News

Election Special: South Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen West

Published

11 years ago

May 8, 2015

SIMON HART ran out a clear winner in South Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen West on a night light on surprises at the top.

With 17,626 votes, around 44% of those who turned out put a cross in the blue box in the constituency. Delyth Evans, the Labour candidate could only muster 11,572 votes. Hart has significantly increased his majority since 2010, by about 2%, while Labour have lost around 4% during the same period.

Speaking afterwards, the returning MP said: “I’m delighted and really pleased.

“And to increase the majority as well, I feel very overcome and flattered – I am ready to attack the next five years.” Later on Facebook he posted: “As the election carnage continues spare a thought for the staff of defeated MP’s who wake up this morning to the news that they have no job either. Many have done years of loyal service behind the scenes and leave through no fault of their own.”

Simon Hart MP: Bigger majority for the 2015 poll.

Away from the front-runners, the main surprise was the form of John Atkinson. The UKIP candidate pulled in 4698 votes, to increase the party’s vote share from 3% in 2010 to 11.6%. This surge knocked Plaid Cymru into fourth, even though their figures across the two campaigns were almost identical.

The collapse of the Liberal Democrats came as no shock. However, a party capable of losing nearly 4000 votes in five years is truly a party in freefall. From 12.1% of the vote, the party are now in a position where they will be waving goodbye to their £500 deposit.

Another party in this position is the Green Party. However, after gaining nearly 1300 votes over the last five years in the course of an active and passionate campaign can be considered a reasonable achievement for Gary Tapley.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

7 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

7 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.