News
Pembroke Dock grants scandal: A decade of deception unravelled
A SCANDAL that has plagued Pembroke Dock for over a decade, involving the misuse of European grants intended for the regeneration of commercial properties, has finally been laid bare, revealing a tale of fraud, complicity, and administrative incompetence that has cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of pounds.
The controversy centers around property developer Cathal McCosker, who exploited the grant scheme to convert town centre properties into bedsits, a purpose for which the funds were not intended, The Pembrokeshire Herald can now report.
Despite the requirement for commercial redevelopment, McCosker’s projects had minimal commercial footprint, with the developer securing grants through deceitful means, including the collusion of an architect and a council officer who verified the ineligible works as complete.
This scheme not only allowed McCosker to benefit from substantial grant funding but also to collect rent through the taxpayer-subsidised Housing Benefit scheme, raising serious questions about the oversight and integrity of council staff involved.
The issue came to light following diligent investigation by Councillor Mike Stoddart, whose relentless pursuit of the truth, despite facing personal attacks and obstruction, has been vindicated by recent legal opinions presented to the Full Council. Stoddart’s investigation revealed glaring inconsistencies in grant application documents, dubious tender processes, and a lack of basic auditing that pointed to a systemic failure within the council’s administration of the grants scheme.
Over the years, the scandal has seen attempts at cover-ups, misleading reports to the Council, and even a botched police investigation, culminating in the conclusion that, despite overwhelming evidence of wrongdoing, the chances of successful prosecution have been severely diminished by time and the ‘convenient’ loss of crucial evidence.
The saga has prompted calls for accountability, particularly aimed at former Council leader Jamie Adams, under whose watch much of the scandal unfolded.
Despite the damage to his reputation and the clear evidence of mismanagement, Adams has refrained from issuing an apology, maintaining his innocence in the face of substantial evidence to the contrary.
As Pembroke Dock grapples with the fallout of this scandal, the lessons from this debacle remain clear: transparency, accountability, and rigorous oversight are non-negotiable pillars of public administration.
The failure to adhere to these principles has not only resulted in financial loss but has also eroded trust in local governance, a sentiment that will take much to rebuild.
Councillor Mike Stoddart’s vindication serves as a stark reminder of the value of those who, despite personal cost, stand unwavering in their quest for the truth.
READ MORE ABOUT THIS SCANDAL IN THIS WEEK’S PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD OUT TOMORROW (15.3.24)
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
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
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.
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