Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Proposed merger to create new Dyfed withdrawn

Published

on

County HallTHE PROPOSAL for Pembrokeshire to merge with Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, bringing back the old region of Dyfed, has been withdrawn this week.

There were fears that a forced merger with the neighbouring authorities would be harmful for tourism and other industries, which in turn would hurt the local economy.

The Welsh Government has now withdrawn the plans after strong opposition to the idea. Mark Drakeford, the Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Local Government, insisted that keeping the 22 local councils was the ‘way forward’ for Wales.

He said: “I am conscious local government has been through a period of extended uncertainty about its future and the corrosive impact this has on morale. It has been part of my aim in taking on responsibility for local government to resolve this uncertainty as soon as possible.

“Austerity creates pressures and one of the key questions for me is how we can make our local authorities more resilient to deal with these pressures. That’s why local government reform is a requirement, not a choice.

“Over the summer I visited all 22 local authorities and met with the Welsh Local Government Association, trades unions and others.

“I have listened to their views and we now have an approach on a possible way forward. This would retain existing local authorities – the ‘front door’ through which people access services – but with key services being delivered regionally.”

The news was welcomed by the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Jamie Adams, who said: “I welcome the certainty provided by Mark Drakeford. There is no question that the recent period of uncertainty has had a negative effect on the running of all local authorities.

“I will take the opportunity to engage in shaping sustainable services for the people of Pembrokeshire and ensuring that they are underpinned by local democratic accountability.

“We look forward to the opportunity of building on the excellent services provided by Pembrokeshire County Council for the people of Pembrokeshire, as evidenced recently by the Local Government Performance report for Wales 2015-16”.

Continue Reading
1 Comment

1 Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Crime

Police appeal for information after several tractors stolen

Published

on

POLICE officers in Pembrokeshire investigating a theft from several tractors, which happened overnight between April 17-18, 2024.

The tractors had been in a field near to Loch Turfin, Haverfordwest.

Included in the stolen items were vehicle keys, tools and waterproof clothing.

A spokesperson said “Police are now appealing for anyone with information that could help them with their investigation to contact PC 772 Boyt either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 101.

“Quote reference: 24*355571”

Continue Reading

Community

Pembrokeshire firefighters help deliver fire engines to Ukraine

Published

on

FIRE services from across the United Kingdom have rallied together to donate vital firefighting equipment to Ukraine, amidst ongoing conflicts that have seen local fire stations and firefighters come under direct attack.

The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) was at the forefront of this international goodwill effort, donating three fire appliances and dispatching nine of their personnel to ensure safe delivery.

The initiative, coordinated by Fire Aid UK, involved a total of 11 UK fire services. Over a grueling 5.5-day journey that spanned several countries—starting from Kent Fire and Rescue Service and moving through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and into Poland—33 fire appliances were transported to a location just 20 miles from the Ukraine border. They left Kent on April 23.

This convoy, laden with not just fire engines but also 3000 items of critical firefighting gear including cutting equipment, fire hoses, first aid kits, and generators, was a sight of resilience and humanitarian commitment. Watch Manager Rob MakePeace, a Business Fire Safety Officer, and Watch Manager Keith Jenkins, who is retired but still oversees part-time personnel at Haverfordwest, played pivotal roles in the operation from Pembrokeshire.

Speaking on the experience, Keith Jenkins expressed the profound impact of the mission, “It was a fantastic experience to be involved in. The convoy itself was an amazing sight, but the people we met, places we stayed and the reason we were delivering the appliances was something we will remember for a long time.”

The donation comes at a critical time for Ukraine, where daily attacks have not only jeopardized the lives of local firefighters but have also devastated much of the essential infrastructure needed to fight fires effectively. The additional appliances and equipment from the UK are expected to significantly bolster the capabilities of the Ukrainian fire departments, providing them with the necessary tools to save lives and protect property under dire circumstances.

This act of generosity and the strenuous efforts by the UK firefighters underscore a deep commitment to aiding those in peril, transcending borders and showcasing the best of international cooperation and humanitarian assistance.

Continue Reading

News

Protest outside Stephen Crabb’s office over Rwanda deportations

Published

on

SUPPORTERS of West Wales Stand Up to Racism group will attend a protest outside the office of Stephen Crabb MP in Market Street at 6pm on Tuesday evening (May 7).

The protest is to highlight the inhumane scheme to send refugees to Rwanda.

Since the Rwanda Bill was finally passed last week, refugees have already been identified, detained and are being prepared to be flown to Rwanda to have their asylum claims processed there.

Rushi Sunak has said “To detain people while we prepare to remove them, we’ve increased detention spaces to 2,200.

“To quickly process claims, we’ve got 200 trained, dedicated caseworkers ready and waiting. To deal with any legal cases quickly and decisively, the judiciary has made available 25 courtrooms and identified 150 judges who could provide over 5,000 sitting days.”

The protestors are asking: why is all this money being spent when these vulnerable people could have their asylum claims dealt with in the UK?

If the Prime Minister hoped his Rwanda plan would help get more votes for the Conservative Party in the recent elections, it would appear he was mistaken.

A new report from the Refugee Council warns that the UK Government’s flagship Illegal Migration Act and Rwanda Plan will lead to another catastrophic “system meltdown”, trapping over 100,000 people in permanent limbo while costing taxpayers billions.

West Wales Stand Up to Racism has campaigned against the Government’s plan to send refugees to Rwanda from the time this scheme was first suggested.

Supporters have previously met with Simon Hart MP and attempted to deliver a giant postcard to his office.

The group has taken part in the online Hands in Protest project organised by Artisan Avenue, Tenby which allowed everyone to express on line how they felt about Rwanda by submitting drawings of their own hands. The collective Hands In Protest gives a powerful message that the Rwanda plan should be stopped.

The organisers said: “Supporters will be once more taking the giant postcard on Tuesday, to protest about the Rwanda scheme. We will have small post cards for supporters to write messages to Stephen Crabb, telling him how strongly we feel about this.

“All over the UK, anti-racists are picketing Home Office buildings to show their opposition to the Rwanda scheme and are trying to prevent arrests and giving support to the refugees being arrested and detained.

“West Wales Stand Up to Racism supporters want to make their voices heard too.”

Continue Reading

News4 hours ago

Message suggests Vaughan Gething lied to UK Covid Inquiry

VAUGHAN GETHING came under fresh pressure on Tuesday (May 7). Wales’s First Minister, whose reputation hangs on a thread following...

Community1 day ago

Joy as Willow rescued by coastguard after 12-day ordeal

WILLOW a cherished family dog, has been reunited with her owners after a harrowing 12-day disappearance. The heartwarming conclusion to...

Business2 days ago

Dragon LNG explores integration of LNG and CO2 liquefaction processes

DRAGON LNG, based in Waterston, Milford Haven, recently announced a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions. The company awarded a...

Charity2 days ago

Pembrokeshire woman runs London Marathon for charities close to her heart

A PEMBROKESHIRE woman has raised over £13,000 for good causes after challenging herself to complete the London Marathon. Terrie Savage...

Community2 days ago

Momentum building to secure the future of Wholefoods Newport

FOLLOWING the very successful public meeting in Newport, Pembrokeshire which was held to discuss bringing the much-loved local wholefoods shop...

News5 days ago

Council seeking legal advice to address Withyhedge enforcement

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council says it has sought legal advice and is contemplating legal proceedings against Withyhedge Landfill operators RML, in...

News5 days ago

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

THE family of a woman has paid tribute to a “beautiful, funny, lovely person.” Sian Batchelor, aged 32, was found...

Community5 days ago

Locals’ concern as St Davids scout hut threatened with demolition

THERE is widespread concern over the future of St David’s Scout Hut in Ffynnon Wen, which faces potential closure and...

News6 days ago

Police investigating after woman found dead on beach near Pennar  

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have confirmed they are investigating the death of a woman who was found on a beach near Pennar...

News6 days ago

Police discover body in search for Luke Stephenson, 19

POLICE have confirmed the sad news that they have discovered a body during their search for 19-year-old Luke Stephenson, reported missing from the...

Popular This Week