News

Interviews to take place this week for £91k council job

Published

5 years ago

December 10, 2018

INTERVIEWS are to be held this week for a controversial senior role within Pembrokeshire County Council, with an advertised salary of up to £91,000.

On Wednesday (Dec 12), interviews will be held for the Head of Economic Development and Regeneration post, which has a salary bracket of £53,982 – £91,443.

In addition, the job was advertised with £5,259 subsidy for a leased car and a ‘generous pension scheme’.

Relocation assistance was also being offered for applicants outside of Pembrokeshire.

In July, at a meeting of Full Council, the new job post was approved, with most agreeing that the post should be advertised in order to ensure improvements and large investments are made around the county. The former head of regeneration recently retired.
Despite initial concern at the meeting, the only councillor strongly against the new role was Cllr Reg Owens, saying: “I really can’t see any justification in filling this post, I’ll say that from the start.

“Over the past year quite rightly we have been lectured… about the need to be far more prudent in our expenditure. When we approved the budget last year, and we approved the 12.5% [council tax] I did say at the time we are asking the people of Pembrokeshire to contribute towards Pembrokeshire County Council and we have also got to be seen to be doing our bit as well.

“When I look at the job description…we have certainly got those skills with our current chief officers and heads of services and of course the cabinet members, so I don’t think we will be cast adrift by not making this appointment, in fact, if we don’t make this appointment, we will be showing everybody that we do mean business trying to save some money.”

Despite this, Cllr Owens was ultimately persuaded by justifications of others.

Cllr Michael Williams of Plaid Cymru argued: “If you want justification just go and walk through our towns. I mean the whole economic base that used to be in these towns is now almost dead.

“To do nothing is not an option. We have got to show some ambition for the benefit of this county, otherwise the whole place is going to fail.

“I think this is an opportunity, I think we’ve failed in the past because we haven’t resourced in any way adequately enough this unit. And we have got to get that right.”

The proposition by Cllr Williams, seconded by Cllr Miller, detailed how the Senior Staff Committee recommend to the Council that the role of Head of Economic Development and Regeneration be advertised.

Crime

Arrest made following report of sexual assault in Haverfordwest

Published

4 hours ago

May 17, 2024

Tom Sinclair

DETECTIVES in Haverfordwest are appealing for witnesses following a report of a sexual assault which occurred at approximately 10:00pm-11:30pm on Thursday (May 16) in the vicinity of Dew St, Haverfordwest.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.

The police have asked that anyone who witnessed the incident or was in the area at the time and may have information that could help officers with enquiries, is asked to contact police.

Police can be contacted either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Quote reference:427 of 16th
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Lib Dems blast Welsh Gov for ‘failing women suffering from cancer’

Published

5 hours ago

May 17, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THIS week in the Senedd, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have accused the Welsh Government of failing women suffering from cancer.

Speaking in the Siambr on Wednesday, party Leader Jane Dodds MS lamented the challenging experiences faced by many women suffering from Gynaecological cancer.

The Welsh Lib Dem leader highlighted how many women felt that their cancer symptoms had been either ignored or dismissed by medical professionals, with others reporting lengthy delays in receiving treatment.

According to a recent report from BBC Wales, the number of Gynaecological cancer patients starting treatment within the recommended 62-day time frame has worsened since it was prioritised by the Welsh Government last year.

A recent Senedd Committee Inquiry also found that women’s cancer concerns were often “dismissed, downplayed and unheard” as part of a “dangerous bias” against women when it comes to healthcare.

The Welsh Lib Dems have heavily criticised the Welsh Government for failing to tackle gender healthcare inequalities, stating that they have “failed countless women”.

Commenting, the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said:

“I was ashamed and appalled to hear how so many women suffering from Gynaecological Cancer have had to deal with grave failings in our healthcare service.

Many of these cancer victims have reportedly had their worries and concerns sidelined by medical professionals who had dismissed serious symptoms that, if spotted earlier, could have resulted in a more positive outcome.

These biases present a serious threat to the health of thousands of women, we cannot allow these inequalities to take any more lives.

The Welsh Government has failed countless women by their lack of action in dealing with these biases.

These brave women and their families should not have to suffer from the indecisiveness of Welsh Labour Ministers.

It is now up to the Welsh Government to ensure that we will have a future where no woman will have to face the agonising experience of Gynaecological cancer alone.”

News

New Minister Appointed to Welsh Government Cabinet

Published

6 hours ago

May 17, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH Government has announced a new addition to its Cabinet team. Sarah Murphy has been appointed as the Minister for Social Partnership, bringing her expertise and leadership to a critical role within the government.

First Minister Vaughan Gething made the announcement earlier today, expressing his enthusiasm for Sarah Murphy’s appointment. In his statement, Gething highlighted Murphy’s responsibility to advance the government’s collaborative efforts with its valued social partners. Her role will also encompass providing leadership across the creative, hospitality, tourism, and retail sectors—areas vital to Wales’ economic and cultural vitality.

“I warmly welcome Sarah to my talented and ambitious Cabinet team,” said Gething. “Her experience and dedication will be invaluable as we continue our work in these key sectors.”

Sarah Murphy’s appointment is expected to bolster the Welsh Government’s initiatives and strengthen partnerships across various industries, ensuring continued growth and innovation within Wales.