News
Questions over Scarlets cash
A CARMARTHENSHIRE Councillor has made a formal complaint to the European Commission that an alleged £20m of funding provided by Carmarthenshire County Council to Llanelli Scarlets was an unlawful state subsidy.
Independent Cllr Sian Caiach took the step in the teeth of a statement by Carmarthenshire County Council that said it had provided no money to the cash-strapped rugby region. It is understood part of the complaint relates to the favourable terms of a loan given by the County Council to the regional side and an agreement that the Scarlets do not have to pay rent in respect of the land upon which Parc-y-Scarlets is built.
If the European Commission takes the view that the funding given by the County Council amounts to West Wales’ rugby region is state aid, the Scarlets could be forced to repay any monies received that the Commission rules are unlawful. Such a move would be devastating for the regional rugby team, widely followed across Pembrokeshire, which has struggled financially for some time.
Carmarthenshire Council has relied on legal advice dated 2007 to support its claim that support given by the Council to Scarlets Regional Rugby Ltd amounts to unlawful state aid. Scrutiny of that advice has been denied to councillors on the basis that it is legally privileged document. The Council has not revealed whether or not it sought advice on any funding or assistance given to the Scarlets after 2007.
An expert interviewed for BBC Wales, Martin Stephens, said “If there isn’t an audit trail then they’re in a position of non-compliance and the aid is therefore in breach of the regulations.”
The complex saga has also taken in the sale of a car park to the Marston’s chain of pubs. Carmarthenshire Council were the freeholders of the property while the Scarlets held a 150 years’ leasehold on it granted by the Council.
The car park was originally ear-marked for a retail development, but instead was transferred to Marston’s for £850,000.
Controversy has arisen in relation to the division of the sale proceeds between the Council and the Scarlets. The Council received £200,000 for its interests and the Scarlets £200,000. Questions have been raised, however, about approximately £280,000 being given to the Scarlets for what are described as “allowable expenses”.
The “expenses” were allegedly used for paying off a commercial loan the Scarlets had taken out to fit out its shop and restaurant within Carmarthenshire County Council’s Eastgate development.
It is believed a reference has been made to the Wales Audit Office in respect of the sale of the land.
Carmarthenshire County Council continues to deny that rules on state aid apply to the funding and assistance they have given the Scarlets.
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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