News

Will Jamie’s blunder silence him?

Published

10 years ago

March 15, 2016

APPLICATIONS made by Council Leader Jamie Adams and former Council Chair Tom Richards for a dispensation to speak and vote in a debate on Thursday (Mar 10) do not comply with the rules governing such applications, The Herald can confirm.

In both instances, the councillors have failed to provide written details of the basis for their applications. Instead they have claimed that they will make oral representations to the Standards Committee, to which they have applied for leave to speak and vote on matters in which they consider themselves to have either a personal or prejudicial interest.

The rules provide that the application for a dispensation should be completed in all cases with full details of the reasons in support of the application.

The purpose of that provision is clear. Given that agendas and applications are submitted in advance of the meeting, the grounds upon which a dispensation is sought should be available to members of the public instead of produced like a rabbit out of the hat in a meeting which few, if any, members of the public attend.

Both Councillor Adams seem to have combined to produce forms which do not fulfil the purpose of the forms’ use and publication. They rely instead on a statement that they will produce oral information to the Committee on Monday (Mar 7).

That is not what the forms intend to facilitate and it would render their use virtually redundant if the Committee allowed either Cllr Adams or Cllr Richards to avoid their obligations to make effective disclosure ahead of the meeting of the interests that they consider either personal or prejudicial.

In both cases, it appears likely that the key problem is one of their involvement in agricultural business and potential receipt of European subsidy.

Save for exceptional circumstances, the form (properly completed) should be submitted at least ten working days before the Standards Committee meeting. As the meeting is on March 7, it is a little late to amend it now.

If the Committee chooses to turn a blind eye to the councillors’ error of form, its members lay themselves open to a reasonable charge of refusing to place an obligation on some councillors to comply with the letter and spirit of the rules and not others.

Crime

Man wanted in connection with rape investigation has Pembrokeshire links

Published

5 minutes ago

June 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police in Milford Haven and Neyland assisting Warwickshire officers in appeal to trace 23-year-old

MILFORD HAVEN and Neyland police have issued an appeal to help locate a man wanted in connection with a rape investigation.

Officers are assisting colleagues from Warwickshire Police, who are seeking information on the whereabouts of 23-year-old Rhys Trott in connection with a rape allegation in Nuneaton.

Police say Trott is believed to have links to the Milford Haven area of Pembrokeshire.

In a public appeal, Warwickshire Police said they are keen to trace Trott as part of ongoing enquiries.

Anyone who has seen him or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Warwickshire Police through their website or by quoting the relevant incident details.

Milford Haven and Neyland Police shared the appeal on social media on Tuesday (June 3), asking local residents to come forward with any information that may assist officers.

Photo caption:

Rhys Trott, 23, is wanted by Warwickshire Police in connection with a rape investigation and is believed to have links to Milford Haven (Pic: Warwickshire Police).

Community

Youth centre given colourful new look thanks to local firm

Published

2 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people at a Haverfordwest youth centre have helped transform one of its rooms into a bright and welcoming space.

The Edge Youth Centre, Haverfordwest, has thanked W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd for supporting the painting and decorating project, which saw young people work alongside Chris, a painter and decorator from the company.

The project has given the room a colourful refresh, creating a cheerful space for young people using the centre.

Rabart Decorators Merchants, Pembroke Dock, also supported the work by supplying the colourful paints.

A spokesperson for The Edge Youth Centre said: “We’d like to extend a huge thank you to W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd for supporting us with the painting and decorating of one of the rooms at our Youth Centre.

“The young people were fortunate enough to work alongside Chris, a painter and decorator from W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd, to transform the room.

“Thanks to Chris and the young people’s hard work and enthusiasm, the space is now looking bright, welcoming, and cheerful.

“We’d also like to thank Rabart Decorators Merchants, Pembroke Dock, for generously supplying the colourful paints. Your support has helped create a vibrant room that young people can enjoy for years to come.”

The centre added: “Thank you both for your generosity and for helping us create such a positive space for our young people.”

Photo caption: Bright new look: Young people worked alongside W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd to refresh a room at The Edge Youth Centre, Haverfordwest.

News

MPs to examine impact of metal mine pollution in Wales

Published

3 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A PARLIAMENTARY committee is to hold an oral evidence session into the impact of metal mine pollution in Wales.

The Welsh Affairs Committee will examine the environmental and economic legacy of abandoned metal mines as part of its ongoing inquiry into Wales’ industrial past.

Abandoned metal mines continue to cause extensive pollution across Wales. Figures from the Mining Remediation Authority show around 1,300 sites are affecting water quality and ecology across more than 700km of watercourses.

The session, due to take place on July 1, will allow MPs to gather up-to-date evidence on the scale and consequences of the pollution, as well as what is being done on regulation, remediation and public transparency.

It will also examine progress made since a similar evidence session was held by the committee’s predecessor in the last Parliament.

Ruth Jones MP, Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, said: “While the extraction of metals such as zinc, lead and gold was once an important part of Welsh industry, the legacy of abandoned mines now poses a serious threat to the animal and plant life of our rivers, streams and lakes, and possibly even to human health.

“Our session will be exploring the scale and consequences of metal mine pollution and whether more can be done to tackle this ongoing environmental challenge.”

Ahead of the session, the committee is inviting written submissions on the human and environmental impacts of metal mine pollution, who should be responsible for tackling it, what progress has been made in recent years, and how affected communities can be supported.

It is also seeking views on how the public can make informed decisions about any risks from metal mine pollution, and what could happen if further action is not taken.

The Welsh Affairs Committee scrutinises the expenditure, administration and policies of the Wales Office, as well as UK Government policies that affect Wales.

The committee is not part of the Government, but is a House of Commons select committee with a role in holding ministers to account.