News

Western Telegraph’s complaint against The Herald dismissed

Published

11 years ago

October 14, 2014

Pleased with result: Herald editor, Thomas Sinclair

A COMPLAINT made to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) about The Pembrokeshire Herald’s media pack and marketing by the Western Telegraph’s publisher, Dean Merrick, has been rejected.

In his complaint, Mr Merrick alleged that information provided to customers regarding the number of copies being printed per week were ‘untrue’. Mr Merrick also challenged the Herald’s weekly readership figures.

An investigation by the ASA confirmed that the Pembrokeshire Herald correctly advertised that the publication prints 10,000 copies per week.

The regulatory body is also allowing The Herald to advertise a readership figure of 17,000, on the basis that it is made clear to readers that this is an estimated figure.

Herald publisher Thomas Sinclair said: “At the time of the complaint I said that it was a pretty desperate act. Now, the Advertising Standards Authority reviewed both our print run and circulation figures and they were satisfied that we were able to substantiate both. So my view remains the same about Dean Merrick’s actions.”

Mr Sinclair added: “The number of readers a paper has every week is calculated by the average number of people a newspaper is seen by; that is called the “pass on rate”. We checked our position against the accepted industry benchmark and erred on the side of caution when calculating our total readership. If anything, we underestimate our readership and did this knowing that our figures would be eventually audited.

“Other papers claim a higher pass on rate than we do. If you read some advertising features in some other papers, they bear no relation to the pass on rate. One feature in a rival claimed something like 50,000 plus readers. That would mean a pass on rate far in excess of what can be justified by reference to industry standard practice and would mean they were selling almost twice as many papers as they actually do.

Clear message: 17000 readers on banners at Milford Carnival this year.

“I am pleased that, subject to a very minor change that we have agreed pending the end of year audit, the ASA have determined the complaint to be groundless and will take no further action.

“It makes you wonder just how desperate multinational newspaper groups are if, rather than give their advertising customers a positive message about themselves, they allow the outsiders they parachute in to run their supposedly “local” brands to attack competitors.

Mr Sinclair concluded: “I think what has happened shows the difference between something produced by a soulless corporation without roots in the community and a real local newspaper concentrating on real local issues.”

Sales Director Tim Evans added: “We sell our product positively. It’s a pity that some others lack the confidence and ability to do the same with their own.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.