News

Paedophile report to be published

Published

9 years ago

June 12, 2017

Tom Sinclair

Mik Smith: The paedophile was nearly allowed to become a foster carer

THE REPORT into how Pembrokeshire County Council dealt with convicted paedophile Mik Smith will be published after a landmark decision by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet today (Jun 2).

The new Cabinet, led by new Council Leader David Simpson, voted unanimously in favour of publishing the report.

Cllr Mike Stoddart, who has long campaigned for the report to be published, also asked if a Task and Finish Group could be set up to investigate other issues that he was aware of which were not included in the report and that was supported by the Cabinet.

His notice of motion has been repeatedly knocked back by officers who said the report could not be published because it contained sensitive information.

At previous meetings of Full Council meeting and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee in March, calls to release the document were defeated on the chairman’s vote after a tied vote.

The report has already been leaked to the press but at a previous meeting, Chief Executive, Mr Ian Westley, stated that it was his ‘personal preference’ that the report shouldn’t be published due to an agreement he had with the report’s author.

On Monday, Cllr Stoddart told the new Cabinet: “This is a rather long story. I have been trying to get this published for the last 18 months. I’m afraid there is a complex web of deceit in this report.

“The whistle-blower was sacked in 2006 and it is often thought that this was the sole whistle-blower when in actual fact there were eight members of the youth service that had this complaint.

“When she was sacked, this council had already had a second complaint about Mr Smith, she wasn’t a part of this and yet they sacked her.

“The Head of Youth Service was asked about Mr Smith’s suitability to be a foster parent and verbally he replied in very positive terms and he was then sent a form with a covering letter which said ‘agencies are reminded that they have a duty to pro-actively inform PCC of any issues that arise that could impact on this person’s ongoing capacity to act as a foster carer or could represent a safeguarding issue to the children who might be placed with them’.

“The Head of Youth Service left that blank although he had administered two disciplinary sanctions against Mr Smith in 2005 and 2006, and furthermore there had been a further complaint in 2009. To me, what went on here is an absolute disgrace and I do think the people of Pembrokeshire have a right to know all the facts.

“There was a report put before the scrutiny committee, which said: “The report contains personal information in relation to the names of children, parents and professionals. I have failed to find any reference to any names of children, parents of professionals and I feel that this is part of the tactics that I object to in this authority where things are invented to push members in a particular direction.”

Cllr Stoddart also claimed that the report was incomplete as its author had been restricted to the information that was available.

Cllr Paul Miller said he agreed entirely with Cllr Stoddart and said it was in the public interest to publish what he described as a ‘serious issue’.

Cllr Tessa Hodgson said it was clear that the people of Pembrokeshire had voted for change and said that they must demonstrate they were prepared to take action. She added that they must ensure that something like this never happens again.

Cllr Neil Prior said: “Organisations will always make mistakes but it’s how we deal with them that is important and I do feel that we have very difficult decisions ahead and we need the support of the public in understanding why we take some of those decisions and I do feel strongly that this is a new era, and to show a gesture of goodwill to the people of Pembrokeshire that we should release the report.”

Cllr Phil Baker added the report did make for difficult reading and that it was a dark period for the council whilst the investigations were ongoing.

Cllr Pat Davies said that newly elected councillors had inherited the problem and added that it was time for the matter to be settled.

Chief Executive Ian Westley asked for the information that Cllr Stoddart to make him aware of the information that he had and also encouraged the person who leaked the report to come forward and say why they had done it.

Farming

Plaid urged to move faster on farming reforms amid subsidy concerns

Published

4 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Conservatives accuse Plaid Cymru of failing farmers as ministers call for patience over changes to agricultural support

CONCERNS over the pace of farming reforms in Wales have intensified after the Welsh Conservatives accused the Welsh Government of failing to act quickly enough on promised changes to agricultural subsidy schemes.

The criticism comes after Welsh Government Rural Resilience and Sustainability Minister, Llyr Gruffydd, urged farmers to be patient as major changes to support payments continue to be developed.

Speaking to ITV Wales, Mr Gruffydd acknowledged that “change is difficult” as the government seeks to reshape agricultural support across rural Wales. The comments come at a time of growing unease among parts of the farming community over the future of post-Brexit subsidy arrangements and concerns about financial pressures facing farms.

The reforms centre on replacing previous support systems with a new approach intended to balance food production, environmental sustainability and rural resilience. However, some farmers and unions have warned that uncertainty over payments and policy changes risks damaging confidence in the sector.

Reacting to the minister’s remarks, Welsh Conservative Shadow Farming Minister, Andrew RT Davies, said Plaid Cymru was not moving quickly enough to deliver on commitments made to Welsh farmers.

Mr Davies said: “Change is not difficult – contrary to Plaid Cymru separatists’ claims.

“If the will is there, there’s no reason reforms can’t be implemented immediately.

“Plaid Cymru separatists must fulfil their promises to Welsh farmers now.”

The comments reflect wider political tensions over the direction of farming policy in Wales, with opposition parties arguing that delays and uncertainty are creating anxiety for agricultural businesses already facing rising costs and economic pressures.

Farming remains a major part of the Welsh economy, particularly in rural counties such as Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, where many communities rely heavily on agriculture and associated industries.

The Welsh Government has previously said changes to support schemes are aimed at creating a more sustainable long-term future for farming, though ministers have acknowledged the transition period will take time and may prove challenging for some in the industry.

The debate over subsidy reform is likely to remain a key political battleground as the government finalises details of its future support model and seeks to reassure farmers concerned about their livelihoods.

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

5 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Business

WestJet’s first Toronto flight lands at Cardiff Airport

Published

5 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New seasonal service restores direct link between Wales and Canada after nearly 20 years

CARDIFF AIRPORT has welcomed the first WestJet flight from Toronto, marking the return of a direct air link between Wales and Canada for the first time in almost 20 years.

The inaugural service from Toronto Pearson International Airport landed at Cardiff on Saturday (May 23), officially launching a new transatlantic route between South Wales and North America.

Passengers on the first arrival were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, while Penarth choir Criw Canu welcomed the crew and customers with Welsh songs at the aircraft steps.

The new route will operate four times a week using WestJet’s Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Cardiff Airport said the service would open up new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural links between Wales and Canada.

Toronto Pearson is also a major hub, offering onward connections to more than 100 destinations across Canada and the United States, including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver and Florida.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS, attended the launch alongside guests including Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Cllr Lis Burnett, Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Ontario’s Agent-General in London Sophia Arvanitis, Visit Wales and aviation industry partners.

Mr Price said: “WestJet’s inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.

“Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK.

“Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, described the launch as a landmark moment for the airport and for Wales.

He said: “The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America. It firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales.

“We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”

Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, said the route was an important addition to the airline’s transatlantic network.

He said: “WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities.

“Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada.”

The Cardiff to Toronto service departs Cardiff at 11:35am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Toronto to Cardiff flights depart at 10:10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.