News

Public Service Board encouraged to webcast

Published

7 years ago

December 16, 2016

Cllr Jacob Williams: Claimed that the PSB was clouded in mystery

COUNCILLORS have encouraged partners of the Public Service Board (PSB) to commit to webcasting its meetings.

At a meeting of the council on Thursday, December 8, councillors discussed a notice of motion from Cllr Jacob Williams which called for the council to expect other Pembrokeshire PSB participants to commit to live-streaming and archiving the PSB’s meetings.

Cllr Williams claimed that the PSB was clouded in mystery but that was later rejected by the leader.

He said: “I’m fully aware that this council has not got the power to compel the Public Services Board to webcast its meetings. I understand that some meetings are held here and some are held in premises that don’t have webcasting facilities.

“Some of the feedback given from the PSB who considered this was embarrassing for them that they would be afraid if they were on webcam, they would feel hindered in their ability to debate.”

The motion was also discussed by the Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny and the Chairman of that committee, Cllr David Bryan, told council: “I fully agree with the principle of webcasting; when we brought it to PCC, it was superb. What I would say is that before we vote on this, [note that] the only place with webcasting facilities is County Hall. If every meeting were to be held here, it would give the false perception to the public that we are leading on this – we are not; this is an equal partnership.

“The PSB have discussed whether to webcast meetings and they decided against that. As just one partner, I feel it would be arrogant of Pembrokeshire County Council to insist that they should be webcasting their meetings.

“The whole purpose of the Partnerships O&S committee is to scrutinise the work of the PSB. Our meetings are webcast; if anyone is interested in the openness and transparency, they are welcome to watch or come along.”

Council Leader Jamie Adams said that the PSB was not clouded in mystery and added they were very pleased to welcome all of its partners.

“The work of the PSB is quite challenging currently, as we grapple with a new identity from the local service board and undertake responsibilities in terms of the Well-being of Future Generations Act,” the leader added.

“I understand Cllr Williams’ aspiration to have meetings webcast and I believe that opportunity will be undertaken in the not too distant future. I think it would be wrong at this juncture to impose our view on that process. I’m absolutely certain that the desire that was expressed in the last meeting of the PSB is that of wanting to be more accountable and more front-facing across the county.”

A number of the reasons given by the PSB for not wanting to webcast its meetings were similar to those given when Pembrokeshire County Council first considered webcasting and a number of members picked up on that.

Cllr Tony Wilcox said: “The clue is in the name: Public Service Board. There are many people that want to see this in action. We’ve got nothing to hide; these people aren’t shrinking violets and they’re there because they want to serve. Let the people see who they are. The clue is in the name; it’s public.”

Cllr Bob Kilmister said he was surprised that Cllr Bryan had attempted to re-write what had been said at the O&S meeting and added: “There is nothing in the notice of motion at all that puts the PSB in a position where it can’t hold meetings outside of this council. Some of things put forward are total red herrings.”

Cllr Tom Tudor said he fully supported the idea, saying it is something that should be encouraged and added that a group of people in his ward even get together to watch council meetings.

Cllr Mike Evans pointed out that minutes of the PSB meetings are not published until the quarter after the previous meeting, adding that this was very difficult for accountability.

Council Leader Jamie Adams said he would support Cllr Williams if the word ‘expect’ in the notice of motion was changed to ‘encouraged’, which he was happy to amend.

The amended motion was supported by a clear majority.

Crime

Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).

On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.

When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.

Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.

Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).

While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.

After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.

The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.

“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.

“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.

“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.

“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”

On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.

If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

In an emergency, always call 999.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”

In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”

Business

Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.

“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”

Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”

“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”