News

‘Terrible piece of legislation’ says councillor

Published

9 years ago

November 4, 2014

Outspoken: Cllr Reg Owens

AT THURSDAY’S children and families overview and scrutiny meeting, members discussed issuing penalty notices for unauthorised school absences.

A number of councillors had questions on the subject. Cllr Reg Owens was the most outspoken of the committee on the subject and raised a number of questions. He said: “This system would have been completely unnecessary if, a few years ago, parents of particularly bad attending children were prosecuted. To pile on a £60 fine is just going to add to the misery to some of these families. The decision on issuing a notice should be made by a three-person committee from this committee but we should have a say as members on whether or not that fine should be issued.”

Council officer Jake Morgan added: “That may require a constitutional change. We would be better off in providing detailing scrutiny on fines that have been issued. We are not envisaging vast numbers of fines being issued. This is part of a whole range of issues that are designed to improve attendance. This system is relatively untested and how we implement it is all-important. We encourage people to have dialogue with us before-hand. If a child has two weeks away in every school year, that’s six months they will have missed, that is quite significant.”

Cllr Owens responded: “We’re presuming that the biggest reason for low attendance is kids being taken out of school. Some parents aren’t strong enough to enforce their child to go to school. This is a terrible piece of legislation and to treat it as a doubleyellow line fine is ridiculous.” Discussions then turned to military personnel with Cllr Owens asking: “Why is it an exception for military personnel, why can’t the mother take the child out on holiday?” Jake Morgan replied: “It wouldn’t be appropriate to draw a list of circumstances. This could be one of the scenarios and it would be up to us to decide”.

Cllr Guy Woodham said: “Schools may receive complaints about penalties being issued; is there any guidance on how schools can cope with this?” The committee also discussed discretions that may be given in some cases. Cllr Steve Yelland added: “I’m glad we’re going to show a little bit of discretion in various circumstances”. Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “Discretion can be good but we have to have some consistency. We are entering in to a mine field and I hope the document gives fairly robust advice.”

Lastly, Cllr Owens asked: “If a parent says that their child is ill, how can you verify that? Something like this will knock down attendance.” Assistant leader for behaviour and attendance, Cara Huggins, said: “There may be some exceptional circumstances, we cannot always verify an illness. We can ask for GP appointment cards and for parents to ring in or provide medical evidence.” Speaking after the meeting Cllr Pat Davies said: “It’s going to be quite a controversial thing and Reg was quite right really, there are some families who have behaviour issues with their children and they try their best to do things with their children.

When I was in school, you called it truant then, they didn’t go to school and there will always be those types of children and that’s for the authority to work with those families and try and help and support to encourage and engage those young people to come to school. I think that’s where the issue may be, not so much middle class families taking their children out on holiday to Spain for a fortnight, that’s one issue but families that are struggling and struggling with young people trying to get them into to school that’s another issue.”

Community

Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby

Published

14 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.

Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.

Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.

As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.

For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.

With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.

Community

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

Published

14 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.

At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.

The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”

With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.

Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.

Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.

Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

Published

14 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.