News
No confidence ballot ‘likely to go against Bryn Parry’, say unions
TRADE UNIONS in Pembrokeshire, including UNISON, are continuing to mount the pressure on Pembrokeshire County Council’s chief executive, Bryn Parry-Jones, as the ballot over ‘no confidence’ in his abilities continues.
Vic Dennis, UNISON Branch Secretary, told The Herald: “Ballot papers went out to all our members in Pembrokeshire last week and the speed and size of response has been overwhelming.
“With days still to go we have already received over 500 responses and many members are on annual leave. The early indications are that the majority UNISON members employed by PCC will confirm that they have lost trust and confidence in their Chief Officer. We have never had such an immediate and overpowering response to a ballot on any other issue”
UNISON along with Unite and GMB are planning a major rally outside County Hall on Friday 8th support it. Vic Dennis added: “This is in direct response to calls from our respective membership to have their voices heard in relation to numerous failings in Pembrokeshire County Council. The continuing pension debacle is the last straw for our members, many of whom now say they are embarrassed to admit they work for PCC.
“The action is taking place at lunch time so members are at liberty to register their protest and we trust that no pressure is put on them not to walk out.”
“It is not only trade union members who welcome this opportunity to show their feelings but the community as a whole. We now ask them to join us on 8th at 12:30 to show their strength of feeling.”
On Friday, August 8 at 12:30 and many members have indicated that they will.
Last week union leaders said: “The Chief Executive has refused to repay and of the £45,000 pounds of pension payments he received directly to his bank account. In the meantime some of the lowest paid and hardest hit by the pay and grading review are suffering hardship whilst the appeals process drags on with no end in sight.”
“The joint unions are now planning to demonstrate their anger at a lunchtime protest on 8 August, similar to the action taken by employees of Caerphilly Council which highlighted the failings of their CEO”, they said.
Paul Miller, Labour leader on the Council, wrote to IPPG leader Jamie Adams when the news broke of the new investigation saying: “It would, in my view, seriously undermine public trust and the moral of the staff were Mr Parry-Jones to continue in his position while these enquiries are undertaken.
“I appreciate that we have not seen eye to eye on this issue in the past (far from it) but I implore you now to show some courage and leadership. I implore you to break with the past and do what is right.
“Take the first step on what will admittedly be a very long journey, to restore some credibility and public trust to our local authority.”
The Herald asked for a copy of Councillor Adams’ reply to that letter, but we were told that he regarded his correspondence to the Council’s Labour leader as private.
The Council has declined to comment on the unions’ actions.
The Herald will be covering the protest with a live coverage on the newspapers website and Facebook feed.
Community
Doorstep warning issued after reports of suspicious callers in Pembrokeshire
Residents in Haverfordwest and St Davids urged to watch out for vulnerable neighbours after social media alerts
A WARNING has been issued to residents in parts of Pembrokeshire after separate social media reports of suspicious doorstep callers in both Haverfordwest and St Davids.
In Haverfordwest one resident said a man called at his home at around 6:10pm on Tuesday (Apr 14), claiming he was an ex-convict from South Shields selling cheap household goods in an effort to get his life back on track.
The Merlins Bridge resident said the man claimed there was a wider team operating in the area in a similar way. He reported that the caller then knocked at several more homes along Venns Close before heading towards Greenhill Drive and the roundabout.
The man was described as wearing black waterproof trousers and a royal blue waterproof coat, with dark medium-length hair and no hat. He was also said to be carrying a large holdall, possibly containing items for sale.
In a separate post circulating online, residents in St Davids were also warned to be cautious after reports of men wearing backpacks and baseball caps going door-to-door.
The post claimed police had been in the area several times during the day looking for the individuals. Residents were urged to keep doors locked and to contact police if they saw anything suspicious.
While none of the claims have been independently verified by The Herald, the reports have prompted calls for people to remain vigilant, secure doors, gates and vehicles, and check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours.
Residents suggested the activity may be linked to so-called “Nottingham Knockers”, a term often used to describe cold callers selling goods door-to-door, sometimes amid concerns that vulnerable households may be targeted.
He said he had reported the Haverfordwest incident to Dyfed-Powys Police via the force’s website. The reference number given was CDS-76190-26-6300-002.
Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour is advised to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police.
Crime
Romino’s licence revoked after illegal workers found and fire risks exposed
Takeaway in Cardigan ordered to shut by 11:00pm after council hearing backed by immigration officials, police and fire service
A TAKEAWAY in Cardigan has lost its premises licence after repeated enforcement visits uncovered illegal working and serious fire safety failings.
Ceredigion County Council’s Licensing Sub Committee decided to revoke the premises licence for Romino’s Pizza and Kebab following a hearing held on Monday, April 7.
The review was brought by Home Office Immigration Enforcement and supported by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Dyfed-Powys Police.
During four separate visits to the business, officers found a total of eight people said to be working illegally at the premises.
Fire safety inspectors also identified a number of serious breaches, leading to prohibition notices being issued because of the risks posed to staff, customers and the wider public.
The committee concluded that revoking the licence was proportionate and necessary in order to uphold the licensing objectives, in particular the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of public safety.
As a result of the decision, the business will now be required to close at 11:00pm unless an appeal is lodged.
A spokesperson for Ceredigion County Council said: “We welcome the Licensing Sub Committee’s decision to revoke the Premises Licence for Romino’s in Cardigan. This reflects the seriousness of the issues identified and the clear risks posed.”
The action follows earlier enforcement steps taken in March.
On March 5, immigration officers visited the premises and found two Turkish men allegedly working there illegally. A closure notice was issued at once, preventing access to the site and stopping any work from taking place.
The Home Office said that on three previous visits, a further six people had been found working illegally at the same business. Those responsible were handed fines totalling £135,000.
An illegal working compliance order was later granted at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on March 6. Such orders place strict conditions on a business, including requirements to carry out right-to-work checks and permit ongoing inspections.
Although the takeaway later reopened, the Home Office pressed ahead with its application for a licence review on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder.
A spokesperson said illegal working harms lawful businesses, drives down wages and can be linked to organised immigration crime.
Business
Sauna Uno brings coastal wellness experience to West Wales
Bespoke mobile sauna offers sea views, cold-water immersion and private group bookings along the Pembrokeshire coast
A UNIQUE mobile sauna experience is bringing a fresh take on relaxation and wellbeing to the West Wales coast, combining traditional heat therapy with sea air, cold-water immersion and some of the region’s most dramatic views.
Sauna Uno is a custom-built mobile sauna designed to offer guests the benefits of a Nordic-style sauna experience in a striking coastal setting. Operating from selected locations in West Wales, it allows visitors to step from the warmth of a wood-fired sauna into the open air, with the option of a cold plunge or sea swim as part of the ritual.
Set against the backdrop of beaches, cliffs and Atlantic skies, the experience is built around contrast — intense heat followed by cold water, shared conversation followed by quiet reflection, and the comfort of the sauna against the raw beauty of the Pembrokeshire coastline.

Designed for comfort
Inside, Sauna Uno has been carefully designed to create a welcoming and practical space for both individuals and groups. The sauna includes a spacious seating area, large viewing windows, heated changing facilities, and a selection of herbal teas, cold water and natural essential oils to enhance the experience.
The aim is to combine the health benefits of sauna use with the calming effect of the coastal environment, creating something that feels both restorative and memorable.
Its owners say the concept is about more than simply getting warm.
Sauna Uno is intended to offer people the chance to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy a moment of calm in a busy world — whether that is after a sea swim, as part of a wellness session, or simply as a social experience with friends.

Popular for groups and private hire
The mobile sauna has proved especially popular for group bookings, with enough space for friends, families and small parties to enjoy the experience together.
Bookings are regularly made for birthdays, private gatherings, group wellness sessions and retreat-style coastal days out. The setting, combined with the shared nature of the sauna experience, has made it an increasingly attractive alternative to more traditional celebrations.
To encourage group celebrations, Sauna Uno is currently offering a ten per cent discount on birthday group bookings.
That offer is expected to appeal to those looking for something a little different — an occasion centred on wellbeing, the outdoors and spending quality time together rather than the usual restaurant or nightlife options.
A growing wellness trend
Sauna culture has grown in popularity across the UK in recent years, with more people turning to heat therapy, cold-water immersion and outdoor wellness experiences as a way to support both physical and mental health.
Regular sauna use is commonly linked to improved circulation, muscle recovery, reduced tension and stress relief. Many enthusiasts also say the combination of heat and cold helps improve mental clarity, resilience and overall wellbeing.
At coastal sites, that effect can be heightened by the surrounding landscape, fresh air and sea views, turning a sauna session into a more immersive experience.
Visitors to Sauna Uno have praised the quality of the heat, the design of the sauna and the peaceful atmosphere created by the coastal locations. Sunset sessions and winter bookings have proved particularly popular, with many describing the combination of hot sauna and cold sea air as both invigorating and deeply calming.
Making the most of the coast
By operating as a mobile unit, Sauna Uno is able to make use of carefully chosen coastal spots across West Wales, bringing the experience closer to the sea and giving guests access to some of the area’s most scenic locations.
For many, that sense of place is what sets it apart.
Rather than being tucked away indoors, Sauna Uno makes the natural environment part of the experience itself — offering a way to enjoy the coast in all seasons, whether under clear skies, in the golden light of sunset, or with wild weather rolling in off the Atlantic.
With interest continuing to grow and weekend sessions often booked in advance, organisers are encouraging people to plan ahead for private hire, birthday bookings and group visits.
For bookings and enquiries, their Facebook page can also be found by searching Sauna Uno.
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Archie
August 6, 2014 at 10:35 am
I would love to attend and support the staff unfortunately I will be away, but if I was here I would join them. hope members of the public like myself will show their support. Good Luck, you will need it to get rid of Teflon man!
Rockface
August 6, 2014 at 1:55 pm
Some of the staff are scared to demonstrate outside county hall.
anita d
August 6, 2014 at 5:29 pm
i would encourage as many of the general public as possible to go along
tomos
August 6, 2014 at 6:25 pm
Sorry to hear that Rockface but knowing what I know of his tricks and behaviour (folders “left” in cars, devious,nasty and spiteful in my humble opinion anyway) I can understand why some ppl will be scared after all look at Sue Thomas – indeed Jamie A is still spinning against her and for Bryn
Becky Dyer
August 6, 2014 at 10:22 pm
I used to work for PCC until 10 yrs ago and the culture was very concerning back then – failure was rewarded with promotion if your face fitted and no one above a certain grade was accountable. I now work for a very large English Local Authority and the difference is staggering. Our chief exec earns £100k a year less than BPJ and yet we consistently perform very well as a Local Authority. I attended a training session recently (I’m a Human Resources Advisor) and PCC was used as a bad example for safeguarding failings, HR policies, accountability and treatment of whistleblowers. I’m ashamed to put my 5 years at PCC on my CV for fear of being tainted by association. The senior exec needs shifting. New blood from OUTSIDE Pembrokeshire would be good. No more nepotism and blind eyes being turned. Time. For. Change. Pembrokeshire people deserve better!!
Clive James aka clivebeca
August 8, 2014 at 9:35 pm
I would still like to know who ‘the other Senior Officer’ is? Why is he/she being protected?
There is surely a case very soon for either various departments of PCC being placed into Welsh Government Special Measures, OR the entire Council. Never thought I’d say it, but ‘Bring back Dyfed’ or a western version of Dyfed i.e. Pembrokeshire/Ceredigion. The redundancy bill for Senior Staff, would probably be very high, but perhaps it would get rid of ‘Deadwood’. Surely we need/deserve democratic accountability, but all for the good of the Residents/Tax payers not for Senior Officers earning more than the PM of the UK ??
Tomos
August 10, 2014 at 5:46 pm
Well clivebeca I agree 100% with you, I believe I remember someone posted the name on another local newspapers web site but it was taken down pretty quickly by the administrators, I think it was the HR director who retired , was it a Mr McC something?
Has he had some sort of injunction, or is he so highly respected that both papers decided not to infringe on his private life now that he’s no longer part of the sordid gang. 🙁
BPJ has taken a lot of flack but looking at all the things have gone wrong then I suggest he has a heck of a lot to answer for too!