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Haverfordwest mosque boundary fencing plans backed

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PLANS for boundary fences and gates at Haverfordwest’s mosque, on the site of the former Cherry Grove council office building, have been approved.

Mustafa Yunis of UKIM, Haverfordwest Central Mosque, had applied for the erection of boundary fences and gates at the site, which was approved as a mosque back in 2022.

An officer report, recommending approval, said: “The submitted application seeks consent to erect three sections of 1.8 metre-high V mesh fence, with three 1.8 metre by six metre wide gated openings at three points of vehicular and pedestrian access to the building, one located to the north west adjacent to Park Road, and two located to the south east of the site adjacent to The Rise.

“A further pedestrian access gate is proposed to the northeast of the site adjacent to Queensway.”

In early 2022, members of the planning committee approved a change of use application for the former tax office at Cherry Grove, made by Haverfordwest Central Mosque.

The approved application for a mosque and associated community facilities included Quran classes, after school activities, community centre and crèche, festivals, exercise classes and community space, a planning report for that committee stated.

Haverfordwest councillor Tim Evans said there was local support for the proposals.

“It’s been welcomed by the people in the area. They have had lots of meetings with the local people with what’s going on there and the community aspect that’s going to be used there as well. I think everybody is positive about it in the area,” he told the committee.

The latest application was approved, with conditions including: “Prior to installation, details of the proposed finish colour of the boundary fences and gates shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.”

Haverfordwest Central Mosque, on its website, says: “According to the 2011 census, Haverfordwest has the highest number of Muslim residents in Pembrokeshire.

“It is a popular holiday destination for Muslim families as it is very close to the Pembrokeshire coastline. Withybush hospital attracts many Muslim medical professionals and there are many halal eateries established in the town.”

News

UK government to appoint first Wales Crown Estate Commissioner

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FOR the first time, the UK government will appoint a Crown Estate Commissioner dedicated to advising on matters in Wales, further integrating Welsh interests in board-level decisions. This move supports existing efforts to ensure that Wales benefits from the push for clean energy, following an agreement facilitated by the Welsh Secretary.

An amendment to the Crown Estate Bill, with cross-party backing from Labour, Plaid Cymru, Liberal Democrats, and crossbenchers, will be accepted at today’s Lords Report Stage (Nov 5). This change mandates the appointment of a Wales-specific Commissioner through the Public Appointments process, with input from the Welsh Government. The appointee will bear “an additional responsibility” to represent Welsh conditions and interests, amplifying Wales’s voice within the Crown Estate.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has collaborated with the Treasury, The Crown Estate, House of Lords members, and the Welsh Government to secure this legislative advancement. The Crown Estate, instrumental in drawing international investment to Wales, supports projects like Floating Offshore Wind in the Celtic Sea, which promises cleaner energy and job creation.

The introduction of a Wales-specific Commissioner strengthens The Crown Estate’s mission to serve the entire UK while averting potential market fragmentation and protecting international investor confidence critical to the net-zero transition.

In a related effort, Great British Energy, the government’s new public energy firm, recently partnered with The Crown Estate to expedite renewable energy advancements. This initiative could attract up to £60bn in private investment, boosting the UK’s journey toward energy independence.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens stated: “This is a landmark step toward ensuring that Welsh prosperity is at the heart of the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower. Our nation stands to benefit hugely from investment in floating offshore wind, and we now have the representation we need to help seize that moment. This demonstrates how Wales benefits directly from its two governments working together, and I’m grateful to Lord Livermore, The Crown Estate, and others for helping to make this happen.”

Sir Robin Budenberg CBE, Chair of The Crown Estate, said: “In seeking to increase the number of Commissioners from eight to twelve, The Crown Estate welcomes the opportunity now presented by this amendment to bring even more direct knowledge and understanding of the areas in which we operate and further strengthen our ability to deliver benefit to the whole of the UK.”

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Crime

Arrests made after large-scale cannabis operation raided in Pembroke Dock

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POLICE in Pembroke Dock have uncovered yet another large-scale cannabis operation, as part of an ongoing clampdown on illegal farms in the area. On Monday (Nov 4), Dyfed-Powys Police executed a search warrant at a property on Dimond Street, where officers found over 500 cannabis plants in a sophisticated cultivation setup.

Two men, aged 26 and 34, have been arrested in connection with the investigation and are currently in police custody. The raid follows a series of similar operations in Pembrokeshire, targeting properties used for illegal drug cultivation.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Health

Rising trend of private healthcare use among friends and family in Wales

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MORE than half of UK residents report having close family or friends who have used private healthcare services, according to the latest data from the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN). In Wales, this figure is 58%, slightly above the UK-wide average of 55%. Meanwhile, 32% of Britons have used private healthcare themselves, with regions such as the East Midlands (64%) and Northern Ireland (59%) showing even higher familiarity with private healthcare options.

David Hare, Chief Executive of IHPN, said: “Private healthcare is becoming more mainstream, with people increasingly opting for private services to access healthcare more easily and quickly. Our findings highlight that most people in the UK know someone close who has used private healthcare, whether through insurance or self-pay. This demonstrates a shift toward private healthcare as a convenient and accessible option.”

Claims that private healthcare is becoming more mainstream in Wales

The survey found that 45% of those choosing private healthcare did so because of long NHS waiting times, while 27% preferred the ease of booking private appointments. Around 20% receive private healthcare through work, and 17% believe private services offer higher-quality care. Accessibility is another key factor, with half of respondents agreeing that private healthcare is more accessible than NHS options.

Top Treatments Accessed Privately:

  • Doctor consultation: 45%
  • Diagnostic treatment (e.g., scans): 45%
  • Other healthcare professional consultations: 35%
  • GP appointments: 34%
  • Minor operations (same-day discharge): 25%
  • Major operations (overnight stay): 16%
  • Ongoing serious condition treatment (e.g., cancer): 5%

IHPN’s Five Steps to Choosing Private Healthcare

If you’re considering private healthcare, IHPN suggests these key steps:

  1. Do Your Research: Consult inspection reports from national care regulators like the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England and the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN). Scotland and Wales have independent inspectorates, available at hiw.org.uk and healthcareimprovementscotland.scot.
  2. Explore Payment Plans: Many providers offer flexible payment options, making private care more affordable.
  3. Find Local Options: Use resources such as ihpn.org.uk or phin.org.uk to locate private providers nearby.
  4. Take Control: It’s your choice; seek recommendations from friends and family or consult online ratings to find the right clinician or clinic. Your GP can also offer support.
  5. Book a Consultation: Before committing, schedule a consultation with a private provider to discuss treatment options and ask questions. Bring someone you trust if you wish, and take notes.

For more information on private healthcare options in the UK, visit ihpn.org.uk. For additional information, interviews, or case studies, contact Helen Trevorrow at 0794 000 9138 or [email protected].

Source: Statistics are from the “Going Private 2024” report by IHPN and Public First, based on a survey of 2,004 respondents across the UK.

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