News

‘Broadcasting powers could bolster creative industry’

Published

11 years ago

February 27, 2014

PLAID CYMRU has published its vision for the future of Welsh broadcasting and has made the case for the devolution of powers over broadcasting to the National Assembly for Wales in order to deliver more accountability.

The party’s Shadow Minister for Broadcasting, Simon Thomas, said that devolving the powers is an important economic step to take as well as delivering more accountability and responsibility.

The Party of Wales has this week launched a paper that outlines why a Welsh Government should take control of these powers.

Mr Thomas said that the future of broadcasting is currently being threatened by a number of factors, including cuts to budgets, job losses and a loss of services. The paper states that devolved these powers would ensure that the people of Wales are better served democratically, culturally, economically and linguistically.

The Party of Wales Shadow Minister for Broadcasting Simon Thomas said: “In Wales, we have a strong and dynamic broadcast industry, but that has come under threat. Due to budget cuts, service cuts, and job cuts, there is a real danger that the media that services and defines the people of Wales is weakening. This is both an economic threat and a cultural one.

“Devolving these powers would help us protect it. By giving the Welsh Government responsibility over broadcast policy, we can give broadcasters long-term security for their budgets, which creates a more stable economic future for them, and for investors who may be considering coming to Wales.

“There are also important considerations about procurement. A company that provides services that are focused on Wales, or perhaps in Welsh, is much more likely to be based in Wales.

“Ultimately, we can make sure that we have a service that meets the needs of the people of Wales, and better serves them democratically, culturally, economically and linguistically.”

The Party of Wales spokesperson on Broadcasting Bethan Jenkins said: “Devolving these powers will mean that a Welsh Government will be able to protect this important industry that employs thousands of people in every part of Wales.

“Plaid Cymru firmly believes that these powers are better placed in the hands of the people of Wales, and we have made this clear in our submission to the second part of the Silk Commission.”

Crime

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

Published

19 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.