News
Neyland Councillor storms out of town council meeting amidst vote of no confidence
IN A STUNNING turn of events, a Neyland councillor has dramatically stormed out of the monthly town council meeting following a contentious vote of no confidence, which he believes is completely at odds with the prevailing sentiment of his town’s inhabitants.
Councillor Peter Hay, a respected figure who has dutifully served on the town council for the past seven years, found himself at the center of a storm during the June meeting. A vote of no confidence was unexpectedly passed against him and three other councillors after allegations surfaced regarding secretive gatherings.
Expressing his dismay, Councillor Hay voiced his concerns to the local media stating, “That decision was utterly incongruous with the prevailing sentiment of the Neyland community, as per my interactions with its members. My name has been unjustly tarnished as a result of these accusations, and the electorate is now questioning my integrity. It’s truly disheartening.”
Clearly frustrated, Councillor Hay continued, “It appears that certain councillors are exploiting their positions within the town council to further their personal political agendas, and this is wholly unacceptable. It was due to these circumstances that I felt compelled to withdraw from Monday’s meeting.”
Councillor Hay remains uncertain about his future attendance at upcoming meetings, stating, “Naturally, I would like to see the vote of no confidence revoked, but more importantly, I long for the resolution of all these issues. The people of Neyland are growing weary of incessant squabbles month after month. I became a councillor to contribute to my town, as it is truly deserving of my dedication.”
Having diligently served on the town council for the past seven years, Councillor Hay has gone above and beyond his obligations, immersing himself in practical tasks and engaging in vigorous debates within the council chamber.
Councillor Hay reflected on his additional endeavors, noting, “Engaging in practical work is not an obligatory duty of a councillor. However, being a retired engineer, I possess the necessary skills, and moreover, I genuinely want to make a difference.”
This week’s town council meeting unraveled with members embroiled in a heated 90-minute dispute over the accuracy of the minutes from the previous month’s gathering. The proceedings took place on Zoom, with members of the public in attendance. One such attendee, identifying themselves as ‘a Neyland resident,’ expressed their exasperation in the chat, remarking, “Sarcasm, personal attacks… what a load of rubbish.”
The future of the Neyland town council hangs in the balance as divisions within its ranks persist, leaving its constituents longing for a return to harmony and a cessation of relentless turmoil.
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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