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Conservative leader accuses Labour of a removal of Democracy

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Conservative Leader: Questions Labour Democracy

Conservative Leader: Questions Labour Democracy

AS PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL sails from the turbulent waters of the Bryn Parry Jones saga to what many will hope is a more steady course, The Herald spoke exclusively with Conservative group leader, David Howlett. Speaking about his group’s performance, and the future of the Council, he said: “We are only 3 of 60, so our influence can’t be huge, but I was pleased I was able to make sure all councillors spending over £500 is now published online. I believe in transparency.

We have made a difference; in the filming of meetings for example, a proposal I made. Over the last couple of years Pembrokeshire has been in headlines for all the wrong reasons. It’s been the Independent group at the helm and questions need to be asked. The Independent group backed the Chief Executive and then all of a sudden did an about turn. We (Conservatives) don’t just go for headlines, we are a constructive opposition. We need a culture change and I’m pleased we are starting to see that.

The people at the top set the way the Council operates and we need strong political leadership; questionably done with a group of independents. The process for choosing a new Chief Executive is important and that the right person is chosen. There are huge advantages for a County Council to have a united voice, and the organisation is far better when it is a proper political party, because though you don’t get told how to vote, you have teamwork, especially when you have MPs, AMs and an MEP.

That means there are people at all levels for guidance who are working together. With a proper political party you can stand shoulder to shoulder.” He went on to comment on the effectiveness of Labour group leader, Paul Miller: “I went to a questions and answer session at St Mary’s Church last Friday, in Haverfordwest, with Jamie Adams, Paul Davies, Mike Stoddart and Cllr. Miller. Jamie Adams suggested Cllr. Miller was wanting the saga of Bryn Parry Jones to continue, in order to keep him in the paper; I think there is an element of truth in that.”

Mr Howlett was also keen to discuss the potential mergers of Councils that the Welsh Labour Government are proposing: “If anyone thinks bigger is better I would point to the Hywel Dda Health Board and ask has that been good for Pembrokeshire? And have they saved any money since they have gone into this huge organisation that seems to be constantly taking services away from Pembrokeshire?

Leighton Andrews is even talking about as few as 6 councils in Wales. We are against this. We think we could cut the cost of politics by having fewer county councillors so we put forward a proposal to the Boundary Commission that would have seen a cut from 61 to 40-44 councillors; their idea was for a cut of just one. I believe in localism and local democracy. The Welsh Labour Government will take democracy away from the people, which isn’t Conservative Leader: Questions acceptable.”

 

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Flashbang

    December 12, 2014 at 2:20 am

    “because though you don’t get told how to vote, you have teamwork, especially when you have MPs, AMs and an MEP.”
    The IPPG by another name. Absolutely no difference whatsoever.

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Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

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A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

 

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Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

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Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

 

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Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

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Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.

 

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