News

Council leadership defy Audit Office

Published

11 years ago

February 20, 2014

COUNCIL IN CRISIS

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL, in contrast to Carmarthenshire County Council has offered a robust defence of its pension tax avoidance scheme and has commissioned a report from external consultants to attempt to buttress its position.

Leader Jamie Adams, who in September said that the Auditor could not lay down the law, said:

“The Council is required to consider the Public Interest Report within one month of its receipt. It is important that Councillors have the opportunity to consider all the relevant evidence before deciding how best to respond to the Auditor’s recommendations.

“I look forward to the debate.”However, concern is understood to be growing among Councillors at the damage caused by the maelstrom of bad news that has surrounded the IPPG administration. In a desperate attempt to retain control of the situation, members of the IPPG have been summoned to attend a meeting with their leader before Friday’s crucial debate.

There is disquiet at the way the IPPG leadership appears to have painted itself into a corner, with former leader John “Cwmbetws” Davies saying on a recent edition of S4C’s Pawb a’i Farn: “I would be saying, if I was the leader now, ‘there’s a need to have an investigation into this that is completely independent.’

“There’s been a mistake, of course, nobody is perfect and we accept that … after two-and-a-half years, we can see it was not the best of decisions.”

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

16 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.