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police
DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”
In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”
Business
Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’
THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.
“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”
Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”
“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”
Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.
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