News
Cabinet supports a trust despite concerns
PEMBROKESHIRE County Council’s Cabinet has agreed, in principle, to support the formation of a charitable trust to run its cultural and leisure services despite members expressing concerns over the proposed new model.
The option to go with a charitable trust was the preferred option of consultancy firm Winckworth Sherwood which drew up five options for the future delivery of the services.
Among those options was to retain the status quo and that appeared as one of the favourites from the public consultation.
However, Cabinet were concerned that if they went with the status quo, there would be more cuts to services in the future.
UNISON also submitted a petition to the Council which was entitled ‘Stop the Outsourcing of Council Services’ in order to try and sway the Cabinet’s decision.
Cabinet ignored the views of UNISON and the public and voted unanimously to support, in principle, the preferred option of a trust.
Further work will now be undertaken to establish governance of the trust, financial and staff arrangements.
Speaking at the Cabinet meeting on Monday (Oct 31) Council Leader Jamie Adams said that the Council were at the end of the road in terms of protecting service users from the effects of savings and added they would need to look at different methods of providing the services.
Cllr Elwyn Morse, Cabinet member for Culture, Sport and Leisure, spoke of the savings that had been achieved since 2012/13 stating that Cultural services had saved over £747,000 due to a number of measures.
Leisure services had also increased its income by £432,000 since the same year and added that further rises in charges would risk losing membership and future visits.
Cllr Morse added: “The consideration of an alternative model of service delivery has to be a better alternative than the almost inevitable loss of services.”
Cllr Keith Lewis spoke of the consultation period and how keeping services in house was the preferred option but said: “It is up to Cabinet to decide whether we can do nothing and maintain it as it is.”
Cllr Adams asked about the performance of trusts elsewhere and he was told that many other authorities had gone down this route and that they were generally successful.
He went on to say that he was keen to ensure a county wide leisure service moving forward.
Mr Phillip Hodgson, Interim Director of Social Services and Leisure, said that every effort would be made to mitigate the threat of future cuts.
Cllr Simon Hancock said: “In an ideal world, it would be nice to have things kept in house but the paper makes it abundantly clear that doing nothing is not an option. People who use the archives, leisure services, libraries, when they use that service they are not going to ask themselves, what’s the governance model? They want to make sure the service is kept.
“This journey has been taken by lots of different authorities so it is a national solution to what is a national problem.
“If we close services it will have a very detrimental impact on the wellbeing of Pembrokeshire residents. Access to culture, leisure is central to people’s sense of wellbeing if we do nothing. Keeping the service open is the most important objective of this whole exercise.”
Cllr David Lloyd said: “I speak on behalf of a community that knows what it is like to lose one of these particular assets which is the St David’s Swimming Pool. In June 2009 that pool was closed for financial reasons and it is still bitterly regretted, we have an elderly population that underpin their quality of life by swimming which they can no longer do so any possible way that can be found to protect services in the rest of Pembrokeshire I would absolutely support.
“We’ve been working to replace that pool for seven years and optimistically we are trying to replace and hopefully this model will help us and make that a viable proposition.”
Cllr Rob Lewis spoke of the need to secure services for the future and that it would hang on the strength of the contract that will be drawn up.
He also added that the contract would need to be fit for purpose and that the trust would not happen until everyone was satisfied with it.
Cllr Huw George said he was not convinced about the new model and asked where the voice of the people and staff would be should they not be happy with how things are going.
A task and finish group will also be set up to deliver the recommendation in a timely manner and Cllr Adams asked that this be delegated to himself and the Chief Executive to do so.
Summing up, Cllr Keith Lewis urged that the matter should not turn into a never-ending debate and said there was a need for the council to be pro-active.
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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