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Unions urge Carmarthenshire County Council to reject austerity measures

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THE TRIO of recognised trade unions—Unison, GMB, and Unite—within Carmarthenshire County Council has issued a clarion call for the adoption of a Needs-led No Cuts Budget. This appeal is directed towards the Plaid Cymru-led council, urging a radical shift in budgetary strategy amidst growing concerns over austerity’s impact on local services.

The unions propose a collaborative approach involving the council, trade unions, and the public to ascertain the essential requirements for sustaining and enhancing council services. The budgetary formulation, they argue, should incorporate the use of reserves and borrowing to ensure financial viability, a stance that challenges conventional fiscal prudence.

The backdrop to this demand is a stark warning against the continued implementation of cuts, which trade unions believe undermines the council’s foundational services. They argue that such an approach has not only jeopardised the council’s financial stability but has also alienated the very communities the council purports to serve. The potential legal ramifications of a non-balanced budget are acknowledged, yet the unions suggest that this avenue remains unexplored in the legal domain.

This proposition is not merely a budgetary reconfiguration but signifies a call to arms for a mass mobilisation in defence of public services. The unions underscore that the ethos of their elected representatives should transcend mere acquiescence to austerity measures propagated by the Tory government. The narrative of inevitability surrounding commissioners’ intervention, they argue, is a smokescreen that obscures a decade of fiscal mismanagement and austerity.

The plight of Carmarthenshire is contextualised within a broader crisis afflicting local governance across the UK. Instances of technical bankruptcy, such as the issuance of S114 notices by several councils including Birmingham City Council—the largest in Britain—underscore the severity of the financial straits facing local authorities. The spectre of commissionership, entailing drastic service cuts and tax hikes, looms large, with Wales not insulated from these challenges.

The unions’ critique extends to the wider implications of austerity on Welsh councils, forecasting a grim future where a significant proportion might face financial insolvency within five years. The case of Pembrokeshire, contemplating unprecedented council tax increases, is cited as a harbinger of the broader societal impact of such fiscal strategies.

In a parting shot, the unions invoke the perceived vulnerability of the Tory government, advocating for a collective stand against cuts in collaboration with trade unions. They posit that such a united front could potentially reverse the tide of austerity, drawing parallels with historical precedents of governmental bailouts and fiscal largesse towards corporate interests.

The call to action culminates in an announcement of a lobbying effort slated for Wednesday, 28th February, at County Hall, Carmarthen.

Mark Evans, Branch Secretary of UNISON Carmarthenshire County Branch, encapsulates the sentiment of resistance and the imperative for concerted action.

 

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Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

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A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

 

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Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

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Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

 

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Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

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Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.

 

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