News

Senedd expansion ‘pivotal moment’ for devolution say democracy groups

Published

1 year ago

May 9, 2024

A COALITION of leading Welsh democracy and civil organisations has declared the approval of new legislation to expand the Senedd a ‘pivotal moment’ for devolution in Wales, suggesting it will significantly enhance accountability in Cardiff Bay.

According to a statement released by ERS Cymru, the Institute of Welsh Affairs (IWA), and the Women’s Equality Network (WEN) Wales, the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Bill is crucial in addressing the long-standing inequality where Wales remained the only UK parliament incapable of managing its increasing duties due to its small size.

Under the new bill, the number of Senedd representatives will rise from 60 to 96, allowing the Welsh Parliament to more effectively oversee its annual public spending of over £23 billion, and ensure the Welsh Government is held accountable.

The legislation also introduces a shift in the Senedd’s electoral system from the Additional Member System (AMS) to a closed list system of proportional representation, where voters will select a party instead of an individual candidate.

Jess Blair, Director of ERS Cymru, stated, “This is a pivotal moment in Welsh devolution’s history. Twenty-five years after the first elections to the Senedd, this bill corrects a historical disparity, aligning the Welsh parliament with other devolved assemblies in the UK.” She highlighted that the initial 60-member assembly was formed when the Welsh parliament lacked legislative and tax-raising powers. Blair noted the expansion as “an investment in better accountability so that issues are identified sooner and public funds are utilised more effectively.”

However, Blair expressed concerns over the new closed list voting system, urging a review and reform post-election to allow voters more choice.

Joe Rossiter, Co-Director of the Institute of Welsh Affairs, commented on the importance of the Senedd’s growth in capabilities to match its increased responsibilities. “As the powers of the Senedd have expanded, so too must its capacity and capability,” he said, acknowledging the need for further electoral reform to better reflect voter preference.

Victoria Vasey, Director of WEN Wales, described the legislation as a historic step towards a more effective Welsh parliament, emphasising the importance of representation. “An effective parliament is one that represents its population, ensuring women and all marginalised communities have a voice,” she said. Vasey also called for continued vigilance regarding the closed list system, which could potentially enhance party power over voter choice.

This legislative milestone marks a significant advance in the democratic process in Wales, though it appears the conversation around optimal electoral systems and representative democracy is set to continue.

Community

Milford Haven paddling pool open daily at 10:00am — safety reminder issued

Published

54 minutes ago

July 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Town council urges parents to supervise children at all times

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has reminded visitors to the children’s paddling pool on The Rath that the facility opens daily at 10:00am, and that children must be supervised by a responsible adult.

In a bilingual safety poster shared online, the council set out simple but essential rules to help ensure the pool remains a safe and fun space throughout the summer holidays. While the pool is popular with families, the council warns that it is not officially supervised, and users do so at their own risk.

The key rules include:

Children must be accompanied by an adult.
No running or diving in or around the pool.
No food, drink, or glass bottles in the water area.
No dogs are allowed within the paddling pool zone.
Littering is strictly prohibited.

A council spokesperson said: “Hi everyone, a polite request: we ask that all children be supervised by a responsible adult while using the pool. Thank you.”

There is no formal age limit for the pool, but younger children will be given priority, especially during busy times.

Local families have praised the pool since it reopened, with one visitor, Linda Phillips, commenting: “We’ve just spent two hours there. Great effort everyone! The youngsters are really enjoying it.”

Milford Haven Town Council thanked her for the feedback, calling it “lovely to hear.”

Opening times or access arrangements may change due to weather or maintenance — updates will be posted on the council’s official Facebook page.

Caption:

Splash safely: Milford Haven Town Council’s new bilingual poster reminds families to supervise children and follow the rules while enjoying the paddling pool on The Rath this summer (Pic: Herald).

News

Stricken boat rescued off Ramsey Island after gearbox failure

Published

6 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Off-duty RNLI crew member steps in to assist with tow to safety

ST DAVIDS RNLI all-weather lifeboat launched at 6:20pm on Wednesday (July 9) to assist a 28-foot motorboat that had suffered drive shaft failure near Ramsey Island.

The vessel, which had departed from Porthclais harbour with two people on board, was left without propulsion due to gearbox issues and was drifting dangerously close to cliffs.

The call for assistance was received at 6:09pm, and the lifeboat was launched just over 10 minutes later. Calm sea conditions allowed the volunteer crew to reach the scene swiftly. A local recreational boat from Voyages of Discovery had been standing by the stricken vessel until the lifeboat arrived.

Given the boat’s proximity to the cliffs and inability to manoeuvre, the coxswain made the decision to tow it back to Porthclais. However, the harbour is inaccessible to the RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat.

Fortunately, off-duty crew member Robin was nearby on his own vessel and was able to take over the tow and bring the motorboat safely into the harbour.

The lifeboat and crew returned to station by 7:40pm.

Crime

Motorist sentenced over crash that left biker with life-changing injuries

Published

7 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE man who caused life-changing injuries to a motorcyclist in a serious crash at Merlin’s Bridge has been sentenced at Swansea Crown Court.

JAMES IAN PUTTOCK appeared before the court on Wednesday (July 2), where he pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving, contrary to section 2C of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

The collision occurred on December 20, 2022, at Merlin’s Bridge, near Haverfordwest, and involved a red Suzuki Splash driven by Puttock and a motorcyclist.

The rider suffered what police described at the time as “life-changing injuries” and was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. The road was closed for several hours while crash investigators examined the scene.

Puttock had originally been due to stand trial, as previously reported by The Pembrokeshire Herald in January 2024. However, he entered a guilty plea ahead of trial.

At sentencing, the court imposed the following:

20 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months
10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days
12-month driving disqualification

The Herald understands the crash had a profound impact on the injured rider and their family, who are still dealing with the long-term consequences of the incident.