News

Council coalition controversy

Published

10 years ago

October 4, 2014

BOB KILMISTER, leader of the Pembrokeshire Alliance, spoke to The Herald on Friday evening about the startling online announcement his group are discussing whether to enter into coalition with the ruling IPPG.
Bob Kilmister told The Herald that Jamie Adams sprung the surprise coalition offer on Tuesday morning when he had supposed that the IPPG leader was to discuss an item arising from the previous day’s Corporate Governance Committee. At that meeting Cllr Kilmister announced that he had lost trust in the Council Leader and his former deputy Rob Lewis.
In the face of an overwhelmingly negative reaction on social media, Bob Kilmister told The Herald that no substantive discussions as to a coalition arrangement had taken place. The announcement of Jamie Adams’ approach was, instead, part of the Pembrokeshire Alliance’s commitment to be open and transparent.
“We are a party with a constitution. While Alliance councillors can make a decision, I thought it was important to communicate with our members and to have an open conversation with supporters and our executive committee. We have not had formal negotiations yet. Jamie Adams has made an offer which our councillors have discussed. But we have NOT responded to Cllr Adams’ offer at this time. We want to be open and transparent in what we do.”
While Bob Kilmister declined to comment on a rumour that he had been offered a Cabinet post and the deputy leadership by Jamie Adams, he did reveal the rationale behind consideration being given to Jamie Adams’ offer:
“There is a probability that a breakaway IPPG faction, involving some of those Councillors who did NOT support the motion of no confidence in Bryn Parry Jones, could effectively hold the rest of the Council to ransom. Councillor Brian Hall is, I believe, actively trying to establish such a group.”
The Herald understands that Councillor Hall’s mooted group could comprise former Cabinet member David Pugh, former IPG deputy leader John Allen-Mirehouse, and the unaffiliated Owen James. One person mentioned as a possible recruit, Fishguard representative Myles Pepper, was contacted by The Herald. He denied being approached to be a member of Brian Hall’s group and told us that he was not interested in joining such a group in any event.
If Brian Hall’s group attracted more than seven members and remained outside any coalition with the IPPG, Councillor Paul Miller – leader of the Labour Group – could lose his entitlement to the allowance paid to the leader of the largest opposition group on Pembrokeshire County Council. Councillor Miller told The Herald he was untroubled by the prospect.
While Cllr Kilmister said he had been taken aback by the venom of the reaction on social media he stressed no decision had yet been made on Cllr Adams’ offer.
“I have been contacted by some unaffiliated councillors who have suggested that we should not be considering the offer,” he added: “But the thought of Brian Hall being back in a position of real power should be enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

5 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

12 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

13 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.