News

Councillors to visit Langford Road

Published

8 years ago

June 14, 2016

COUNCILLORS have voted to visit Langford Road in Johnston, a proposed site for 26 affordable homes.

There were a number of concerns raised by local residents and committee member and Johnston Councillor Ken Rowlands who asked for the site visit.

It was highlighted that although there was a substantial need for affordable housing in the area, Welsh Water had asked that there would be no occupation of the homes until October 2017, when improvements to the sewage system have been made.

Andrew Vaughan-Harris, a resident of Johnston, spoke on behalf of the objectors saying: “I have been put forward to speak on their concerns about the suitability of the application.

“The residents respect that there is a need for affordable housing but they have some real dilemmas with the scale and location chosen for this development.

“The first concern is the sewage problem in Johnston and Natural Resources Wales have an objection but they have clarified there will be an upgrade in October 2017. We accept the sewage problem can be alleviated that no houses can be occupied until after that period.

“The main focus is highway safety, Langford Road is a busy road, it takes you to Llangwm, comes on to the trunk road, members will be aware we have a new school being built and I was told that the site of Langford Road was looked at for the school but it was thrown out because of a lack of safe access.

“We do need affordable housing and what we’ve got here is 26 houses which are being provided in Johnston but are taking up all the allocation for Rosemarket, Tiers Cross and Freystrop. It’s all being concentrated in Johnston and I think that is a bit of a shame because it lacks integration, why can’t those other hamlets have affordable housing? We’ve got a scheme which takes it all.

“We don’t object to the principle but the scale, access, density aren’t going to integrate and they think that is short-sightedness.”

Cllr Ken Rowlands said: “This has been ongoing for some considerable time and there is increasing anxiety experienced by my constituents.

“The new plans would involve reducing the height of banks belonging to the adjacent properties in order to achieve a line of sight to allow safe egress onto the site. These existing residents are complaining to me as their local member that they have no wish to have their properties disturbed. How then will the developer address the safety criteria and provide necessary width for safe access and egress without the permission of the property owners.

“Johnston Community Council is opposed to the application and suggests that permission should not be granted.”

Cllr Rowlands also read out the concerns of the Community Council stating: “They consider the proposals to be out of keeping with the existing area and not in line with the LDP. Existing traffic problems exist and the development would add to the existing difficulty.

“Safety concerns over the new entrance including lack of pavements at the exit onto Langford Road which would increase danger to pedestrians.

“There is concern over the apparent failure, to date, of Welsh Water to confirm the adequacy of the sewage infrastructure to cater for the proposed development.”

Cllr Rowlands continued: “However, overnight, I have heard that Welsh Water has now made comments. I feel that Welsh Water can be cavalier in their attitude to planning matters and I wish they would work much more closely with the planning authority with regards to developments because a lot of their inaction is causing a lack of developments as far as housing is concerned.

“With so many uncertainties in this application I feel that we as a planning authority would not be able to make a proper decision without having site of the area where we can all see for ourselves the effect increased traffic would have on Langford Road itself.”

The site visit was proposed and seconded but Cllr Jacob Williams didn’t think a site visit would be appropriate describing them as a waste of time.

When it went to the vote the site visit was approved by a majority with eight in favour and only Cllr Williams voting against.

News

Beautiful, funny and lovely: Family pay tribute to Sian Batchelor

Published

2 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE family of a woman has paid tribute to a “beautiful, funny, lovely person.”

Sian Batchelor, aged 32, was found on a beach near Pennar, Pembroke Dock on Tuesday evening, April 30^th, 2024.

Her family has issued a statement to say: ‘We are devastated by our loss. Sian was a beautiful, funny, loving person. We will treasure the good times we had with her.

“We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so.”

The circumstances surrounding Sian’s death are being investigated and police would like to hear from anyone with information, sightings of Sian or contact from Sian, between Thursday April 25 to Tuesday April 30.

Police can be contacted either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Quote reference: DP-20240430-284

Entertainment

Carew Castle Car Show: A timeless journey on wheels

Published

2 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

The Carew Castle Car Show is gearing up to offer an enchanting day for automotive enthusiasts and families alike. Scheduled for Monday, 6 May, from 10 am to 3 pm, the event promises to showcase a splendid array of classic and vintage cars, motorbikes, and military vehicles, all set against the historic backdrop of Carew Castle and Tidal Mill.

This year, the event is drawing participants and spectators from across South Wales, each eager to feast their eyes on the mechanical beauties that symbolize different eras of motoring history. The show, which has become a must-visit for anyone with a penchant for automotive culture, is also a celebration of community and craftsmanship.

Adding to the vehicular allure, the event will feature live performances by the popular Pembrokeshire folk band ‘Razor Bill’, known for their vibrant and engaging musical style. Attendees can also enjoy the thrills of funfair rides brought by Pembrokeshire Attractions, ensuring that there’s something enjoyable for every age group.

For families, the Brilliant Birds Treasure Trail offers a delightful educational experience, allowing children and parents alike to explore the natural and historical richness of the area. Culinary treats will be available as well, with fresh Welshcakes and bacon rolls being served from the opening hour, perfect for those looking to indulge in local flavors.

Despite the excitement, the organizers remind attendees that the show’s occurrence is weather-dependent. However, with hopes high for a sunny day, the community is buzzing with anticipation.

Visitors should note that normal castle admission fees apply, but the ticket includes access to the car show, making it a value-packed day out. While the show is fully booked for exhibiting vehicles, showcasing the high demand and popularity of the event, there are plenty of reasons for spectators to attend and enjoy the varied offerings.

For those planning to attend, it’s an opportunity not just to admire the craftsmanship of vintage and classic vehicles, but also to immerse in the cultural and festive atmosphere that only Carew Castle can offer. With its combination of history, entertainment, and community spirit, the Carew Castle Car Show is set to be a highlight of this spring season in South Wales.

Health

Junior doctors secure strike extension in pay negotiations with WG

Published

2 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

BMA Cymru Wales has confirmed a positive development in its pay negotiations announcing that Junior doctors have secured a three-month extension to their overwhelming strike mandate.

This means that junior doctors in Wales now have the right to enact industrial action over their pay until 17 September 2024 instead of 17 June when the mandate was due to run out.

Recognising the strength of feeling amongst junior doctors and the overwhelming 98% vote by members in favour of industrial action back in December 2023, employers have agreed to honour this extension to allow talks with the Welsh Government to continue.

Co-chairs of the Welsh Junior Doctor Committee Dr Oba Babs-Osibodu and Dr Peter Fahey said of this development:

“We are pleased to be able to secure an extension to our overwhelming strike mandate. Whilst we hope to put an end to our pay dispute through pay negotiations by reaching a credible deal and restoring our pay, it was important to secure more time for our mandate.

“The extension allows us to focus on talks but also provides us with the scope to get organised and enact our legal right to strike should we need to. This is about honouring the emphatic mandate of our members.

“Doctors have experienced real terms pay cut of almost a third since 2008. They voted overwhelmingly to put an end to the devaluing of their service, they know they are not worth a third less than their predecessors and they know the time is now to stick up for the profession and turn the tide of the continued erosion of their pay once and for all”.

The Welsh Government and NHS employers have agreed to the extension as part of ongoing pay negotiations where all parties hope to reach an end to the pay dispute with junior doctors, SAS doctors and Consultants in Wales.

Last month, BMA Cymru Wales announced it was suspending forthcoming industrial action for Consultants and SAS doctors and putting plans on hold to announce more strike dates for junior doctors to allow pay negotiations to take place*.

The decision to enter pay negotiations was based on a significant proposal from the Welsh Government to form the basis of talks to end the pay disputes with all secondary care doctors including Consultants, SAS, and Junior doctors, with the aim of reaching deals which can be taken separately to their respective members.

In August last year, the BMA’s committees representing secondary care doctors in Wales voted to enter separate trade disputes with the Welsh Government after being offered another below inflation pay uplift of just 5% for the 23/24 financial year. SAS doctors on some contracts were offered as little as 1.5%. This was the lowest pay offer any government in the UK offered and less than the DDRB, the pay review body for doctors and dentists, recommended last year.

As part of their disputes, SAS doctors, consultants and junior doctors carried out successful ballots for industrial action. Since then, junior doctors have taken part in 10 days of industrial action since January this year.