News
Haverfordwest apologises after Sheriff’s ‘corruption’ claim
HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has issued a formal apology after its Sheriff questioned whether corruption of incompetence was behind what he saw as a lack of investment in the town.
Late last month, Haverfordwest sheriff Cllr Arthur Brooker, who represents Portfield Ward on Haverfordwest Town Council, had raised his concerns while questioning the ongoing saga of the £18m Haverfordwest Transport Interchange.
In late January, county councillors heard a doubling of the costs of the interchange – which will replace the now-demolished multi-storey car park and bus station – to nearly £18m was not fully communicated with the public.
Cllr Brooker had criticised the interchange project as “knocking it [the car park] down and rebuilding the same thing again,” adding: “Surely a transport interchange should go next to the train station?”
He also called on Pembrokeshire County Council to invest more in the town centre in a bid to revive business and enhance the main shopping area.
“We have a High Street that’s in a really sorry state,” he said.
“Surely it would be better to spend money on reducing business rates and give rate relief to local businesses so that our high street will be filled up with shops.
“Because without them, who’s going to park in the new car park? Who’s going to come to the town?
“Is this corruption? Is it incompetence? Will someone please explain this to me because people are asking me what’s going on and I don’t know what to say to them.”
Haverfordwest Town Council has now said it wishes to put on public record that it does not support or condone the recent remarks made by Cllr Brooker.
“The remarks are purely the personal views of Arthur Brooker and they do not represent the views of Haverfordwest Town Council,” it said in a statement.
“We as a town council are focused on building a strong relationship with Pembrokeshire County Council in order to communicate the views of our townspeople in a positive and productive manner.
“We support and appreciate the commitment from Pembrokeshire County Council to deliver on the regeneration plans for our town.
“We wish to apologise profusely as a council for any upset or offence [an online video of Cllr Brooker’s comments] may have caused to Pembrokeshire County Council and members of the public.”
A July 3’s meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members heard there was good and bad news in the ongoing plans for the near-£18m scheme, with the full value of grant funding secured, but a problem with contract tenders leading to at least a six-month delay.
Cabinet members agreed to create a temporary car park at the site.
An unrepentant Cllr Brooker responded: “I just want to make it clear that I am not apologising for what I said, and I stand by every word.
“The whole point of being an elected official is that you represent the views of your local community, which is exactly what I am doing.
“It would be fantastic if other members of Haverfordwest Town Council could do the same, rather than just being on there for the ego boost and a feeling of importance, ultimately wasting taxpayers’ money.”
He added that, since his initial comments, the temporary car park had been created, saying it was “what the majority of residents that I have spoken to about the issue want,” adding: “So I must be doing something right.”
Crime
West Wales teenager sentenced for terrorism offences and assault
A 19-YEAR OLD male from west Wales appeared before Winchester Crown Court today (Thursday, September 19, 2024) after pleading guilty to terrorism offences and an assault that was motivated by and demonstrating hostility towards the victim based on her transgender identity.
Alex Hutton, from Swansea, who has previously been convicted of offences under the Terrorism Act was arrested in November last year after South Wales Police received a report from a member of the public stating they had viewed a video on Hutton’s Instagram in which he claims to have kicked an unidentified person in the head. The video also contained far right imagery.
Hutton has been sentenced to ten years and four months in prison.
Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Williams, Head of Investigations at Counter Terrorism Policing Wales, said: “We welcome the outcome of this case. Alex Hutton, motivated by hate, engaged in a horrendous and unprovoked attack on a defenceless young girl who was minding her own business one afternoon in a Swansea park in May 2023.
“There is no doubt that the attack will have lasting effects on this young person and I really hope today’s outcome provides her with some comfort.
“Furthermore, Hutton demonstrated a clear intention to spread his hatred across the internet encouraging acts of terrorism. Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing Wales uncovered his actions during a detailed investigation, which then led us to the assault that took place earlier in the year.
“I hope he now uses the time in custody to reflect on his actions, with a view to leading a far more productive life upon his eventual release.”
Bethan David, Head of Counter Terrorism Division at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Alex Hutton is not simply a fantasist that held extreme views, he is a dangerous young man.
“His unprovoked attack was driven by hate and he poses a substantial risk to other groups and society as a whole.
“He celebrated terrorist acts of white supremacy and encouraged his friends and associates on various social media and messaging platforms to join him in his extreme and disturbing views.
“The CPS will always prosecute those who encourage acts of terrorism and hate to protect the public.”
Chief Inspector Lindsey Sweeney from South Wales Police said: “We are delighted with the outcome of this investigation, a case which involved a senseless, violent Hate Crime. We want to reassure the community that this behaviour will never be tolerated in our area, and the perpetrators will be swiftly identified, arrested and duly sent to prison.
“Here in Swansea, we have a great multicultural city which has been demonstrated by a series of fantastic events involving the whole community in recent weeks and months. At South Wales Police, we work every day to ensure that the city is a safe and welcoming place for people of all backgrounds.”
Anyone who sees or hears something that could be terrorist-related should act on their instincts and call the police in confidence on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999. Visit gov.uk/ACT for more information, including how to report extremist or terrorist content that is online.
News
Cardiff Airport’s future under scrutiny as Government proposes £206m subsidy
AT THURSDAY’S hearing before the Senedd’s public accounts and public administration committee, Welsh Government officials revealed that there is currently no “exit plan” for the government to sell Cardiff Airport. This statement came during a session where airport executives and government officials faced questions about a proposed £206 million subsidy intended to support the airport’s growth and development. This move, if approved, would mean the government has invested nearly £400 million in Cardiff Airport since its acquisition in 2013.
Andrew Slade, the Director General for Economy, Energy, and Transport, defended the government’s stance, highlighting the strategic importance of the airport for Wales. “We are committed to the airport and ministers are very clear that Wales needs to have an international airport,” he stated, emphasising the economic contributions and potential surrounding Cardiff Airport. He acknowledged the long-term possibility of exploring different ownership models but indicated that such considerations are not a priority at present.
This proposal aims to boost job growth linked to the airport and attract new airlines and routes, with a target of increasing passenger numbers to over two million annually. Planned upgrades to the terminal and facilities are also part of the proposed investment. While the subsidy has been sent to the Competition and Markets Authority for review, Slade confirmed that their advice would not be binding, leaving the final decision to the Welsh Government.
Challenges in attracting airlines
During the hearing, Cardiff Airport’s Chief Executive, Spencer Birns, disclosed ongoing discussions with airlines such as Jet2, EasyJet, and Ryanair to establish operations at Cardiff. However, he noted that these airlines currently do not see Wales as a “significant marketplace” for investment. Birns explained that while the airlines using Cardiff Airport are growing, the airport has faced challenges in replacing carriers that have pulled out, notably Wizz Air, which was an integral part of their growth strategy. He emphasised that while the airport has recovered 52% of its 2019 passenger volume, achieving pre-pandemic targets remains difficult due to the limited availability of aircraft and a tendency for airlines to prioritise larger markets.
Passenger targets and financial details
The airport had previously set a target of 1.3 million passengers, but this milestone is now expected to be reached two years later than initially planned, by March 2028. Birns attributed this delay to the withdrawal of Wizz Air and route cancellations by airlines like Ryanair. Despite these setbacks, he pointed out a 7% growth in passenger numbers for 2024, asserting that Cardiff Airport is on a positive growth trajectory.
Questions about the financial aspects of the airport’s operations were also raised during the hearing. Conservative MS Natasha Asghar sought detailed information on how the funds provided by the Welsh Government have been utilised. Slade agreed to provide a summary to the committee but cited commercial sensitivities and security concerns for not disclosing more specific details.
The committee discussed the cost implications of upgrading airport facilities, including the installation of new security scanners. While these scanners were included in the airport’s rescue and restructuring plan, the actual costs exceeded initial estimates. Mr. Slade explained that retrofitting modern equipment into a terminal designed in the 1970s presented significant challenges, leading to additional expenses. Cardiff Airport was allocated an extra £6.6 million by the Welsh Government in October to cover these costs.
Environmental considerations were also highlighted, with Birns reporting a 60% reduction in carbon emissions at the airport over the past four years, from 1,700 tonnes to under 600 tonnes of CO2 annually. This reduction was achieved through measures such as switching to electric vehicles, using renewable energy, and minimising natural gas consumption. The airport aims to further cut its emissions by 50% within the next five years, aligning with Wales’ broader environmental goals.
Impact on the Welsh economy
The airport’s role in Wales’ economy was underscored, with Birns stating that Cardiff Airport generates approximately £200 million in economic value, working with 50 companies and supporting 4,000 jobs. The proposed £206 million subsidy is seen as a means to sustain and enhance this economic contribution.
However, the airport has struggled to retain and attract international routes. The direct flights to Doha with Qatar Airways, which were suspended during the pandemic, have yet to resume. Negotiations with Qatar Airways are ongoing, but details remain commercially sensitive.
The proposed subsidy and the future of Cardiff Airport have sparked debate among Welsh politicians and the public. Critics argue that the airport has not met growth expectations and question the continued injection of taxpayer money. Some point to other regional airports, such as Teesside, which have recovered more rapidly post-pandemic and have clearer plans for financial sustainability.
In contrast, supporters emphasise the strategic importance of maintaining an international airport in Wales, not only for travel convenience but also for the economic and employment benefits it brings. The Welsh Government’s commitment to the airport, despite its challenges, reflects a belief in its potential to contribute significantly to the region’s growth and connectivity.
As the Welsh Government awaits the Competition and Markets Authority’s advice on the subsidy, the future of Cardiff Airport hangs in the balance. Whether this latest investment will spur the airport towards its ambitious growth targets remains to be seen. However, for now, the government appears steadfast in its support, with no plans for an exit strategy in sight.
News
Early-morning crash closes road for over two hours
A PERSON has been taken to hospital following an early-morning crash in west Wales, which resulted in a road closure for more than two hours. Emergency services were called to the Sheltery Hill area, north of Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, on Thursday morning (Sept 19).
The collision, which involved two vehicles, occurred on a road between the A40 and the B4330. Police and paramedics attended the scene, and the road was shut until shortly before 9am.
The injured individual was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, according to police. A spokeswoman for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We received a report of a two-vehicle road traffic collision on an unclassified road between the A40 and B4330, near Sheltery Hill, at around 6.40am on Thursday, 19th September.
“One person was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. The road was closed whilst both vehicles were recovered and reopened at around 8.50am.’
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