News

Reg Owens: Tributes as ‘fantastic’ grandad and councillor dies

Published

10 months ago

February 15, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of Pembrokeshire grandad, county councillor, and National Park member Reg Owens, who had “a passion for ensuring equal opportunities for all and supporting those who needed a voice.”

At the opening of this week’s Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet meeting, Council Leader David Simpson said: “It is with great sadness I have to announce the death of Councillor Reg Owens.

“Reg has been in poor health for several years and has been a fighter to the end.”

Mr Owens, who represented St Ishmaels as an Independent Group member, had served as a county councillor since 2012 and had also served on Herbrandston Community Council, as chair on numerous occasions.

He was also a member of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for more than a decade and was chair of its planning committee for five years.

Mr Owens had formerly been an education officer at Pembrokeshire County Council, working for the local authority for 45 years, having joined as a 17-year-old. Wheelchair user Reg became a champion for equalities.

Calling for a minute’s silence at the start of the meeting, Mr Simpson said: “Reg was well respected by all of the chamber and never held back on his views on behalf of his constituency.”

‘Supporting those who needed a voice’

A statement from Mr Owens’ children read: “We are all saddened at the passing of Reg; he has been the most wonderful husband for 53 years and a fantastic father and grandad to us all.

“As his children, we have always valued and cherished the support and guidance he and our mum, Josie, have given us. This support has also been passed on to the numerous groups we, as children, were involved with growing up, including sports, music, and youth work.

“As a grandad, he has actively followed and supported Euan, Gregor, Mostyn, and Elwyn in their sporting achievements, particularly on the rugby field.

“Something which Dad instilled in us was his passion for ensuring equal opportunities for all and supporting those who needed a voice.

“He was not afraid to speak his mind and was always eager to tell us about the debates he had with members of the various committees he sat on.

“We were so proud when Dad successfully secured his third term as a county councillor. We thoroughly enjoyed being part of his election campaign and listening to the praise and warmth from residents across the areas that he led.

“Dad will leave a huge void in our lives, and we thank him for everything he has done for us. We love you and will miss you forever.”

‘Passionate advocate’

Chair of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Councillor Di Clements, paid tribute to ‘Reg’.

“Reg Owens was a valued and influential member of the Park Authority for over 10 years. During that time, he was a passionate advocate for the National Park and the communities of the Dale Peninsula.

“He argued strongly for initiatives and activities that enabled people from all backgrounds and abilities to visit and enjoy the National Park and always considered the impact of any decision on staff and their well-being.

“For five years, Reg chaired the Development Management Committee, which decides planning applications. He had his own unique style and was always welcoming and supportive of applicants and objectors, irrespective of their views.

“Reg saw great value in the role town and community councils play in the planning system and would always give significant weight to their views.

“Reg was often described as a great character and was a friend and supporter to all the members of the Park Authority. He will be greatly missed by all, and we value his contribution to the National Park. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”

Tributes to Mr Owens were also paid by chair of the council’s planning committee, Jacob Williams, who, at the February 13 committee meeting, recorded his “personal sadness at Councillor Owens’ passing,” offering his condolences to friends and family.

Health

Hywel Dda urges responsible use of ‘under pressure’ A&E service

Published

21 mins ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HYWEL DDA University Health Board is appealing to the public to carefully consider how they access healthcare services as local A&E units, including Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, face increasing pressure.

A spokesperson said: “Our services are under pressure. Please help us to help you by choosing how you access our services carefully, ensuring that emergency departments (A&E) are reserved for urgent or life-threatening care needs.”

Unwell and unsure what to do?

If you’re unwell and uncertain about the best course of action, the Health Board recommends visiting the online symptom checker or calling NHS 111 Wales for advice.

When to attend A&E

Emergency Departments should only be used for life-threatening illnesses or serious injuries, such as:

Severe breathing difficulties
Severe pain or bleeding
Chest pain or suspected stroke
Serious trauma injuries (e.g., from a car crash)

Minor Injuries Units (MIUs)

For less serious injuries, MIUs offer treatment for:

Minor wounds, burns, or scalds
Insect bites
Minor limb, head, or face injuries
Foreign bodies in the nose or ear

MIUs are available at Cardigan Integrated Care Centre, Tenby Hospital, and main acute hospitals. Visit the Minor Injuries Unit page for opening hours and directions.

Urgent care, not an emergency

For urgent health needs that cannot wait but are not emergencies, call NHS 111 Wales for advice or access to out-of-hours GP services. This free service is available 24/7.

Mental health support

If you need urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 Wales and select option 2 to speak with a mental health professional. The number is free to call, even from a mobile with no credit.

Community care options

Community pharmacies offer walk-in services for common ailments such as sore throats, hay fever, and conjunctivitis. A full list of ailments and participating pharmacies can be found on the Common Ailments Service pages.

Helping reduce hospital stays

The Health Board emphasizes the importance of reducing hospital stays to ensure acute care is available for those who need it most. If a loved one is ready to be discharged, families are urged to collect them promptly to free up beds for other patients.

For more information on the inpatient experience, visit the Inpatient Information pages.

A thank you from the NHS

The Health Board expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation: “Your support not only helps you and your loved ones but also eases the strain on NHS and social care services.”

For further updates, contact:
Hywel Dda University Health Board Media Office
Email: [email protected]

News

Green hydrogen plant approved for Pembrokeshire

Published

32 mins ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE has taken a monumental step forward in the green energy revolution with the approval of a major green hydrogen plant.

RWE, Wales’s largest power producer, confirmed this week (Dec 17) that its Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant has been granted full planning permission by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The proposed facility will feature a 100MWe electrolyser capable of producing around two tonnes of hydrogen every hour. This green hydrogen is set to play a key role in decarbonising industrial activities across South Wales.

A local push for net zero

The project is a cornerstone of RWE’s Pembroke Net Zero Centre, which aims to harness Pembrokeshire’s rich energy heritage to drive forward innovation in renewable energy. Once operational, the plant is expected to cut carbon emissions by approximately 93,000 tonnes each year — the equivalent of taking 18,600 cars off the road annually.

The investment will also safeguard existing jobs at the Pembroke Power Station, inject significant economic benefits into the area, and create new opportunities during both the construction and operational phases.

Sopna Sury, Chief Operating Officer for Hydrogen at RWE Generation, praised the local authority for its collaborative approach:
“It is fantastic to have reached this milestone. Pembrokeshire is firmly positioning itself as a leader in the green hydrogen revolution, driving the energy transition and innovation in renewable technology.”

Securing Pembrokeshire’s energy future

The Pembroke Green Hydrogen project underscores RWE’s integral role in the South Wales Industrial Cluster (SWIC), a coalition working to decarbonise industries across the region. SWIC has been pivotal in securing development funding and shaping the plant’s roadmap to success.

Local MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, Henry Tufnell, hailed the approval as a major breakthrough:
“This project highlights Pembrokeshire’s ability to lead in renewable energy technologies, delivering solutions that not only cut emissions but also ensure a sustainable energy future. The Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant is a game-changer for our region and our nation.”

Leading the charge in clean energy

RWE’s commitment to renewable energy is unmatched, with a diverse portfolio spanning onshore and offshore wind, hydro, and biomass. The Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant will cement Pembrokeshire’s reputation as a hub of clean energy innovation, contributing significantly to the UK Government’s ambitious target of 10GW of green hydrogen capacity by 2030.

With planning approval secured, the focus now shifts to finalising government funding and investment decisions. The Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant is poised to be a defining feature of Pembrokeshire’s energy landscape and a vital step toward achieving net-zero emissions.

Crime

Sex offender jailed for breaching court order

Published

38 mins ago

December 20, 2024

Court Reporter

A SEX offender from Wolfscastle has been jailed after using fake names on WhatsApp and attempting to access a social media app, breaching his sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

Luke Rogers, 38, was sentenced to 10 months in prison at Swansea Crown Court after pleading guilty to two breaches of the order, which was imposed following his 2020 conviction for sexual activity with a child.

Under the SHPO, Rogers was prohibited from using unregistered internet-enabled devices or creating online profiles under false names. Prosecutor Ryan Bowen told the court that police monitoring software installed on Rogers’ phone detected activity in group chats under three aliases last November.

Further investigation revealed Rogers had also searched for the MeetMe app on four occasions and admitted using it. Rogers, described by Mr. Bowen as “apologetic,” was arrested, and his phone was seized.

The court heard Rogers has a history of 17 convictions for 35 offences, including breaching court orders and failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements.

Defence barrister Olivia Rose said Rogers had cooperated fully with police and expressed a desire to change. She argued that his breaches stemmed from a misunderstanding about permitted names and emphasized his efforts to seek support.

Despite these mitigating factors, Judge Catherine Richards noted Rogers’ pattern of reoffending and stated: “The reality is I can only pass an immediate custodial sentence.”

She expressed hope that Rogers would take advantage of post-sentence supervision to break the cycle of offending.