News
Welsh Water scoop top prize despite sewage discharges
ITS not all bad news for Welsh Water, who have been recently under the spot light for sewage discharges on beaches in Pembrokeshire in recent weeks. It has emerged that the only not-for-profit water company in England and Wales, has attained a prestigious RoSPA Award.
The Herald understands that this would be for the seventh year in a row
The award is to recognise Welsh Water’s demonstrating its commitment to health and safety excellence. The company was awarded a Gold Medal for health and safety performance, demonstrating its dedication to ensuring its people get home safely at the end of every working day.
However swimmers at five Pembrokeshire beaches were told last week to keep out of the water as it was not safe to swim.
To attain the award, the company submitted information and evidence on a wide variety of topics about its approach to managing and monitoring health, safety and wellbeing alongside 5 years of contractor and employee safety performance data.
It would appear, however, that providing safe to swim in water is not part of the selection process.
Nikki Kemmery, Health & Safety Director of Welsh Water said: “Safety Takes Every Person. This award is a great recognition of all the hard work across the business, keeping the focus on health, safety and wellbeing and continually finding ways to improve our systems to prevent injuries and ill health. Thank you to each and every person who makes this happen at Welsh Water”.
Julia Small, RoSPA’s Achievements Director, said: “Accidents at work and work-related ill health don’t just have huge financial implications or cause major disruption – they significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. That’s why good safety performance deserves to be recognised and rewarded.
“We are thrilled that Welsh Water has won a RoSPA Award and would like to congratulate them on showing an unwavering commitment to keeping their employees, clients and customers safe from accidental harm and injury.”
Community
Over 5,600 elderly at risk of Losing winter fuel payments in Pembrokeshire
IN Mid & South Pembrokeshire, over 5,600 residents aged over 80 face the prospect of losing their Winter Fuel Payments. This follows recent government cuts, revealed by the latest official statistics released on the 24th of September.
The Pembrokeshire Liberal Democrats have urged the Labour government to urgently reconsider its stance. The party’s spokesperson, Andrew Lye, highlighted the critical situation, stating that many pensioners are now forced to make a distressing choice between heating their homes and buying food. “Thousands of pensioners here in the Mid & South Pembrokeshire constituency are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter,” said Mr. Lye. He described the cut as the “completely wrong thing to be doing” in the face of such dire circumstances.
According to the data, 5,622 local pensioners who do not receive pension credit will be affected by the discontinuation of the Winter Fuel Payment—a benefit that previously granted them £300 each to assist with their energy bills during the colder months. Last year, pensioners over 80 in the area received a total of £1,702,500 in support, with a broader constituency figure reaching £4,072,500.
The figures indicate a significant reduction in financial support for the elderly, a demographic that Age UK warns will be in “serious trouble” this winter. The charity has previously reported that across the nation, around 2.5 million pensioners could suffer greatly due to the withdrawal of these essential payments.
The Liberal Democrats have called for a reversal of these cuts, urging the government to protect vulnerable pensioners amid increasing living costs. Mr. Lye emphasized the urgency of the situation: “It is not too late for this new government to change course, reverse these proposals, and protect vulnerable pensioners here in the Mid & South Pembrokeshire constituency, this winter.”
With the local community and advocacy groups raising alarms, the issue has garnered considerable attention, placing pressure on the government to address the potential crisis looming over some of its most vulnerable citizens this winter.
Crime
‘Sheer luck’ that out-of-control car did not hit mother and baby
IN MILFORD HAVEN a woman and her baby were on the way to the local shop on Saturday (Sept 28) when what was described at the scene as a “drunk driver” veered off the road, mounted the pavement, and struck the telegraph pole just next to them.
The pole, in Milton Crescent was damaged, causing heavy duty trunking to break off and hit the pram, damaging it, but narrowly missing the baby.
It seems Deanna Potter and her baby, Danny, were only saved by the fortunate position of the pole – which took a heavy impact – preventing the large black Audi from ploughing into them.
After the collision, the woman said, the driver “attempted to flee”, but her car was too damaged. She then exited her vehicle and walked away, “seemingly indifferent to the near-fatal accident” she had caused.
Police soon arrested the driver, and are investigating the incident.
Mother and baby are said to be doing fine, but are obviously shaken-up by the ordeal.
The police have been asked to comment. (Images: Facebook)
News
Milford Haven honours fishermen with annual memorial service
MILFORD HAVEN held its annual Fishermen’s Tribute Service on Saturday (Sept 28) at The Rath, in a heartfelt event that drew members of the community to honour its maritime legacy.
The Milford Haven Town Band played, adding to the solemnity of the occasion, attended by Mayor Councillor William Elliot, who laid a wreath on behalf of the town.
This year’s service, led by Reverend Samuel Patterson, focused on commemorating those connected to the fishing industry, reflecting on their contributions to the town’s prosperity. The event underscores the challenging conditions faced by fishermen and the pivotal role the fishing industry plays in Milford Haven’s economy and culture.
As part of the ceremony, attendees paid their respects at the memorial, which bears the inscription, “A Tribute to Our Fishermen,” affirming the community’s gratitude and remembrance of their efforts.
(Photos Lloyd Jones / Fiona Galliford)
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