News
No pay-off for Carmarthen’s chief ‘for now’
C A R M A R T H E N S H I R E Council Chief executive Mark James has withdrawn his application for a severance payment and is
to remain in his £168,000 a year job.
The £446,000 package had been a cause of controversy, with Labour Councillor Calum Higgins claiming that it “would not be in the interest of the tax payer.”
It is understood that both Labour and Plaid groups in Carmarthenshire Council were opposed to the payoff.
Mr James was investigated along with former Pembrokeshire Chief Executive Bryn Parry-Jones after the Wales Audit Office ruled direct payments made in lieu of employer pension contributions were unlawful.
He returned to work last May after an investigation by Gloucester Constabulary found no evidence of criminal activity, and announced his intention to leave in September.
The Council leader and Deputy Leader were “delighted” with Mr James’ decision to stay. In a statement, Kevin Madge and Pam Palmer claimed that uncertainties over the future of Carmarthenshire Council due to new Welsh Government plans meant “if ever there was a time when we need a first class, highly experienced and respected Chief Executive at the helm it is now.”
There is, however, likely to be considerable behind the scenes disquiet at the way in which the Labour group handled the question of Mr James’ departure.
As Carmarthenshire blogger Y Cneifiwr noted in January that a possible consequence of Cllr Higgins’ intervention would have been that the Labour group, whose ruminations he revealed, were debarred from making a decision in a full council meeting on Mr James’ future at County Hall as having “pre-determined” the issue.
With there no prospect of settling up on terms amenable to Mr James, the parties have been forced into a shotgun marriage of convenience that will allow Mr James to remain in post for the immediate future, but in the knowledge that neither he nor his employers want him to be there.
That such an uncomfortable arrangement might be more transitory than permanent is reflected in the fact that even the effusive press release from Carmarthenshire’s press office, refers to the fact that Mr James has only withdrawn his application for a settlement package “for now”.
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
Crime
Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm
THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.
Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.
The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.
“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.
“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.
“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”
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