Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

PCC Leaders coronavirus update: Monday 27th April

Published

on

Pembrokeshire County Council Leader, Councillor David Simpson,
has provided a further coronavirus update for Monday, 27th April, as
follows:

‘I hope this latest update finds you all well and you are managing
during these unprecedented times. Every day brings new challenges.
However, as I have reiterated on numerous occasions, we have to
stay strong, stay at home and stay safe.

‘I’m sure you will all agree that our frontline services are doing an
amazing job in keeping this country going. Everyone is facing new
ways of doing their roles and to date I am only hearing praise for how
everyone, collectively, is stepping up to tackle this pandemic.

‘I’m also aware that people are frightened and becoming frustrated at
the continued lockdown we face. But we have to continue on this road
to ensure the long-term solution to this awful situation.

‘Who could have imagined, at the start of this year, how 2020 would
pan out. Yes, these are very strange times but please be assured that
we will get through this. We will recover and move forward.

‘I want to highlight that tomorrow (Tuesday, 28 th April) is International
Workers’ Memorial Day. I will be joining thousands of people
throughout Wales in observing a minute’s silence at 11 am to reflect
on those who have died in the coronavirus pandemic.

‘It is also a chance for us to show our respect to all those working so
hard to care for people at this time. I hope you can pause for one
minute tomorrow at 11 am to show your respect
‘Today I want to thank the Authority’s contact centre and our housing
staff.

‘Our contact centre has carried on answering queries and phone calls
throughout the Covid-19 situation and I am sure you will agree that
the way they have undertaken their duties to reassure and guide
people has been a great assistance and strength to many.

‘Our housing team are working together to ensure that we support all
of our tenants and those who are homeless during this challenging
period.
‘Sourcing and preparing accommodation for those who are homeless
– or in an emergency situation – has been challenging. Despite this we
are managing to offer accommodation to those who need it.
‘The officers are conducting welfare calls to all of our 5,550 tenants as
well as to those in temporary accommodation to check on how they
are coping and to link them in to any essential services they might
need.

‘I personally want to thank both these teams for the way they are
professionally dealing with front-line issues. Thank you very much
‘To conclude today I want to reassure you all that as an Authority we
are continuing to deal with Covid-19 issues through our strategic
group.

‘I want to acknowledge the hard work of our strategic lead managers,
Richard Brown and Darren Thomas, for all their efforts and indeed all
the staff and Elected Members within the Council.

‘Every day we are faced with new challenges. However, the Authority
continues to move forward. Remember, together we are strong and
together we will get through this.

‘Press releases issued since my last update on Friday are:
 Council To Resume Grass Cutting:
https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/newsroom/county-council-
to-resume-grass-cutting

 Spread The Word On How To Access Help:
https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/newsroom/help-spread-the-
word-on-how-to-access-help-during-lockdown

 3D Project Helping To Protect Frontline Workers:
https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/newsroom/3d-project-
helping-to-protect-frontline-workers

‘Public Health Wales is updating and adding to their resources
regularly. Please find all assets here:
https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-
covid-19/coronavirus-resources/

‘Also, please keep an eye on our newsroom at:
https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/newsroom

‘And to get daily email updates, log onto our website and sign into My
Account at:
https://myaccount.pembrokeshire.gov.uk

‘Don’t risk catching or spreading the virus, why risk it? Stay Strong,
Stay Safe and Stay at Home. Thank you.’

Useful links:

 www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/coronavirus
 www.sir-benfro.gov.uk/coronafeirws
 https://phw.nhs.wales/
 Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru – Coronafeirws Newydd (COVID-19)
– Cyngor hunan-ynysu
 https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-
19-list-of-guidance

For the latest advice and press releases relating

Crime

Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case

Published

on

A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).

On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.

When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.

Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.

Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).

While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.

After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.

The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.

“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory. 

“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.

“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.

“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”

On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life. 

If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

In an emergency, always call 999.

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

Continue Reading

News

Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police

Published

on

DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”

In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed. 
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly. 
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”

Continue Reading

Business

Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’

Published

on

THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.

“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”

Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”

“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”

Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.

Continue Reading

News2 days ago

Opportunity to request changes to the 20mph limits in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire County Council is opening up an opportunity for residents to request changes to 20mph limits in their locality. The...

News3 days ago

Council seeking legal advice to address Withyhedge enforcement

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council says it has sought legal advice and is contemplating legal proceedings against Withyhedge Landfill operators RML, in...

News3 days ago

Beautiful, funny and lovely: Family pay tribute to Sian Batchelor

THE family of a woman has paid tribute to a “beautiful, funny, lovely person.” Sian Batchelor, aged 32, was found...

Community3 days ago

Locals’ concern as St Davids scout hut threatened with demolition

THERE is widespread concern over the future of St David’s Scout Hut in Ffynnon Wen, which faces potential closure and...

News4 days ago

Police investigating after woman found dead on beach near Pennar  

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have confirmed they are investigating the death of a woman who was found on a beach near Pennar...

News4 days ago

Police discover body in search for Luke Stephenson, 19

POLICE have confirmed the sad news that they have discovered a body during their search for 19-year-old Luke Stephenson, reported missing from the...

Crime5 days ago

Llandissilio man accused of making hundreds of child abuse images

A 25-YEAR-OLD Llandissilio man has appeared before a District Judge charged with making 258 Category A images of a child....

Community1 week ago

Solemn tributes at Freshwater West for WWII maritime tragedy

IN an emotional gathering at Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire, the public and veterans convened on April 29, to honour the memory...

Community1 week ago

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its...

Community1 week ago

Train disruption expected due to essential works at Clarbeston Road

PASSENGERS are being asked to check before they travel between Carmarthen and Milford Haven/Fishguard Harbour next week when Network Rail...

Popular This Week