News
Maenclochog Hardware store’s move backed by planners
An application for a new home for a long-established agricultural/hardware store in rural Pembrokeshire was unanimously backed by county planners.
Maenclochog Hardware had applied for the erection of a hardware/farm supply building with an associated yard at The Old Coalyard, Station Terrace, Maenclochog.
Members of the September meeting of the council’s planning committee were told the long-established Maenclochog Hardware had recently changed hands, with a need for new premises.
It was recommended the application – before the committee as it had been submitted by close family of a councillor – be conditionally approved under delegated powers, local community council Maenclochog raising no objections.
A report for members said: “The proposal is a full application which seeks permission for the construction of a commercial building and yard to accommodate a farm supplies and hardware business.”
It added: “The supporting statement advises that Maenclochog Hardware is a long-established business which has recently changed hands, hence the need for new premises.”
It finished: “The proposed development is an appropriately scaled commercial/retail building in a sustainable location within the settlement boundary of a service village. The proposed development would have an acceptable visual impact and an acceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area. There would be no significant adverse impact on amenity or highway safety.”
Moving approval, Councillor Brian Hall – who was seconded by Councillor Mark Carter – said he had “no qualms whatsoever in moving approval,” with Cllr Carter saying: “It’s great that this can continue in the countryside.”
Cllr Jamie Adams was also fully supportive: “It’s a good opportunity to ensure that local business survives in that rural area; it’s a huge area with a big hinterland, Maenclochog Hardware has supported that area for a long time.”
Members unanimously supported the application.
News
Lib Dems blast Welsh Gov for ‘failing women suffering from cancer’
THIS week in the Senedd, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have accused the Welsh Government of failing women suffering from cancer.
Speaking in the Siambr on Wednesday, party Leader Jane Dodds MS lamented the challenging experiences faced by many women suffering from Gynaecological cancer.
The Welsh Lib Dem leader highlighted how many women felt that their cancer symptoms had been either ignored or dismissed by medical professionals, with others reporting lengthy delays in receiving treatment.
According to a recent report from BBC Wales, the number of Gynaecological cancer patients starting treatment within the recommended 62-day time frame has worsened since it was prioritised by the Welsh Government last year.
A recent Senedd Committee Inquiry also found that women’s cancer concerns were often “dismissed, downplayed and unheard” as part of a “dangerous bias” against women when it comes to healthcare.
The Welsh Lib Dems have heavily criticised the Welsh Government for failing to tackle gender healthcare inequalities, stating that they have “failed countless women”.
Commenting, the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said:
“I was ashamed and appalled to hear how so many women suffering from Gynaecological Cancer have had to deal with grave failings in our healthcare service.
Many of these cancer victims have reportedly had their worries and concerns sidelined by medical professionals who had dismissed serious symptoms that, if spotted earlier, could have resulted in a more positive outcome.
These biases present a serious threat to the health of thousands of women, we cannot allow these inequalities to take any more lives.
The Welsh Government has failed countless women by their lack of action in dealing with these biases.
These brave women and their families should not have to suffer from the indecisiveness of Welsh Labour Ministers.
It is now up to the Welsh Government to ensure that we will have a future where no woman will have to face the agonising experience of Gynaecological cancer alone.”
News
New Minister Appointed to Welsh Government Cabinet
THE WELSH Government has announced a new addition to its Cabinet team. Sarah Murphy has been appointed as the Minister for Social Partnership, bringing her expertise and leadership to a critical role within the government.
First Minister Vaughan Gething made the announcement earlier today, expressing his enthusiasm for Sarah Murphy’s appointment. In his statement, Gething highlighted Murphy’s responsibility to advance the government’s collaborative efforts with its valued social partners. Her role will also encompass providing leadership across the creative, hospitality, tourism, and retail sectors—areas vital to Wales’ economic and cultural vitality.
“I warmly welcome Sarah to my talented and ambitious Cabinet team,” said Gething. “Her experience and dedication will be invaluable as we continue our work in these key sectors.”
Sarah Murphy’s appointment is expected to bolster the Welsh Government’s initiatives and strengthen partnerships across various industries, ensuring continued growth and innovation within Wales.
Photo: Matthew Horwood
Entertainment
Dolly Parton ‘tickled pink’ by curiosity about her Welsh roots
DOLLY Parton has expressed her delight over the interest in her Welsh heritage, saying she is “tickled pink” about the curiosity. The country music star traced her ancestry to South Wales for a TV programme.
In a brief clip played on Radio 4’s Today Programme, Parton mentioned she couldn’t “give away all the secrets yet”. She added that “all the juicy details” will be revealed when her documentaries air later this year.
Parton, born in Tennessee, has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Her niece, singer Jada Star, found it “a lot of fun” to discover their Welsh roots.
“Finding out about that side of our family is really extraordinary,” Jada said. “Especially with everything we’re uncovering about our musical connections—how it’s always been with us—is wonderful.”
Jada suggested that some of Parton’s music, and her own, may have been inspired by their Welsh heritage. “A lot of music, especially from the Appalachians and east Tennessee where we come from, reflects where those people settled. The skill of hearing a story and then relaying it memorably, so it lives on forever, is a big part of Welsh music. These are stories passed down for centuries.”
Jada also mentioned she is currently learning Welsh and hopes to use it when she visits the country. “I’m trying my best. I’ve got that little owl on Duolingo working double time for me. I can do some morning and afternoon greetings. I’m trying not to butcher it, and I hope everyone can help me when I get there.”
This isn’t the first time the “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” singer has been linked to Wales. During a 2008 concert at the Cardiff International Arena, Parton reportedly told fans she had Welsh ancestry.
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