Community

Council accused of acting as ‘town sheriff’ after stopping boxing event

Published

8 months ago

June 17, 2024

LLANELLI Magistrates’ Court has ruled that Pembrokeshire County Council’s decision to stop a charity boxing event in Milford Haven was incorrect. The judgement was delivered on Monday, June 17.

The charity boxing event, originally scheduled for May 31 at The Hangar, was postponed due to the council’s actions. The Hangar, which has operated as an occasional events venue since September, appealed the council’s decision to issue a counternotice stopping the event.

Temporary event notices (TENs) authorise such events, and the council had consistently granted these notices until last month, when its Licensing Sub-Committee issued a counternotice, citing noise complaints and alleged misuse of the TENs process.

The objection leading to the counternotice came from a council officer who claimed the venue had become a public nuisance due to noise complaints. This officer also argued that the venue’s frequent applications for temporary permissions were an abuse of the TENs system and the council’s licensing policy. The court heard that the complaints were from two Milford Haven town councillors, one of whom lives nearby.

The magistrates were told that the sub-committee’s role was to determine if the noise complaints were significant enough to halt the event. The Hangar’s manager, Steve Bartram, argued that the boxing event would be quieter than other events previously held at the venue.

However, David Walters from Pollution Control informed councillors he would object to any further applications for events at The Hangar due to the risk of public nuisance from noise complaints.

On appeal, the magistrates criticised the council for placing too much emphasis on the perceived misuse of the TENs system. Bartram’s barrister, Matthew Graham Paul, successfully argued that the operation of the TENs system is defined by statute and should not be overridden by the council’s policies, regardless of individual officers’ opinions.

The magistrates noted that there had been no complaints about previous boxing events and that the complaints about other events were not clearly evidenced. “We do not consider the counternotice should have been issued because the boxing event was unlikely to cause a public nuisance,” the bench stated.

“We had to consider if the decision of the sub-committee was reached by correct procedure, and we find that it was not. We allow the appeal.”

Regarding costs, Mr Paul argued for reimbursement of his client’s legal fees of £1,750, stating, “The sub-committee was misled by the council officer. They considered their own policy rather than the merits of the boxing event.”

“Pembrokeshire County Council were effectively saying ‘we are the sheriff in this town, and we say how we do things around here’,” he said.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s counsel, Ben Blakemore, countered, “The council made a decision and it made a mistake. Mistakes happen. The council should be able to make decisions without fear of incurring costs at appeal.”

” We are all human and mistakes happen. We are not yet in the situation where AI and computers can make these decisions for us”, he said.

Both barristers cited case law to support their arguments on costs. After a short adjournment, the bench decided to reserve the matter for a future date, allowing time for legal submissions from both sides to be considered.

Speaking after the hearing Steve Bartram said: “After the licensing committee hearing last month I felt a profound sense on injustice. It was ridiculous that the council stopped a charity boxing event, organised to raise money for a worthy cause. There were no noise complaints at the last boxing event, and the noise complaints against The Hangar which relate to other events are basically nonsense.

“I now hope that the council officer who has been against our venue reconsiders his stance and starts to support our venue, which I believe is important for the community of Milford Haven.”

Community

RWE launches hydrogen education programme to inspire future climate champions

Published

2 days ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

RWE has launched its Hydrogen Education Programme, an initiative aimed at educating schoolchildren about hydrogen’s crucial role in achieving net zero and decarbonising industries.

Developed in partnership with Generation C, the programme offers interactive, curriculum-based activities that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Students of all ages will explore hydrogen’s properties, its production, and its growing role in industries driving the clean energy transition.

Henry Tudor High School in Pembroke has already piloted the programme with secondary school students, while Golden Grove Primary School is set to begin this week. The initiative will demonstrate how hydrogen, as a clean energy source, is integral to reducing emissions in transport, manufacturing, and energy sectors.

Engaging young minds

The programme features real-world case studies highlighting RWE’s hydrogen projects and includes group challenges designed to encourage critical thinking about global climate issues.

Golden Grove Primary School headteacher, Mr A Williams, welcomed the initiative, stating: “As head of a large primary school in Pembrokeshire, which is at the forefront of green energy growth, it is imperative that we build meaningful relationships with companies like RWE. The initial lesson captivated our learners, who now fully understand the importance of green energy and the new hydrogen plant. The flexibility of the New Welsh Curriculum allows us to tailor learning to our community’s needs—building an electrolyser to produce hydrogen is just the beginning of a journey that could lead to future opportunities in collaboration with businesses.”

Williams also highlighted the programme’s potential to shape future career paths, saying: “This project could provide highly skilled jobs in our county, and we need our learners to be at the forefront of that development.”

Building a sustainable future

Louise McDonnell, RWE’s hydrogen development manager, attended the event and emphasised the programme’s impact: “Our Hydrogen Education Programme equips young people with the knowledge and inspiration to make a difference. Hydrogen is a game-changer in the fight against climate change, and through this initiative, we’re helping students see the opportunities in clean energy. Education is key to building the skills and passion needed to achieve net zero and safeguard our planet.”

RWE’s Hydrogen Education Programme is more than just an awareness initiative—it aims to inspire careers in clean energy. By sparking curiosity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the programme encourages students to explore future roles in the expanding hydrogen economy and renewable energy sector.

Hydrogen’s role in decarbonisation

RWE recently secured planning permission for the RWE Pembroke Green Hydrogen Project, a 100MWe electrolysis plant capable of producing approximately two metric tonnes of green hydrogen per hour. By replacing fossil fuels, the plant is expected to cut local CO2 emissions by about 93,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of removing 18,600 cars from the road.

As the UK’s largest power producer and a leading renewable generator, RWE continues to develop hydrogen opportunities nationwide to support industrial decarbonisation and drive the transition to a cleaner energy future.

Community

New Men’s Shed opens at Milford Haven Station

Published

2 days ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TRANSPORT for Wales (TfW) has announced the opening of a new Men’s Shed at Milford Haven Station, transforming one of its stations into a valuable community hub.

Men’s Sheds are community spaces where people come together to make, repair, and repurpose items while supporting local projects. These grassroots initiatives play a crucial role in tackling social isolation and fostering a sense of community.

Research shows that Sheds offer significant health benefits, with 96% of members—known as Shedders—reporting a reduction in loneliness after joining. While traditionally associated with older men, Men’s Sheds are inclusive, welcoming people of all genders and backgrounds. Many involve women, and some operate exclusively for women.

The new Milford Haven Men’s Shed will provide a space for the community to connect, share skills, and form friendships. Shedders will have the freedom to decide how best to use the space to meet their needs.

Emma Collins, Station Manager for Milford Haven, said: “I am pleased that we are able to accommodate the Men’s Shed within the station and support this invaluable community group and the work they do.”

The Milford Haven Men’s Shed committee expressed gratitude to TfW for enabling the project, calling it a safe and welcoming space for older members of the community to build friendships and support well-being.

A spokesperson for the Shed said: “We hope to give back to the community some of the help we have received from TfW. We would also like to thank the National Lottery for the funding that made this project possible.”

They added: “Whether it’s crafting, working on projects, or simply dropping in for a cuppa and a chat, the Men’s Shed is here for the people of the town. We look forward to welcoming everyone.”

Community

Drop in sessions to help reshape Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

Published

7 days ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is pleased to announce the launch of a series of community drop-in sessions designed to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders. This initiative aims to identify issues and challenges that may impact the delivery of the Community Risk Management Plan 2040 (CRMP 2040).

The CRMP 2040 outlines the Service’s commitment to addressing risks, threats, and challenges faced by communities. These drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of fire and rescue services in Mid and West Wales, ensuring safety and well-being remain a priority.

Shaping the future together

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Iwan Cray said: “We believe the best way to serve our communities is by involving them in the planning process. These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and collaborate with the people we serve.”

The drop-in sessions, details of which are available on the MAWWFRS website, offer a platform for open dialogue. Residents can share their insights, concerns, and suggestions, contributing to the development of a modern Fire and Rescue Service tailored to their needs.

A data-driven approach

The CRMP 2040 adopts a data-driven approach, focusing on prevention, protection, and response to reduce emergencies’ impact and enhance public safety. By tailoring services to community needs, MAWWFRS is committed to building safer and more resilient communities.

Get involved

Community members are encouraged to attend these sessions and provide their feedback. To thank participants, MAWWFRS is offering a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. To enter, simply attend a session and complete the survey.

For more information about the plan or the upcoming drop-in sessions, visit the MAWWFRS website or contact the team at [email protected].

About MAWWFRS

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is dedicated to protecting and serving the communities of Mid and West Wales. Through prevention, protection, and response, the Service works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.