News
Pembrokeshire councillors engage in heated debate over Bluestone loan
IN A RECENT exchange between Councillor Mike Stoddart and Councillor Alan Dennison, the Pembrokeshire Herald witnessed a heated debate regarding the Bluestone loan and shares controversy within Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC).
The discussion, on The Herald’s Facebook page, shed light on past and present issues, revealing political tensions and highlighting the need for accountability within the council.
Councillor Stoddart commended Councillor Dennison for his efforts to uncover the truth behind the Bluestone loan and shares fiasco. However, he emphasised that he had been addressing this issue for more than ten years. Stoddart directed readers to his website, oldgrumpy.co.uk, where he had previously published details on the matter.
Stoddart pointed out that the controversial financial arrangement was devised during the tenure of the Independent Political Group (IPG), then led by Councillor John Davies. He expressed disappointment that Dennison had recently joined the IPG despite promising to be truly independent and represent the voice of Milford North constituents.
Councillor Dennison defended himself, asserting that his election address remained unchanged and that his affiliation with like-minded individuals did not harm the interests of Milford North residents or any other county residents.
He reminded Stoddart of his previous support for the Independents’ attempts to keep council tax increases lower than the current administration desired. Dennison claimed that his questions aimed to understand the council’s returns from the Bluestone shares and any actions being taken to maximise income.
Cllr Alan Dennison (Pic PCC)
The exchange continued, with additional participants joining the discussion. Marcel Laval raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the decision-making process, highlighting the need for experienced project managers instead of political influence.
Alan Dennison concurred, expressing the view that politicians should be kept away from projects and the current administration should be held accountable for financial mismanagement.
The Pembrokeshire Herald stepped in to provide clarity on the Bluestone loan issue. The paper stated that when the IPG converted debt to equity, the right for the public to use the Blue Lagoon was relinquished.
The Herald also reported that the council had suffered a substantial loss of approximately 95% on its investment. It further emphasised that the public’s guaranteed right to use the Blue Lagoon pool had been lost as a result.
The debate continued, with Stoddart, Dennison, and others exchanging remarks on various projects and financial decisions made by the council. The discussion highlighted concerns over the Ocky White development, the multi-storey car park, the Castle, PCC-owned shops in Bridge Street, the airport, and other matters.
Alan Dennison pledged to fight against the indiscriminate waste of public funds, particularly regarding the Motorworld development. He urged Stoddart and others to focus on more pressing issues like better housing and lower business rates.
As the debate unfolded, the different viewpoints expressed underscored the need for transparency, accountability, and effective governance within the Pembrokeshire County Council.
The discussions have served as an obvious reminder that our councillors must prioritise the interests and well-being of their constituents above political affiliations.
Crime
Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case
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.
News
Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police
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.”
Business
Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’
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/.
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