News

Pembrokeshire County Council’s chief executive to leave post in November

Published

6 years ago

September 2, 2020

Tom Sinclair

THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE of Pembrokeshire County Council, Ian Westley, is leaving the Authority.

Mr Westley, 60, is expected to leave by the end of November.

He was appointed Chief Executive in July, 2015, having held the post of Acting Head of Paid Service for several months previously.

Said Mr Westley: “Working at the County Council for 17 years has been a fulfilling period in my career and it’s been a privilege to end my time with the Authority as Chief Executive.

“During my time at the Council I have gained great satisfaction from developing positive relations with communities, businesses and partner organisations across the County and the wider west Wales region.

“It has been a pleasure to work with such dedicated colleagues in Pembrokeshire.

“Never has that been more apparent than in meeting the challenges presented during the last five months and having weathered the storm, I believe the time is now right to move on and allow new leadership to build on the foundations that are firmly in place.”

Paying tribute to Mr Westley’s time in Pembrokeshire, Council Leader David Simpson said: “I would like to thank Ian for the work he has done leading the staff at Pembrokeshire County Council during his time as Director and Chief Executive.”

Councillor Simpson added: “We wish Ian well for the future and thank him for the contribution he has made to the Council and County of Pembrokeshire.”

A Chartered Engineer, Mr Westley has worked in local government in Wales for 38 years.

He joined Pembrokeshire County Council in 2003 as Director of Transportation, Housing and Environment having been Assistant Director of Technical Services at the City and County of Swansea.

A native of Newport, Gwent, he previously worked for Gwent County Council; Newport County Borough Council and the City and County of Swansea Council.

Commenting on the announcement Eluned Morgan MS said: “As Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire County Council, Ian quickly put his own stamp on transforming the local authority into an outward looking organisation, keen to work in partnership with others, drawing together new ideas and opportunities to improve services for the benefit of local residents. “I’ve met with Ian on several occasions to champion issues important to the people of Pembrokeshire and I am sure that many, like me, will want to thank him for his work in Pembrokeshire and to wish him the best for the future. The challenges for Pembrokeshire in a post Brexit, post Covid economy are clear and I’d expect a robust recruitment process to find a suitable replacement.“

Local Government

Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE ARMED FORCES flag is flying proudly at County Hall this week ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock were among those who marked the flag raising on Monday morning (June 22).

Also present were the Chairman of Council, Cllr Delme Harries, the Chief Executive, Will Bramble and the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards.

Cllr Hancock said: “It is always a very proud moment to see the Armed Forces Flag flying over County Hall.

“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve, as well as the families and communities who support them.

“Our county has a rich history of connection with the Armed Forces, and we are proud to uphold and strengthen that bond.

“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire receive the recognition and support they truly deserve and we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.”

Crime

Accused Milford Haven rapist to stand trial at Crown Court

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates accused of rape and sexual assault.

James Kershaw, 46, is charged with raping a woman in Milford Haven between February 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014.

He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female over the age of 13 by penetration with his finger between December 1 and December 30, 2012.

Kershaw appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23) by video link and denied both charges.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Kershaw is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.

He was released on conditional bail, with the sole condition that he must not contact the complainant.

News

Bus overturns in major incident near Kidwelly

Published

4 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

All passengers rescued as emergency services remain at scene

A BUS overturned on the A484 between Kidwelly and Ferryside on Tuesday (Jun 23), prompting a major emergency response and lengthy road closures.

The incident happened shortly after 12:20pm near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.

Emergency services, including firefighters from Kidwelly, Carmarthen and Tumble, were sent to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving the bus.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all passengers were safely removed from the vehicle.

A spokesperson said: “All passengers have been safely removed from the bus and are receiving appropriate care.”

A rest centre has been established at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly, where welfare arrangements are being made for those involved.

The scale of the incident led Dyfed-Powys Police to declare a major incident earlier in the day, with officers urging members of the public to avoid the area.

The A484 remains closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog while emergency services continue their response and carry out investigations into the cause of the crash.

Police, ambulance and fire crews remain at the scene.

Motorists are being advised to find alternative routes and are warned that the road is expected to remain closed for a considerable time.

Emergency services have also issued advice for drivers caught in congestion during the hot weather, urging people to stay hydrated, keep vehicles ventilated and never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets inside parked vehicles.

The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.