News
Cabinet blocks ‘threatened services list’
A REQUEST to draw up a list of services currently under threat from budget cuts was knocked back by Cabinet members on Monday (Apr 20).
Cllr Bob Kilmister put forward a notice of motion asking for a list to be drawn up in order for communities to consider alternative solutions before closure.
He pointed out that consultation had not taken place prior to closures to Theatre Gwaun in Fishguard and Narberth Swimming Pool and said that the council had not learned from these examples.
Cllr Huw George highlighted the example of the county’s toilets where consultation was held and Cllr Kilmister asked for that example to become the norm. Cllr Kilmister later said that his views had been miss-represented and that he was trying to help the council to deliver budget cuts on time.
He said: “We are told that consultation exercises are about openness and transparency. I have to ask you to consider the sentence I’m going to take out of the report which says: ‘As potential future cost reduction/ efficiencies and ideas are identified, these will be reported to cabinet and will therefore be in the public domain’.
“This sentence says everything, nothing has changed. Officers tell Cabinet what to do and they go and do it. Ordinary councillors and the public are not worthy enough. George Orwell said some animals are more equal than others. We can then have a public consultation after we have taken the decision. It is obvious that Theatre Gwaun and the Swimming Pool at Narberth taught you nothing. The recent adult education call in is another example. Local councillors knew nothing until the report came to Cabinet. There is another way of doing it but it requires a change in attitude and it is clear from the report that this does not exist. I urge you to prove me wrong by identifying the services that are at risk in our communities a long time in advance so we can start discussions with those communities about alternative ways of preserving them. To not do so is not open and transparent. That sentence is clearly in the report and it doesn’t represent the change in attitude that you have said is taking place.”
Council leader Jamie Adams responded saying the examples of Theatre Gwaun and Narberth swimming pool were examples of real achievement in terms of providing services in a different way.
He added: “The cabinet allowed a nine-month extension to ensure that SwimNarberth were able to get into a position to take that forward so I think if you were trying to use that example, it’s not a very good one.
“You alluded to Cabinet as a rubber-stamping mechanism but at the last meeting we looked at school crossing patrols and cabinet decided not to go ahead with that against the recommendations of officers so I think the point is not particularly well made. What we have been is absolutely honest and fully committed to the opportunity for the public to engage in all services. The report clearly sets out that the authority has got some unprecedented changes with severe financial pressure. It’s inevitable that all services will be looked at. The majority of services will change. There will be very few services that will be untouched in their delivery as we move forward.”
Cllr Bob Kilmister added: “There is a total miss-representation of what I said in terms of Theatre Gwaun and Narberth pool. Those were both earmarked for closure and as a result of that closure those bodies had to react and they didn’t have sufficient time to do so.
Despite Cllr Kilmister’s comments the notice of motion was not adopted.
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).
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