LOCAL organiser of the Pembrokeshire & Carmarthen West group, Jackie Gilderdale,  said that there could be light at the end of the tunnel.  Whilst congratulating Keir Starmer on becoming the new Prime Minister, Jackie said she hopes that he and the newly appointed DWP Minister, Liz Kendall, will accept an invitation for mediation talks with the Leaders of All 50s Women’s Groups as soon as possible. 

All three Elected MPs who are linked to the local group, due to the boundary changes, Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru); Henry Tufnell (Labour) and Ann Davies (Plaid Cymru) have been contacted by the local group who have asked to meet with them as soon as possible.  Jackie said that she has a great relationship with Ben Lake MP already, after doing multiple awareness raising sessions about the 50s Women’s campaign across Ceredigion a few years ago.  Plaid Cymru have also said they’ll support a Public Inquiry should the women be forced down that route.   

After years of lobbying, attending meetings and providing evidence, Welsh Parliament drew up the ask of Wales in March this year, based on proven maladministration in full and proven discrimination.  This ask was sent to the then Conservative Government & former DWP minister, Mel Stride.  This will be presented again to the new UK Labour Government, who received a copy back in March 2024. 

Keir Starmer has quoted quite often, during multiple campaigns for the 1950s women, that they must be compensated as there is a “debt of honour”.  Jackie said, we will now hold him to this. 

3.6 million women were impacted by the raise in the state pension age, most without notice. Approximately 270,000 have died during this campaign and currently one 50s born woman dies every 13.5 minutes.  So many will never see their state pension, or any financial redress and that’s why the ask from Welsh Parliament is so important and includes posthumous payments to those who’ve passed away.

Over £180 billion was saved by the former Chancellor, George Osbourne, when he made the reckless decision to raise the state pension age in the name of Tory austerity.  That money must be used for financial redress in line with the ask from Welsh Parliament. 

As Baroness Brenda Hale, President of the Supreme Court stated: “The fundamental principles of equal treatment cannot depend upon how much money happens to be available in the public coffers at any one particular time……That argument would not avail a private employer and it should not avail the state.”

The local group have contacted MPs Henry Tufnell (Labour), Ben Lake & Ann Davies (Plaid Cymru) for imminent meetings.  They will also resume their work with Delyth Jewell & Ioan Bellin, Plaid Cymru at the Senedd.

THE Regeneration Team at Pembrokeshire County Council are hosting a community engagement event on both the 19th and 20^th July at Haverhub (the old Post Office building)  to gather your ideas and input on shaping the future of our town.

The engagement event is the first of a series of engagement events, ensuring that the public’s voice is heard.

For years, our county town has held a special place in the hearts of its residents.

Like many town centres, it faces challenges and this event is a key step in defining the response to ensure that Haverfordwest realises its future potential. 

Local Authority plans aim to create a vibrant town centre with thriving businesses, and a lively hub for residents and visitors to enjoy.  But we can’t do it alone – your voice matters!

The community engagement event is your chance to be heard. Come along to our exhibition where we will be inviting your views on our plans to:

·       Revitalise the town centre by improving the environment and public realm;

·       Activate the riverside, attract new businesses and create a lively hub for residents and visitors;

·       Improve infrastructure: including – a new Transport Interchange, addressing the needs of pedestrians and cyclists and enhancing accessibility;

·       Create open spaces in the town centre for the community to enjoy;

·       Enhance Haverfordwest’s heritage, arts and culture offer and

·       Continue to support existing local businesses.

The Regeneration plans for Haverfordwest are already well underway. The Western Quayside building is nearing completion and  the major restaurant chain Loungers will be opening by Dec 2024 on the ground floor.

Work has commenced on a new landmark footbridge to replace the old bridge which has reached the end of its lifespan. The new bridge, which will be complete by Spring 2025, will lead residents and visitors from the Transport Interchange, across to a new public space between the library and Western Quayside, where clear signage will lead people to Bridge Street and Castle Square and then on up to the Haverfordwest Castle.

A major renovation of the castle has begun to preserve it as a key heritage attraction for future generations. The work includes an exciting new event space which is due for completion in 2026.

Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said: “This is an important step in engaging with Haverfordwest residents and key stakeholders to help us to get a better understanding of what is important to them. This will help shape how we could take the redevelopment forward.

It’s not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about building a future that reflects the needs and aspirations of everyone who calls Haverfordwest home. We want to hear your ideas, concerns and hopes for the future.

This is an opportunity to demonstrate your interest in being part of a meaningful, regeneration programme which will change the face of Haverfordwest and pave the way for a better future for our residents, businesses and visitors.”

So come and join on either 19^th or 20^th July for discussion and a chance to share your vision for Haverfordwest.

Haverfordwest Regeneration engagement event:

·        19th July 2024: 10:00am – 5pm

·        20th July 2024:10am – 1pm

·        Haverhub, (The Old Post Office Building), Quay St, Haverfordwest, SA61 1BG.

You are welcome to use the Welsh language. If you would like to do so, you will need to inform us a minimum of five working days in advance of the meeting. Email:  [email protected]

If you can’t attend the event, visit www.pembrokeshire.go.uk/futureofhaverfordwest for more information and to complete the survey.

Let’s work together to create a Haverfordwest that is prosperous, vibrant and full of life. We look forward to seeing you there!

This engagement event is funded though the Levelling up Fund.

A MILFORD HAVEN man is attending court on Tuesday (Jul 9), to face a number of serious charges.

Alan Roberts, 73, of Picton Road, Hakin, Milford Haven aces multiple charges of indecent assault and gross indecency involving girls under the age of 14, alleged to have occurred over several decades in Hakin, Milford Haven.

The youngest is alleged to have been just five or six years old.

The hearing, set for 10:00 AM, will address numerous counts of indecent assault under the Sexual Offences Act 1956, as well as gross indecency under the Indecency with Children Act 1960. These alleged offences involve multiple complainants and span significant periods, dating back to incidents allegedly occurring between 1976 and 2018.

Specifically, Roberts is accused of indecently assaulting complainants on no fewer than five occasions each between 14 June 1977 and 15 June 1981, and between 30 September 1981 and 1 October 1982. Another series of allegations point to incidents between 10 March 2000 and 11 March 2001, and two further incidents are claimed to have occurred between 11 February 2009 and 11 February 2010, and between 28 July 2017 and 29 July 2018. The charges encompass a total of 23 counts of indecent assault and gross indecency.

The maximum penalty for each charge is up to six months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

The identities of the complainants are protected under Section 1 of the Sexual Offences Amendment Act 1992.

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