News

Haverfordwest apologises after Sheriff’s ‘corruption’ claim

Published

3 years ago

July 5, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

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.”

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

11 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

12 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

12 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.