News

Carmarthenshire residents want inquiry into Senedd reception by Bute

Published

6 months ago

July 12, 2024

CARMARTHENSHIRE Residents Action Group (CRAiG Sir Gâr) has written to the Standards Commissioner of the Senedd demanding an inquiry into Bute Energy’s evening drinks reception in the main public space at the Senedd on Tuesday 9th July.

Bute Energy is engaged in a number of controversial planning applications across Wales on which Welsh Ministers will decide. Carmarthenshire residents have questioned why such a controversial firm engaged in live planning applications was allowed to put on what appeared to be a wine and canapes reception for Senedd Members.

Green Gen Cymru/ Bute Energy is proposing to run at least two pylon chains through Carmarthenshire’s countryside desecrating the historic landscape of the Tywi Valley and villages along the A485. One of these will connect the controversial Nant Mithil windfarm development which is anticpated to go to planning in the next few months.

Havard Hughes, local resident and spokesperson for the Carmarthenshire Residents’ Action Group commented:

“Senedd rules prohibit the hosting of receptions where they are controversial or will result in financial gain. I have therefore written to the Senedd to demand answers on why the controversial firm Bute Energy was allowed to host what appeared to be a drinks reception for Senedd members as planning applications loom for the Nant Mithil windfarm and Bute’s Green GEN Towy-Usk Pylons in Carmarthenshire’s scenic Tywi Valley.

“The Nolan Rules make it clear that those who hold public office should act openly and transparently. How does this fit with a controversial private developer holding a private function in our Parliament so that they can lobby our politicians. Perceptions of transparency and fairness are crucial to maintain support for our democratic processes. We question the appropriateness of such an event during the planning and approval process of a number of controversial schemes.

“Residents are following the money. We have doggedly pursued Carmarthenshire County Council regarding its Dyfed Pension Fund investment in Bute Energy. We are now focusing on what Bute Energy is doing with those funds. This appears to include wining and dining Senedd Members in our own national parliament.

“We have written to The Standards Commissioner demanding further details of what happened at the event and who attended. Bute Energy are telling residents in the Tywi Valley and elsewhere that they cannot afford undergrounding. However, when it comes to hospitality for our elected representatives – money appears to be no object.”

Residents remain concerned and are urging a detailed investigation into the event’s appropriateness.

A Bute Energy spokesperson said on Friday (Jul 12): “CRAiG Sir Gâr’s letter contains several unfounded assertions about the reception.

“The event was held outside public hours and was strictly invite-only.

“Green Gen Cymru worked closely with the Senedd to ensure full compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.”

Bute also clarified that Bute Energy and Green Gen Cymru are not a single entity. In reality, Green Gen Cymru is an independently-governed subsidiary of Bute Energy.

The firm also highlighted that it is Green Gen Cymru that is proposing the distribution network, while Bute Energy is focused on developing a portfolio of energy parks.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

11 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

12 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

13 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.