News
Secret pay-off for Bryn?
THE AGENDA for Thursday’s full council meeting recommends the exclusion of the public and press and cessation of webcasting during the crucial debate over the embattled Chief Executive Officer Bryn Parry- Jones’s future. East Williamston representative, Councillor Jacob Williams, has told the Herald that he is “very unhappy but not in the slightest surprised” that the agenda for Thursday’s full council meeting to debate a possible pay-off for CEO-in-exile, Bryn Parry-Jones, is recommend to be held out of the public gaze, but said “the decision to exclude the public is ultimately a decision for councillors to vote on, so if a majority of councillors vote to refuse to go into private, the meeting and webcam will carry on as usual.”
Cllr Williams is also disappointed that the proposed settlement due to be voted on at the full council meeting is to be “sprung on councillors” on the day, with no details planned to be released until then. He told the Herald: “Days before the agenda was published I spoke to the leader of the council, Cllr Jamie Adams, telling him how important it was for councillors to be given plenty of time to consider the golden handshake he struck with the Chief Executive and that he wants full council to approve. I told him that whether councillors are minded to support or refuse a pay-off wasn’t the point, at that stage I just wanted to make it clear that I could foresee they were going to pull their usual trick of springing it on us on the day, and that’s exactly what it looks like their plan is.”
Furthermore, before the agenda was published, in a last ditch effort Cllr Williams sent an email to Cllr Adams, into which he copied all other councillors, to try to prevent details of the settlement from being sprung on councillors during the meeting. We reproduce the email he sent to Cllr Adams alongside: When contacted by our reporter, Cllr Williams concluded: “The agenda says that the details and conditions of the proposed pay-off settlement reached between Cllr Adams and Bryn Parry-Jones is to be “tabled during the meeting” – it doesn’t even say “circulated to councillors on separate sheets of paper during the meeting” so it is possible we may never get to see anything on paper. Nothing should surprise you about this council, but the powers at be – whoever they are – have still got plenty of time next week to release it to councillors on a confidential basis, just so we have time to consider it ahead of the meeting. Whether councillors support the golden handshake or not, is entirely up to them and their conscience.”
Dear Cllr. Adams,
You will recall that we spoke briefly on Tuesday about the full council meeting next
Thursday where the prospective settlement offer that you have reached with the Chief
Executive will be debated and voted upon.
For the benefit of other councillors who I have copied into this email, all I discussed
with the leader was the importance, in my opinion, that councillors have enough time
to consider this key proposal, and not the content of the settlement itself.
You suggested that the details of the tentative deal may be given to councillors on the
morning of the meeting with a short adjournment for us to consider the offer.
This is exactly what I suggested should be avoided, and why I raised the matter with you
on Tuesday. I write again to reinforce my view. Please could you ensure that councillors
have enough time to consider this very important proposal ahead of the meeting. It will
not be fair to spring it on us. I hope you now agree. I would welcome the views of other
councillors too.
Regards,
Jacob.
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
-
News19 hours ago
Police investigating after woman found dead on beach near Pennar
-
News20 hours ago
Police discover body in search for Luke Stephenson, 19
-
Crime2 days ago
Llandissilio man accused of making hundreds of child abuse images
-
Business6 days ago
Largest Welsh port appoints communications and marketing director
-
Business2 days ago
Lidl GB eyes Pembroke Dock for new larger supermarket
-
News18 hours ago
Councillors block Milford Haven boxing event – promoter to appeal
-
Crime7 days ago
All three school stabbing victims discharged from hospital, police confirm
-
News2 days ago
Search efforts continue for missing teenager Luke Stephenson
1 Comment