News
Council expected to outsource key services
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is expected to approve plans to outsource a number of key services this morning (Oct 31) because of “unprecedented financial pressures”.
The council hopes to “generate significant financial savings” by outsourcing services, including a proposal for a charitable trust to run culture and leisure services, with tourism managed by a separate subsidiary.
Consultants say the plans could save up to £1,598,000 over the next five years.
But the trade union Unison have said that the council may be acting on “risky and doubtful promises”.
Unison started a petition to “stop the outsourcing of council services” which has now gained hundreds of signatures and was presented to Jamie Adams, leader of the council, on Thursday (Oct 27).
Vic Dennis, the Secretary of Unison’s Pembrokeshire branch, said: “The council is prepared to lose its award winning services on the risky and doubtful promises of overpaid consultants.
“This [money] could have been used to retain much-needed and valued services for this county and the staff who deliver them.”
A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesperson said: “The primary reason for embarking on the process was to seek an innovative way of continuing to generate significant financial savings while protecting valued front-line services.”
AN AMBLESTON motorist was disqualified after crashing his car into a hedge while over twice the drink-drive limit.
Andrew John, 59, collided with a signpost and hedge near Clarbeston Road on November 2.
Breath tests revealed 89 mcg of alcohol in his system; the legal limit is 35.
John pleaded guilty to drink-driving and driving without a valid licence.
He was handed a 12-month community order with 15 rehabilitation activity days and was banned from driving for 22 months.
John was also ordered to pay a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.
A HOMELESS man narrowly avoided jail after assaulting a security guard at Morrisons in Haverfordwest.
Michael Carruthers, 32, pleaded guilty to attempting to steal food and assaulting security guard Maxwell Opoku, causing him to fall and injure his shoulder.
In court, Carruthers’ solicitor highlighted his client’s homelessness and ongoing struggles.
Carruthers was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 28 weeks, with 20 rehabilitation activity days and £200 compensation to Mr Opoku.
He must also pay £185 court costs and a £154 surcharge.
A MILFORD HAVEN man has been jailed for breaching a restraining order just three weeks after being sentenced at Swansea Crown Court.
Zachariah Roberts, 23, of Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, was prohibited from contacting Briony Smith.
However, police found evidence of contact via a GPS tracker and discovered Smith’s belongings at Roberts’ property on January 6.
Roberts pleaded guilty to breaching the order and was sentenced to six weeks in custody, serving half in jail and the rest under supervision.
He was also ordered to pay a £154 surcharge and £85 costs.
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