News

Residents to face court as controversy surrounds councillor pension investments

Published

1 year ago

August 28, 2024

CARMARTHENSHIRE residents are facing legal action as energy company GreenGEN Cymru, a subsidiary of Bute Energy, demands access to land for pylon surveys. The move has reignited concerns over potential conflicts of interest within Carmarthenshire County Council, as many of its members hold investments in Bute Energy through the Dyfed Pension Fund.

GreenGEN Cymru has recently begun exercising newly granted legal powers to gain entry to private land for the purpose of conducting surveys related to proposed pylon projects. Under the threat of prosecution, landowners in Carmarthenshire are being forced to grant access to their properties, despite widespread opposition to the projects.

A Freedom of Information request has revealed that 49 of the 75 elected members of Carmarthenshire County Council are members of the Dyfed Pension Fund, which includes investments in Bute Energy. This includes 12 of the 18 members of the Council’s Planning Committee, raising concerns among residents about the impartiality of the planning process.

The controversy has deepened following the disclosure that one of the councillors with investments in Bute Energy is Ann Davies MP, who previously served as the Lead Member for Planning on the Council. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) had to intervene before the Council released the names of councillors with ties to the pension fund.

Residents have voiced their frustrations, accusing the Council of failing to address the potential conflict of interest. Havard Hughes, spokesperson for the Carmarthenshire Residents’ Action Group, criticised the Council’s lack of transparency and urged for the immediate withdrawal of the Dyfed Pension Fund’s investments in Bute Energy.

“Residents deserve to be supported by their elected representatives at this time,” said Mr Hughes. “However, every time concerns are raised about the proximity between Bute Energy and our local politicians, we are met with silence, obstruction, and denial.”

Llandeilo resident and conservationist Tara-Jane Sutcliffe echoed these concerns, particularly highlighting the implications for the Towy-Usk pylon project. “With a majority of two-thirds of the Council having their future security invested in Bute Energy via the Dyfed Pension scheme, residents will feel that there is no way that the Towy-Usk project can receive an unprejudiced hearing,” she said.

The Towy-Usk pylon project, along with the Towy-Teifi scheme, has faced significant opposition from local communities. While some elements of these projects fall under the jurisdiction of Welsh Ministers, others, such as the proposed 32-acre substation in Llandyfaelog, will be decided by the local authority. Despite the scale of the project, Carmarthenshire County Council has decided against completing an Environmental Impact Assessment for the substation, a decision that has further fuelled public concern.

The controversy surrounding the Council’s pension investments comes in stark contrast to Powys County Council, which opted not to invest its pension fund in Bute Energy. This decision has prompted calls for Carmarthenshire to follow suit.

Carmarthenshire Residents’ Action Group has launched a petition calling for the Council to disinvest from Bute Energy, accusing it of prioritising financial gain over the interests of the community. The petition, titled “Stop Backing Bute,” has garnered significant support as residents seek to protect their local landscape from what they describe as “brutal industrialisation.”

As the situation unfolds, the pressure on Carmarthenshire County Council continues to mount. Residents and campaigners alike are demanding transparency and action, urging the Council to sever its financial ties with Bute Energy to restore public trust in the planning process.

For more information and to support the petition, visit CRAiG Sir Gâr’s website at www.craigsirgar.org.

News

Political leaders and unions react to Milford Haven school assault

Published

15 minutes ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

First Minister, MP, MS and teaching unions call for safety and support for staff

POLITICAL leaders and teaching unions across Wales have spoken out following Thursday’s assault on a teacher at Milford Haven School, which led to a lockdown, a major police response and the arrest of a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder.

The First Minister Eluned Morgan said she was “deeply concerned” by the incident and stressed that violence had no place in Welsh schools.

***Police at Milford Haven School on May 5 (Pic: Herald)***

Her comments come just days after she visited the Milford Haven campus following the school being placed into special measures by Estyn, where she met leaders to discuss improvement plans and support arrangements.

She said her thoughts were with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community, and praised the swift response of staff and emergency services.

Local MP Henry Tufnell, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, described the incident as deeply upsetting for what he called a close-knit community.

He said he was thinking of the teacher and pupils affected and thanked Dyfed-Powys Police and ambulance crews for their professionalism.

Meanwhile Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz said: “Deeply concerning news across the water in Milford Haven.

“Sadly, violence in our schools is becoming all too common, and thanks must go to the emergency services for their timely response. Thoughts are with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community.”

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies said teachers must feel safe at work and called for continued support for school staff.

Teaching unions also responded.

NASUWT said teachers “deserve to feel safe in their workplace” and that any violence against staff must be taken seriously, while National Education Union said schools must remain safe spaces for both pupils and staff and urged continued focus on safeguarding and behaviour support.

All said support would be offered to the Milford Haven school community in the days ahead as police investigations continue.

Crime

Teacher discharged as police step back from Milford Haven school after assault

Published

2 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teenager remains in custody as school closes and patrols increased to reassure community

POLICE have confirmed they are no longer stationed at Milford Haven School after a teacher was assaulted by a pupil on Thursday afternoon (Feb 5), as the injured member of staff has now been discharged from hospital.

In a joint statement issued by Dyfed-Powys Police, Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board, Superintendent Chris Neve said swift action had been taken to protect pupils and staff.

He said: “Police are no longer in attendance at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher at approx. 3.20pm this afternoon.

“I would like to reassure parents, and the wider community, that swift action was taken to both safeguard pupils and teachers, and to trace the suspect as soon as this report was received.

“The teacher has now been discharged from hospital and is being supported by specialist officers. All pupils at the location were safe, and all returned home unharmed. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

“You will see a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days – these will be dedicated patrols to provide further reassurance.”

The injured teacher was earlier taken to hospital by road ambulance.

An immediate lockdown was put in place at the school while emergency services responded. Most pupils had already left for the day, but those still on site were secured inside classrooms and offices as a precaution.

School closed on Friday

Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey said the school would be closed to pupils on Friday to allow support and safety measures to continue.

He said: “We would like to thank staff and pupils at Milford Haven School for implementing a swift and effective lockdown in response to this incident.

“While the school will be closed to pupils tomorrow, if there are any learners who require additional support they are welcome to attend and there will also be support for staff on site.

“We’d like to reassure learners and parents, along with the wider community, that all measures to ensure safety are being taken.”

The health board added that anyone needing urgent mental health support can call NHS 111 and press option 2 for 24-hour assistance.

National spotlight

The incident has drawn national media attention.

BBC News broadcast live from the school gates during its Ten O’Clock News bulletin, while ITV News and several national titles also covered developments.

Journalists from a number of UK outlets, including The Sun, contacted The Herald as events unfolded, with several Welsh and national publishers using photographs first taken by Herald reporters.

Residents said the scale of coverage was unprecedented for the normally quiet port town.

Police enquiries are continuing.

Photo caption:

Police outside Milford Haven School following Thursday’s incident (Pics: Herald).

Health

Health board targets rise in steroid and gym drug use across west Wales

Published

6 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE LOCAL health board has launched new targeted measures after recording a sharp rise in the use of steroids and other image-enhancing drugs across the region.

Hywel Dda University Health Board says needle exchange figures show significant growth over the past two years in people seeking support related to Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs), including anabolic steroids and so-called Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs).

SARMs, while marketed online as safer alternatives to steroids, are illegal to sell in the UK and health professionals warn they carry serious and largely unknown risks.

The health board has now teamed up with Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and Choices, a young people’s substance use service, to tackle what officials describe as an “emerging public health challenge”.

Workshops and outreach

Two key initiatives have been introduced.

Educational workshops are being delivered to young people, focusing on the risks of using performance-enhancing substances during physical development and the potential long-term effects on hormones, mental health and fertility.

At the same time, enhanced support is being offered to people already involved in gym and fitness culture, with harm-reduction advice, health monitoring and confidential drop-in services.

Support includes testosterone testing, blood checks, cycle provision kits and discreet one-to-one consultations.

One service user described the programme as “quick, professional and non-judgemental”.

They said: “The drop-in clinic for my blood test was really convenient. I was seen quickly and given a full run-down of the services available. The staff made me feel comfortable the whole time and I got my results back faster than expected.”

Taking support into the community

The team has also worked directly with local gyms, leisure centres and sports venues, speaking to more than 100 people during five outreach sessions.

Twelve DDAS staff members have completed specialist IPED training delivered by Public Health Wales to strengthen expertise within the service.

Rachel Wilson, Resilient Families Manager at Choices, said the aim is to reduce stigma.

She said: “We’re proud to work alongside Hywel Dda to ensure people who use IPEDs are met with understanding, not judgement. These initiatives are helping us reach individuals who may not have previously considered accessing support.”

Craig Jones, Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, added: “This work is about meeting people where they are. By listening and responding with compassion and evidence-based care, we’re making a real difference.”

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health, said the approach showed the board’s commitment to early intervention.

She said: “These initiatives reflect a proactive, collaborative response to emerging health challenges and demonstrate our dedication to protecting the health of our communities.”

Anyone seeking confidential advice or support can contact DDAS on 03303 639997 to book an appointment.