News

Drakeford sees ‘no useful purpose’ in SWAT meeting

Published

12 years ago

March 10, 2014

THE WELSH HEALTH MINISTER, Mark Drakeford AM has rejected calls from local MP Stephen Crabb to come to Pembrokeshire to meet with him and members of the Save Withybush Action Team (SWAT).

Earlier this month, Stephen Crabb wrote to Mark Drakeford urging him to meet with SWAT and other local people to reconsider the Welsh Government’s reckless decision to cut vital maternity services from Withybush Hospital.

In his response, Mark Drakeford said that he had already received a large number of representations from SWAT and that he felt ‘a direct meeting between us will serve no useful purpose’. He also commented that a meeting might be ‘difficult’ for him because a supporter of SWAT is seeking to instigate a judicial review into the matter.

Stephen had urged the Health Minister to meet with him to reconsider the evidence base used to make the decision, arguing that cutting vital services from a rural and geographically unique area such as Pembrokeshire would put lives at risk. In his reply the Health Minister refused to meet with Stephen, suggesting instead that questions regarding the specific details of the consultation would be better directed to the expert neonatologist on the Panel, who is based in London.

Speaking from Haverfordwest, Stephen said: “It’s appalling that the Welsh Health Minister sees ‘no useful purpose’ in meeting with the very people his reckless decision will affect. If the Prime Minister can make the time to visit Pembrokeshire to see the situation here after the storms then the Welsh Health Minister should be able to make the journey from Cardiff to Withybush.

“It also worries me that the Health Minister does not feel capable of answering my questions about the evidence base he used to make the decision to cut vital services from our local hospital. If he cannot answer these questions, how can he say that he has made a safe decision?

“I am also concerned that the chief neonatologist who is responsible for this decision is based in London. We have argued all along that while centralising services may work in towns and cities, it is simply dangerous in rural communities such as Pembrokeshire. Did the committee the Welsh Government relied on to make these decisions really understand what it is like to live in a remote area where geographic challenges make it difficult to get to the nearest hospital at the best of times?

“This response from Mark Drakeford makes me more concerned than ever that a grave mistake has been made without proper understanding of the consequences for local people. I will be writing to the chief neonatologist to arrange a meeting so that Pembrokeshire can finally get the answers it deserves.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.