News

Reg Owens: Tributes as ‘fantastic’ grandad and councillor dies

Published

2 years ago

February 15, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of Pembrokeshire grandad, county councillor, and National Park member Reg Owens, who had “a passion for ensuring equal opportunities for all and supporting those who needed a voice.”

At the opening of this week’s Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet meeting, Council Leader David Simpson said: “It is with great sadness I have to announce the death of Councillor Reg Owens.

“Reg has been in poor health for several years and has been a fighter to the end.”

Mr Owens, who represented St Ishmaels as an Independent Group member, had served as a county councillor since 2012 and had also served on Herbrandston Community Council, as chair on numerous occasions.

He was also a member of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for more than a decade and was chair of its planning committee for five years.

Mr Owens had formerly been an education officer at Pembrokeshire County Council, working for the local authority for 45 years, having joined as a 17-year-old. Wheelchair user Reg became a champion for equalities.

Calling for a minute’s silence at the start of the meeting, Mr Simpson said: “Reg was well respected by all of the chamber and never held back on his views on behalf of his constituency.”

‘Supporting those who needed a voice’

A statement from Mr Owens’ children read: “We are all saddened at the passing of Reg; he has been the most wonderful husband for 53 years and a fantastic father and grandad to us all.

“As his children, we have always valued and cherished the support and guidance he and our mum, Josie, have given us. This support has also been passed on to the numerous groups we, as children, were involved with growing up, including sports, music, and youth work.

“As a grandad, he has actively followed and supported Euan, Gregor, Mostyn, and Elwyn in their sporting achievements, particularly on the rugby field.

“Something which Dad instilled in us was his passion for ensuring equal opportunities for all and supporting those who needed a voice.

“He was not afraid to speak his mind and was always eager to tell us about the debates he had with members of the various committees he sat on.

“We were so proud when Dad successfully secured his third term as a county councillor. We thoroughly enjoyed being part of his election campaign and listening to the praise and warmth from residents across the areas that he led.

“Dad will leave a huge void in our lives, and we thank him for everything he has done for us. We love you and will miss you forever.”

‘Passionate advocate’

Chair of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Councillor Di Clements, paid tribute to ‘Reg’.

“Reg Owens was a valued and influential member of the Park Authority for over 10 years. During that time, he was a passionate advocate for the National Park and the communities of the Dale Peninsula.

“He argued strongly for initiatives and activities that enabled people from all backgrounds and abilities to visit and enjoy the National Park and always considered the impact of any decision on staff and their well-being.

“For five years, Reg chaired the Development Management Committee, which decides planning applications. He had his own unique style and was always welcoming and supportive of applicants and objectors, irrespective of their views.

“Reg saw great value in the role town and community councils play in the planning system and would always give significant weight to their views.

“Reg was often described as a great character and was a friend and supporter to all the members of the Park Authority. He will be greatly missed by all, and we value his contribution to the National Park. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”

Tributes to Mr Owens were also paid by chair of the council’s planning committee, Jacob Williams, who, at the February 13 committee meeting, recorded his “personal sadness at Councillor Owens’ passing,” offering his condolences to friends and family.

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

5 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

6 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

7 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.