News

Bryn returns: CEO returns to work ahead of crucial vote on his future

Published

10 years ago

September 9, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Back to work: Bryn Parry Jones

IN LIGHT of his return to work, rumours are spreading that the “leave of absence” entered into by County Council CEO Bryn Parry Jones was no more than a cynical ploy to deflect criticism of Council Leader Jamie Adams.

It appears as though an observation made by Pembroke Dock councillor told a supposedly secret meeting of the ruling IPPG clique on August 18 that Mr Parry Jones could return to work after taking his annual holiday in the week commencing August 25. While that idea did not receive much credence at the time, it now appears as though Councillor Hall Brian Hall, who is known to have a close relationship with the CEO, was remarkably – some might say spookily – prescient in his analysis of the likely series of events.

At an EGM scheduled for this Friday, September 12, councillors are due to vote on a motion to suspend their controversial CEO.

A vote of no confidence in Council Leader Jamie Adams is scheduled for the same meeting.

The Herald has asked for a comment on Mr Parry Jones’ return from the County Council, including a reaction to the CEO’s return from Council Leader Jamie Adams. We await their response, which we will publish on receipt of the same.

Responding to those queries, a Council spokesperson told The Herald: “We can confirm that the Council’s Chief Executive is currently working from home.”

The Herald understands that county councillors were called to a meeting late yesterday afternoon by Council Leader Jamie Adams to be told that, despite earlier assurances, he was powerless to prevent the Chief Executive returning. Councillors were told that, after some discussion, the Chief Executive had been convinced to work from home. Mr Adams confirmed that Bryn Parry-Jones had now formally returned to his role as the Council’s Head of Paid Service.

Paul Miller, leader of the Labour Group on the County Council told The Herald: “Three weeks ago, following yet further allegations about the Chief Executives conduct, it was announced that Wales’s highest paid Council Officer would take a ‘period of absence’. This, members were told, was at the insistence of Council leader Jamie Adams.”

“Today it has emerged that the Chief Executive has been abroad on a pre-planned holiday for the last two weeks and upon his return has simply returned to work – despite apparently repeated pleas from Council Leader, Cllr Jamie Adams, not to do so.”

Cllr Miller continued: “The Council leadership is in total disarray. On August 22, the Labour Group wrote to the Council’s Chairman, Tom Richards, calling on him to convene an urgent meeting of Council.

“In that request we included a motion that called for the Chief Executive’s suspension to be made formal (preventing him from returning) and for the disciplinary process to get underway.”

“A meeting of Council can be called at 3 days’ notice. As of last Friday, the Council leadership had held the Labour Group’s requisition for 14 days! If, instead of burying their heads in the sand, the Leader and Council Chairman had responded to that request, we wouldn’t now be in the ridiculous position where a Chief Executive, under formal police investigation, can ignore the elected Council Leader’s request to stay away and simply waltz back into work.”

“The sad fact is that our Council’s leadership remains either unwilling or incapable of tackling this issue head on and the people of Pembrokeshire deserve far better. I and the Labour Group are determined to ensure this matter is dealt with and that those responsible for this fiasco are held properly to account.”

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

3 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

4 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

4 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.

Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.

The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.

“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.

“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”