THE FORMER Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police, Richard Lewis, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Mr Lewis, who also led Cleveland Police and held national portfolios for the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), will take up his new role on 16 June 2025. He succeeds Dr Jenny Stewart, who has served as interim Chief Executive since July last year.

The APHA is responsible for safeguarding animal and plant health across the UK, working to protect the environment, support the rural economy, and ensure the UK meets international biosecurity standards.

Mr Lewis said: “It’s a real honour to be appointed Chief Executive of APHA. Now more than ever, the UK needs a strong, science-led Animal and Plant Health Agency.

“From protecting our borders against animal and plant threats to unlocking opportunities for trade and growth, I’m excited to champion APHA’s vital work — and to lead alongside the world-class scientists and experts who make it possible.”

During his policing career, Mr Lewis was awarded a commendation for distinguished service and was widely respected for his leadership on rural affairs in Wales. He has worked on issues including habitat protection, tackling rural crime, and addressing mental health challenges in agricultural communities.

The APHA is an executive agency sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the Welsh Government and the Scottish Government.

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL will hold a Full Council meeting on Monday (April 28) at 7:00pm at the Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets Unit on Havens Head Business Park.

Councillors will be asked to review a packed agenda, with items ranging from committee reports and planning matters to the election of the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the 2025-2026 municipal year.

Current Mayor, Councillor W. Elliott, will chair the session, which includes updates on recent engagements by councillors, feedback from outside body representation, and financial matters relating to the town council’s accounts and expenditure for the past year.

The council will receive and discuss minutes from recent sub-committee meetings, including the Public Events Sub-Committee (April 22) and the Standing Orders Sub-Committee (April 23), as well as a review of the council’s insurance, financial regulations, and standing orders.

Financial accountability is a major theme of the meeting, with members set to review the Statement and Schedule of Accounts for March 2025 and a summary of expenditure covering April 2024 to March 2025. Applications for financial assistance from Milford Haven Men’s Shed and Milford Haven Round Table will also be considered.

Two councillors, V. Hammett and M. Woodward, have put their names forward for the role of Deputy Mayor, while the Mayor’s position for the forthcoming year will also be decided.

Later in the agenda, members will vote on whether to move into private session to consider confidential matters, including reports from informal meetings regarding the long-term future of Milford Haven Library. Representatives from Pembrokeshire County Council and the Port of Milford Haven have taken part in these discussions.

As per legislation under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021, remote access will be made available to members of the public upon request.

The Herald will be following the outcomes of the meeting and providing updates online

A WIDE-RANGING agenda will be debated by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet on Monday (Apr 28), with major decisions expected on housing development, children’s play provision, education plans, and town regeneration.

Among the most significant items is the proposed construction of 24 new flats at ‘Haven View’, Milford Haven. The scheme, located on Charles Street, includes communal facilities and is aimed at boosting local affordable housing provision.

Also under the spotlight is the Play Sufficiency Assessment, which lays out extensive findings from a county-wide consultation. The assessment highlights strong demand for improved and accessible play areas, especially in deprived wards like Milford East and Pembroke Monkton. The Cabinet is expected to approve a new action plan which includes investing in inclusive play facilities, supporting young carers, and better maintenance of parks and playgrounds.

In education, councillors will discuss a proposal to federate St Florence and Penrhyn Church in Wales schools, aiming to improve management efficiency and maintain sustainability in rural education. The Cabinet will also review a new Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) and an update to the National Teachers’ Pay Policy for 2024-2025.

A report on Haverfordwest regeneration is also on the table, with schemes designed to breathe new life into the town centre. Linked to this is a discussion on the freehold transfer of the public toilets on Bryn Road to St Davids City Council, allowing localised management of key community assets.

Environmental policy is set to be a major theme, with councillors to consider the Environmental Services Strategy for 2025-2030, covering waste, biodiversity, and sustainability. Meanwhile, the outcome of the 2025-26 UK Shared Prosperity Fund open call will be presented, showing where grants are to be allocated for local growth projects.

The Cabinet will consider allocating financial support to PACTO, a key organisation that helps deliver community transport services across the county. These services are crucial for rural and isolated communities, helping people without access to private cars get to medical appointments, shops, and social activities.

The report highlights the importance of ongoing funding to support PACTO’s operations, and the role it plays in reducing social isolation, particularly among the elderly and disabled. The proposal suggests continued financial backing, although the exact figures and terms will be discussed during the session.

The Cabinet will also examine a new Transformation and Innovation Board, intended to drive service improvement across departments, and a report on equality in employment within the council for 2023-2024.

The meeting is being held as a hybrid session and will be streamed live via the council’s webcast portal.