News

Christmas tree collections under spotlight at March meeting

Published

9 months ago

March 10, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

WHILE spring is finally in the air, the number of waste Christmas trees collected by the council came under the spotlight at County Hall this week.

Pembrokeshire had previously run a free collection service for waste Christmas trees post-Christmas, but in November senior councillors backed a £5 charge for the collection of real Christmas trees, previously identified as a potential cost saving of £10,000.

After the charge was introduced last November a special ‘Christmas tree call-in’ meeting was held later that month, following a request made by Councillor Huw Murphy

Cllr Murphy called for the matter to be referred to the December full council in the hopes the charge could be overturned, warning: “The inevitable consequence of the introduction of a tree collection fee will be more littering and fly tipping of Christmas trees by people who may have no means (transport) to dispose of at a waste recycling centre.”

However, his call-in, labelled by opponents as “frivolous, or even vexatious,” was defeated by nine votes to four, meaning the £5 charge remained.

At the March 7 meeting of full council, Councillor Huw Murphy asked a question following the introduction of the charge to dispose of the festive flora.

He asked: “Could council be now provided with the number of Christmas Trees collected in December 2023 and January 2024 following the introduction of the £5 collection fee?”

Answering Cllr Murphy’s question, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said 870 households had used the service since the introduction of charges, with 910 trees collected.

Cllr Murphy, in a supplementary question, said there had been a 50 per cent reduction in the numbers collected in previous years since the charge was introduced.

He added: “I think to find £10,000 to continue the service which affects the less well-off would be the positive thing to do.”

Cllr Sinnett replied, saying that, although there had been a reduction in the tonnage of Christmas trees collected through the scheme, from 16.4 to 7.1 tons, free disposal had been available at the county’s waste and recycling centres, with the tonnage of ‘green waste,’ including the trees, had increased by 13.8 per cent in late 2023.

“What we lose in one, we gain in another,” he concluded.

Crime

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

Published

10 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

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.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

24 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

24 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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!