News

Ceredigion and north Pembrokeshire Westminster hopefuls selected

Published

1 year ago

September 30, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

Early stages of the battle for the new Westminster seat of Ceredigion Preseli have started with the current Ceredigion MP launching his campaign in north Pembrokeshire.

Ben Lake – who has represented Ceredigion in Westminster since 2017 – kicked off his campaign at Crymych Rugby Club recently, outlining his priorities as Plaid Cymru’s candidate.

The new Ceredigion Preseli constituency joins parts of north Pembrokeshire – including Crymych and Maenclochog – with Ceredigion.

The new constituency takes effect automatically from the next scheduled General Election, following a Westminster vote to cut the number of Welsh MPs from 40 to 32.

After the launch, Ben Lake said: “My priorities were I to be elected as the Member of Parliament for Ceredigion Preseli are clear – a fair deal for rural communities, investment in infrastructure and increased funding for public services, and a thriving, sustainable economy that has the needs of communities rather than those of large corporations as its focus.

“I look forward to getting to know more people and communities across north Pembrokeshire over the next few months whilst also continuing to serve the communities of Ceredigion to the best of my ability.”

Liberal Democrat Mark Williams, formerly the MP for Ceredigion from 2005- 2017, is standing for his party in the same seat.

He said: “I too am looking forward to putting forward my Party’s message on the doorsteps of Preseli, and across Ceredigion, not least our measures to help people with the cost-of-living crisis, and promote the agricultural sector. There is a battle for hearts and minds across our new constituency, and I believe I have the energy and experience to win it.”

Welsh Labour recently selected Jackie Jones – who has been contacted for a statement- for Ceredigion Preseli.

As part of the constituency changes, other parts of north Pembrokeshire – including St Davids – are joining the new Mid and South Pembrokeshire constituency, which will replace parts of the current Carmarthen West and Pembrokeshire South.

Welsh Conservatives, who are in the unusual situation of having two sitting MPs in seats that are to disappear, have yet to make any selections for the new constituencies.

They currently have MPs Simon Hart and Stephen Crabb sitting – respectively – in the current constituency seats of Pembrokeshire South and Carmarthen West, and Preseli (Pembrokeshire).

Community

Tenby girl Poppy Brown wins national bravery award for heart disease battle

Published

50 mins ago

November 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A BRAVE four-year-old girl from Tenby, who has undergone ten life-saving operations since being diagnosed as a newborn with congenital heart disease, has been honoured by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

Poppy Brown received the BHF Young Heart Hero Award from Dr. Charmaine Griffiths, the charity’s CEO, at an event held at Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey.

The awards, now in their seventh year, celebrate inspirational children who have faced serious heart health challenges with courage or raised vital funds through extraordinary efforts.

Hosted by CBBC’s Dr. Dan and Dr. Raph Olaiya, the event treated Poppy and her family, along with other young award recipients, to a fun-filled day. Tours of the park and party activities sponsored by Claire’s added sparkle to the occasion.

Dr. Griffiths praised Poppy for her bravery and determination, saying: “Poppy is an incredible example of strength and resilience. Her story inspires everyone in our mission to fight heart disease.”

The family described the day as “truly special” and thanked the BHF for recognising Poppy’s journey and achievements.

News

Council to grit roads as temperatures in Pembrokeshire set to drop

Published

1 hour ago

November 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has announced that precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will take place tonight (Tuesday Nov 19) as road surface temperatures are forecast to drop to -1°C.

There is also a possibility of sleet on higher ground.

The council’s gritters will be active throughout the evening and overnight, with patrols scheduled for higher roads toward dawn to monitor conditions.

Road users are urged to exercise caution, particularly on untreated roads, and to plan journeys accordingly.

Crime

Court hears man exposed his flaccid manhood ‘by accident’

Published

5 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Court Reporter

A 21-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire man has appeared before magistrates charged with intentionally exposing his genitals in a public place.

Thomas Jones is accused of carrying out the act at a property in New Moat, Clarbeston Road, on November 9, 2022.

“The defendant knocked on the door of a female and offered his gardening services,” Crown prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“She accepted his offer and moved her car so that he could move his van, but when she turned around, she could see his flaccid penis was outside his trousers. When she pointed this out to him, he said he didn’t know that it was exposed.”

Jones denies the charge. He was released on unconditional bail to await his trial at Haverfordwest magistrates court on January 6.