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Food rating system scores a success

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foodratingA LEADING Welsh environmental health officer has praised the success of the Food Hygiene Rating system.

 Mark Elliott, Chair of Wales Heads of Environmental Health Group and Head of Public Protection at Pembrokeshire County Council said 23,540 businesses across Wales now received a hygiene rating with the number getting top marks increasing by almost a fifth. Conversely, the number of businesses rated 0-2 has declined by a third since the introduction of the mandatory scheme. “Giving consumers more information is having a positive effect on food hygiene standards,” he said. “The number of businesses rated 5 (very good) has increased by almost 20% since the start of the scheme and many have reported that a good rating has increased their takings significantly. “In Pembrokeshire too the number of food business operators improving their food hygiene standards is also increasing with 94 per cent of food premises now scoring 3, 4 or 5 under the scheme.” But he warned that the scheme’s success was taking place against a background of rapidly shrinking local authority budgets and if it were to be continued would have to be adequately resourced. “The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme’s success so far reflects the hard work and dedication of Environmental Health Practitioners in Pembrokeshire and across Wales,” he said. “It is vital that such services are adequately resourced in future to protect public health.” The Food Hygiene Rating system was introduced in 2010 when all 22 Welsh local authorities took the voluntary decision to implement one food premises inspection scheme. The scheme aims to improve business food hygiene standards by making them visible to the consumer so that they can make informed choices about where to eat safely. The ratings awarded by Local Authority officers follow inspections and are then made available to the Food Standards Agency, which publishes them on their website. In November 2013, the Welsh Government made the implementation of the Food Hygiene Rating scheme mandatory. Food businesses were also required to display their food hygiene rating in a prominent place, such as the front door or entrance, or face a fine or prosecution with money generated from fixed penalty notices going to the Welsh Government. Meanwhile businesses that score poorly and want to improve are given assistance to enable them to improve their hygiene rating – although in some cases further appropriate enforcement activity may also be carried out. In November this year the Rating scheme will be extended to businessto- business trade, which means that almost everyone from small producers to factories will also be included. This will help small businesses choose their suppliers and could be used as a selection criterion when public sector contracts are tendered. “Environmental Health Practitioners will take all necessary action, including prosecution, to protect the health of the public where serious failures of law are found during inspections,” said Mr Elliott, who is also a Trustee of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health. “We are working hard to improve the services we deliver but it is against a background of rapidly shrinking local authority budgets. It is vital that such services are adequately resourced in the future to protect public health.” *Members of the public wanting to check on the rating of a business can do so at http://tinyurl.com/dyvdbgc

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Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

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A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

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Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

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ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

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Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

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MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!

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