News

Council will not recommend special measures for Hywel Dda

Published

7 years ago

February 21, 2019

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council will not be recommending that Hywel Dda University Health Board should be placed into special measures.

Cllr Paul Dowson’s notice of motion calling for them do so was debated at the Full Council meeting on Thursday (Feb 21).

When it was put to the vote, Cllrs John Cole, Phil Kidney, Stephen Joseph and Jon Harvey were the only four to join Cllr Dowson in supporting his motion.

The motion was previously debated at the Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny meeting in January where it was decided to hold a seminar, closed to members of the public, to discuss it further.

Cllr Dowson had pointed out in his supporting statement that the Health Board had missed a number of targets and has a deficit of nearly £70m.
However it was felt that placing the board in special measures would be a ‘backwards step’ and ‘make the situation worse’.

At Thursday’s meeting, Cllr Vic Dennis said he could not support the motion saying: “It doesn’t do anything to support the morale of staff.”

Cllr Jamie Adams thanked the Scrutiny chair for calling the seminar and said there were assurances that there would be a recovery in the Board’s performance.

He added: “No Health Board is working to budget in Wales, simply suggesting that one of our key strategic partners should be placed in special measures is dangerous. I am amazed that any cabinet member has not taken part in the discussion so far.
“It would be highly detrimental to social care services if Hywel Dda was to be placed in special measures. The lack of confidence it inevitably brings would be difficult to get out of.”

Cllr Jonathan Preston said: “There is very little meat on the bone as to what special measures will look like. We will not be able to call the Health Board in to County Hall, we would lose that control and the dialogue we have with them will be gone.”

Cllr Mike John said: “I have challenged Hywel Dda on many occasions and met with the Chief Executive. I have attended the marches and done what I can for the voice of the people but I can’t see the benefit of handing over control to Cardiff.
“I would rather keep it with Hywel Dda and call them in when necessary. There is a plan in place that would bring children’s services back to Pembrokeshire and I suggest we monitor them closely.”

Cllr Dowson stated that a number of members had been concerned with what it would look like for the Council but said they should be concerned about how it looked to the people of the county.

He also called for a recorded vote but that was not supported.

Council Leader David Simpson said: “If the new hospital was built in Narberth it would be the best thing for my constituents, but that’s not what I want, what I want is for the hospital to be built, I don’t want downgrading of services. What we’ve got at the moment we want to keep.
“I don’t believe putting Hywel Dda in special measures will do us any good, it would be a backwards step.”

Cllr Paul Rapi said: “They are doing their best to put the wrongs right and the clinicians are taking on the role of taking forward the service.
“They are encouraging the type of people they need but they are not being encouraged down the M4 and that leaves us with shortages in the field. Special measures is not going to help, I think it would make the situation worse and have a negative effect.”

It was then put to the vote but a clear majority were against recommending that the Health Board be placed in special measures.

Community

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

Published

5 minutes 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

9 minutes 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.

Community

Choir to sing at ten bandstands in one day for Alzheimer’s charity

Published

14 minutes ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Côr Meibion De Cymru will begin its South Wales challenge at Milford Haven before finishing in Cardiff

A WELSH male voice choir will sing at ten bandstands in one day as part of an ambitious charity challenge across South Wales.

Côr Meibion De Cymru, the South Wales Male Choir, will begin its Ten Bandstands Challenge at The Rath in Milford Haven at 7:00am on Sunday, May 31.

The choir will then travel east, performing short concerts at Tenby, Carmarthen, Kidwelly, Llandeilo, Neath, Barry Island, Penarth and Newport before finishing at Victoria Park in Cardiff at around 8:00pm.

The event is being held in aid of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, with organisers aiming to raise £5,000.

The choir says the challenge is intended to create a “red wave of singing” across South Wales, while celebrating the Welsh male voice choir tradition and showing that it remains a powerful part of Welsh cultural life.

The full schedule is:

Milford Haven, The Rath: 7:00am to 7:20am
Tenby, Castle Hill: 8:25am to 8:45am
Carmarthen, Carmarthen Park: 9:55am to 10:15am
Kidwelly, Parc Y Bocs: 11:00am to 11:20am
Llandeilo, Penlan Park: 12:30pm to 1:00pm
Neath, Victoria Gardens: 2:00pm to 2:20pm
Barry Island, Friars Road: 3:55pm to 4:20pm
Penarth, Windsor Gardens: 5:10pm to 5:30pm
Newport, Belle Vue Park: 6:35pm to 6:55pm
Cardiff, Victoria Park: 7:50pm to 8:10pm

Organisers say timings may vary slightly depending on traffic on the day.

The challenge is being promoted as a celebration of music, community and Welsh identity, while raising money for a cause that affects families across Wales.

More information and donations are available through the choir’s JustGiving campaign.