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James Evans MS calls for overhaul of ‘toxic’ Meat Promotion Wales

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A CONSERATIVE MS called for Hybu Cig Cymru to be made fully independent amid concerns about a “toxic bullying culture” within the meat promotion organisation.

James Evans, the shadow rural affairs secretary, warned the farming industry is losing faith in Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC), Wales’ meat marketing board.

He said HCC’s chief executive has stood down, two senior executives are leaving and board members are on the verge of resigning.

Mr Evans said: “There have been no board minutes published since 2022, and no up-to-date financial statements or annual reports on their website since 2021.

“This is a very concerning position for HCC to find itself in. The body underpins an industry that’s been valued at more than £1b to Wales.“

The Brecon and Radnorshire MS said a toxic culture of bullying and governance issues within the Welsh Government-owned company are undermining farmers’ confidence.

He said: “A lot of people in the industry, as well, are very concerned about whether the board and the chairman of the board have got the power and the levers that they need to actually turn the organisation around.

“The industry is losing faith.”

During rural affairs questions on June 19, Mr Evans called for a fully independent meat marketing board, run by farmers and processors for farmers and processors.

He told the Senedd: “A lot of farmers I’m speaking to are telling me, ‘Take it away from the Welsh Government, give it back to the industry, give it to the processors, let them directly appoint people onto that board, and, if they don’t perform, they can take them away’.”

Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru’s shadow rural affairs secretary, warned that the situation is “going from bad to worse”, with two directors resigning this week.

The North Wales representative raised concerns about absence levels and staff turnover as he echoed calls for government intervention.

Pressing Huw Irranca-Davies, the Welsh Government’s rural affairs secretary, he warned of the risk of undermining the faith of HCC levy payers and the reputation of Welsh red meat.

He asked: “For how long will you say that this is someone else’s problem?”

Mr Irranca-Davies replied: “We have to leave it to Hybu Cig Cymru to actually work through these issues and do them properly and assiduously. That is HCCs role…

“It is not for me to step in and, in some ways, tell HCC what to do, or intervene in what are sensitive and delicate discussions with both current and former members.”

Mr Irranca-Davies said he has not heard a universal voice from farmers calling for HCC to be made independent of the Welsh Government.

The rural affairs secretary, who is also responsible for climate change, recognised concerns about governance, saying he has met the chair to seek assurances in the past few weeks.

He told the chamber: “In terms of their day-to-day business and their performance, they’re getting on with it. I’ve had those reassurances that performance is not affected….

“But clearly, I’m aware of the internal governance issues and I’m sure they’re focused on resolving them.”

Mr Irranca-Davies, a former MP and Defra minister under Gordon Brown’s UK Government, pointed out that Heather Anstey-Myers was appointed interim chief executive in January.

Business

Specsavers brings state-of-the-art eyecare to county with landmark investment

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IN a time when healthcare services are stretched thin across the UK, Pembrokeshire stands out as a beacon of hope and innovation with the upcoming opening of Wales’ largest Specsavers store in Haverfordwest. Thanks to a transformative £1.2 million investment, the county is poised to benefit from world-class eye and hearing care when the new store opens its doors on Monday, December 16, 2024.

This state-of-the-art facility, situated at 21 Riverside Quay in the Riverside Shopping Centre, is set to revolutionize local healthcare with 14 test rooms, including two dedicated audiology suites. Not only does this make it the largest Specsavers in Wales, but it also places it among the most advanced in the UK. At a time when accessing NHS services can be challenging, the store’s cutting-edge technology and expanded clinical services offer a lifeline to residents, relieving pressure on GPs, hospitals, and A&E departments.

Andy Britton, ophthalmic director at Specsavers Haverfordwest, highlighted the importance of this development: “Our investment reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional eye and hearing care in Pembrokeshire. This isn’t just about a bigger store – it’s about meeting the needs of our growing community, introducing advanced clinical services, and training the next generation of optometrists.”

The new store is also a hub for education, supporting optometrists pursuing higher qualifications in areas like Glaucoma and Independent Prescribing. This ensures Pembrokeshire residents have access to top-tier care while nurturing a future generation of specialists.

A recent YouGov survey commissioned by Specsavers reveals a critical gap in awareness about eye health. Nearly 70% of Welsh adults don’t think to visit an optician first for eye-related issues, often turning to overstretched NHS services instead. By encouraging patients to make opticians their first point of contact for issues like sudden vision loss or painful eyes, Specsavers aims to change this narrative.

Britton elaborated: “Optometrists are equipped to handle many urgent eye issues, often faster and more effectively than traditional NHS routes. By improving awareness, we’re not only providing faster care but also reducing unnecessary strain on the NHS.”

The grand reopening event promises to be a celebration of both innovation and community spirit, featuring live music from the Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir and appearances by local dignitaries, including Pembrokeshire mayors. Specsavers has also committed to a year of community-focused initiatives in 2025, cementing its role as more than just a business – but a vital part of Pembrokeshire life.

Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, praised the investment: “At a time when many towns are struggling, Specsavers’ decision to invest in Haverfordwest demonstrates confidence in our community’s future. This new store is not just a healthcare milestone – it’s a cornerstone of our town’s regeneration.”

With flexible seven-day-a-week hours and a commitment to both innovation and accessibility, Specsavers Haverfordwest is a shining example of how Pembrokeshire continues to defy national trends in healthcare decline. For more information or to book an appointment, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/haverfordwest.

Pembrokeshire is truly fortunate to have such a forward-thinking service at its heart, proving that even in challenging times, innovation and care can thrive.

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Business

Approval expected for 91 Narberth houses

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PLANS for an estate of 91 houses, more than 40 per cent of them affordable, in a Pembrokeshire town described as one of the best places to live in the UK, are expected to be approved next week.

In an application recommended for conditional approval at the December 3 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Wales & West Housing Association seeks permission for 91, one, two, three and four bedroomed homes on land to the north of Adams Drive and to the west of Bloomfield Gardens, Narberth.

Narberth was featured in The Sunday Times 2023 Best Places to Live Guide, where it was described as having “a town centre that punches far above its weight”.

28 affordable homes are proposed, along with 12 houses as Low-Cost Home Ownership Units, the remaining 51 homes for open market sale.

Outline planning permission for a residential development on the agricultural land site – now lapsed – was approved in 2010.

Agent Asbri Planning Ltd, in a supporting statement, said: “The design led approach will create a high-quality place, that sensitively sits within the site retained wildlife corridors and positively connects to the community of Narberth.”

It added: “The development of a mixed tenure site for different types of homes will cater for a variety of local people. These include first-time buyers, growing families looking to move up the property ladder, those looking for bungalows or to downsize for their retirement.

“As indicated approximately half of the homes proposed will be for social rent or offered for sale as part of a discounted home ownership scheme for local people who want to buy their own home but cannot afford the high cost of houses in Narberth.

“As a not-for-profit organisation, which operates under charitable rules to bring benefit to their communities, these open market homes would allow Wales & West Housing to self-fund the development without the need for social housing grant or financial support from the Welsh Government.  This is therefore an opportunity to provide more affordable housing for local people and families.”

The discounted sale properties will be delivered via Wales & West Housing’s ‘Own Home Cymru’ scheme which helps buyers with a local connection to purchase a home of their own at 70 per cent of market value without the need for a deposit.

The application also proposes 191 parking spaces at the development.

The application finishes: “The proposed development will result in a high-quality environment which contributes to local distinctiveness and a sense of place, leading to regeneration benefits for the wider area in accordance with the site’s vision and brief.”

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Cleddau Bridge Hotel affordable homes set to be approved

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PLANS to build 35 affordable homes on the fire-ravaged site of the former Cleddau Bridge Hotel, Pembroke Dock are expected to be approved next week.

In a prime location at one of the entrances to Pembroke Dock the former Cleddau Bridge Hotel has been derelict since a fire in March 2019, which brought emergency services from as far afield as Ammanford, Aberystwyth and Swansea.

A previous planning application for the demolition of the hotel and siting of a residential care home and linked bungalows was submitted in October 2022 and which was subsequently granted permission in February 2023.

This permission, in outline, is still live and allows for the loss of the hotel use of the site and its alternative redevelopment as a residential care home.

The site has now been purchased by Castell Group Property Specialists who specialise in delivering affordable housing in South Wales and have undertaken a joint development deal with Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) and that deal was agreed back in April.

Castell Group Property Specialists, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, now wants to demolish what is left of the hotel, with a development of affordable housing units, with landscaping and ecological enhancements, the housing being 100 per cent affordable, in a mix of a mix of social rent and affordable housing.

Initial discussions with the council were for 38 affordable units, which has been lowered to 35 in a mix of 16 one-bed units, 11 two-bed units, six three-bed units and two four- bed units.

The applicants say: “The application offers an opportunity to find a solution to the redevelopment of the site, which has now been vacant and derelict now for some five years, and to make a significant contribution towards meeting the affordable housing needs of the area. The proposal is unique in that the scheme would be in the form of 100 per cent affordable housing.”

The application is recommended for conditional approval at the December 3 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has previously said the 2019 fire was started by a deliberate act. Following a fire investigation, Dyfed-Powys Police said they found there to be insufficient evidence to identify a suspect.

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