News
Investigation as Cabinet member “misled” by officer
A SENIOR officer has been accused of misleading Pembrokeshire Cabinet member Rhys Sinnett about a contract to purchase electric vehicles for the County Council’s fleet.
An investigation led by Council CEO Will Bramble is underway, and a disciplinary panel has been called to consider the incident.
The issue concerns the process used to okay the vehicles’ purchase.
On June 24, Cllr Sinnett approved the purchase of 32 electric vehicles, 21 small vans and 11 large vans at a price of £1.04m.
Shortly after the meeting with officers that okayed the purchase, the IPG called in the decision to be reconsidered by the Cabinet.
On July 4, the Head of Infrastructure and the Environment, Darren Thomas, told the Chief Executive and Cabinet Member about the cock up and that the vehicles had already arrived.
Will Bramble rapidly decided the report given to Rhys Sinnett was incorrect and, on July 9, asked Cllr Sinnett to rescind it.
Cllr Sinnett rescinded his decision on the same day.
The report, into which some of the Council’s most senior officers had input, did not tell Cllr Sinnett that – far from approving the future purchase of vehicles – officers had made an elementary blunder during the procurement process.
Officers failed to understand that instead of negotiating an option to purchase the vehicles, they had – in fact – committed the Council to their purchase. In addition, at least some of the vehicles concerned had already been delivered to the local authority and modified for its use.
In other words, by the time Cllr Sinnett was asked to approve the purchase, the vehicles had already been bought.
A contributor, possibly more than one, to the report given to him on June 24 withheld that information.
The Council’s purchase of the vehicles is neither here nor there. The Welsh Government has set aside funding to transition Welsh local authorities from fossil fuels to electric vehicles. The funding for the vehicles’ purchase came from a pot earmarked for that purpose.
Faced with Hobson’s choice, the Cabinet retrospectively approved buying 32 electric vehicles it already owned.
That is not the key issue.
Council Deputy Leader Paul Miller spelt out the more significant issue: Either deliberately or by omission, a senior officer materially misled a Cabinet member about the background and facts relating to significant capital investment.
The report handed to Cllr Sinnett on June 24 gave him no clue that the vehicles’ purchase had been completed.
Cllr Sinnett was only asked to give authority “to enter a contract with FleetEV for the purchases of 31 EV small vans and 11 EV large vans.”
Cllr Miller, like Cllr Sinnett, was clearly livid at the extent of the deceit.
The former said the issue involved “trust and confidence” in the person or persons who decided to withhold key information from an elected member of the Council’s Cabinet.
Purchasing the vehicles, which was the focus of the IPG’s latest complaint about the steps being taken by the Council to meet its statutory obligation, is not the issue.
As Cllr Miller put it, replacing vehicles at the end of their life is a no-brainer. As anyone with any commercial sense knows, trying to stretch an asset’s life is throwing good money after bad in terms of maintenance and opportunity costs.
The key point is that one or more of the Council’s most senior officers has materially misled a Cabinet member about a seven-figure purchase.
The questions that arise are obvious.
If a senior officer has deliberately withheld information or misled a Cabinet member, have they done so previously, and can they be trusted in the future?
That is very much more important than ridiculous attempts at point-scoring about buying electric vehicles in the first place.
So, in a backhanded way, the IPG has actually drawn a crucial issue to light, albeit entirely by accident.
Crime
Greenacres confirms seized dogs are safe as investigation continues
Owner says she has done nothing wrong, but RSPCA says it cannot comment on ongoing enquiries
GREENACRES Rescue has confirmed that two dogs removed from a Milford Haven property earlier this year remain safe in its care while an investigation continues.
The Herald first reported in April that police had attended a property in the Precelly Place area following welfare concerns raised by neighbours.
At the time, Greenacres confirmed that two dogs had been admitted into its care and said it would be working with the local authority, police and RSPCA while enquiries were carried out.
The rescue has now issued a further update after renewed speculation on social media prompted a number of enquiries from concerned members of the public.
Greenacres said it had deliberately remained largely silent since the dogs first arrived in order to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and any potential legal proceedings.
With the permission of the RSPCA, the rescue said it was now able to provide a brief update to reassure those who had been worried about the animals’ welfare.
Greenacres confirmed that both dogs have remained safely in its care since the day after they were removed. During that time, they have received veterinary treatment, appropriate nutrition, rehabilitation and ongoing support from the rescue’s experienced team.
The charity said it understood public frustration that more information had not been shared sooner, but stressed that investigations involving alleged animal cruelty can be complex and may take considerable time to conclude.
Greenacres said: “As an independent, self-funded rescue, Greenacres Rescue has no greater legal powers than any other member of the public.
“Throughout every stage, the police and the RSPCA are required to act within the powers and procedures set out in the Animal Welfare Act.
“Whilst this can be frustrating for everyone involved, these legal processes are there for good reason and must be followed.”
The owner of the dogs has contacted The Herald and has asked us to report that she denies any wrongdoing. She says she has been told there will be no further action against her.
However, the RSPCA has said it is unable to discuss ongoing enquiries about specific individuals or what action may be taken.
A spokesperson said: “We’re grateful to people who report their concerns to us but we cannot comment any further as we are unable to discuss ongoing enquiries about specific individuals and what action may be taken.
“We understand how frustrating that is for animal lovers but releasing information could prejudice a future investigation or could lead to us being fined.”
Greenacres has confirmed that the Belgian Malinois has now been legally surrendered into its care. The rescue is currently assessing the most appropriate long-term plan for her future.
However, she is not available for direct rehoming and will continue to undergo further behavioural assessment and rehabilitation. Greenacres said it is working with experienced specialists to ensure the best possible outcome for the dog.
The smaller crossbreed dog remains under seizure by the RSPCA and police and continues to form part of the ongoing investigation. Ownership has not yet been transferred, and Greenacres said that position is likely to remain unchanged until the investigation and any related legal process has concluded.
The rescue has also clarified that it has not been involved in the rescue or care of any cats or kittens believed to be connected to the property. Questions about those animals should be directed to the RSPCA.
Greenacres added that a lack of public updates should not be mistaken for a lack of action.
The rescue said: “Much of this work happens behind the scenes and, by its very nature, cannot be shared publicly whilst investigations remain active.
“Our priority will always be the welfare of the animals and ensuring that ongoing legal proceedings are not compromised.
“Please be assured that both dogs are safe, are receiving the care they need, and remain a priority for everyone involved.”
Greenacres thanked the public for their support, patience and understanding while the relevant authorities complete their investigation.
Cymraeg
Young musicians to bring National Eisteddfod to a spectacular close
NEW Paul Mealor work, with words by Menna Elfyn, will be performed by 150 young people from Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire
A new composition by internationally acclaimed Welsh composer Paul Mealor will bring this year’s National Eisteddfod to a spectacular close, as 150 young musicians from across west Wales take to the Pafiliwn stage.
Côr a Cherddorfa’r Tair Sir, the Three Counties Choir and Orchestra, will perform Angerdd a gerdd, a new work specially commissioned from Professor Mealor, with words by celebrated poet Menna Elfyn.
The concert will close the Pafiliwn programme on the final Saturday evening of the festival, bringing together young performers from Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire for what organisers say will be one of the highlights of the week.
Côr y Tair Sir was originally formed following the creation of Dyfed in the 1974 local government reorganisation, becoming well known across the region and beyond. It has now been revived especially for this year’s National Eisteddfod, with support from the National Music Service of Wales and sponsorship from the Gwendoline and Margaret Davies Charity, Gregynog.
Rehearsals began in the spring, with pupils meeting regularly to prepare for the performance.
Professor Mealor said he had been delighted by the response from the young musicians.
“One hundred and fifty young people came together to rehearse my new work, to Menna Elfyn’s powerful words, and it sounded wonderful from the very first rehearsal,” he said.
“It’s a challenging piece for young voices, but I’ve been hugely impressed by their commitment, and I’m certain it will be a thrilling experience for the audience on the night.”
Mealor, who was born in St Asaph and raised in Connah’s Quay, has long-standing links with Wales’ musical tradition. He studied composition with Professor William Mathias at the University of York and has credited Mathias as the inspiration behind his musical career, particularly his passion for choral music.
The new work will also showcase the words of Menna Elfyn, one of Wales’ leading poets. Since the publication of her first poetry collection, Mwyara, 50 years ago, she has produced numerous volumes of poetry, children’s books and anthologies, while also writing for stage, radio and television. Her work has received widespread critical acclaim and many awards.
As well as marking the end of the festival week, the concert will celebrate the National Eisteddfod’s rich musical heritage and give a new generation of performers the chance to present a major choral work on one of Wales’ most prestigious stages.
Classical music will feature prominently across the Maes this year, with events taking place at Y Stiwdio and Encore.
Among the highlights is a performance of Atgof o’r Sêr, Memory of the Stars, composed by Robat Arwyn with words written especially for Bryn Terfel. First performed at the 2001 Denbigh National Eisteddfod, this year marks the 25th anniversary of its premiere.
The eight-song cycle will be performed by recent winners of the Osborne Roberts Memorial Prize, including Steffan Lloyd Owen, Meinir Wyn Roberts, John Ieuan Jones, Llinos Haf Jones, Dafydd Jones, Siriol Elin, Joshua Mills and Lisa Dafydd.
Another highlight will be a rare opportunity to hear two songs by composer Meirion Williams, marking the 50th anniversary of his death.
On behalf of the Eisteddfod, musician Sioned Webb and Steffan Prys explored the archive of the late soprano Ceinwen Rowlands, with the assistance of Maredudd ap Huw at the National Library of Wales.
Sioned spent time in London during the 1980s researching and completing an MA dissertation on the life and work of Meirion Williams, but she was unaware of the Ceinwen Rowlands collection at the time.
This year she discovered two previously unperformed pieces in strict Welsh metres, cywyddau by Siôn Cent and Huw Morys, also known as Eos Ceiriog. She edited them for performance with the assistance of Eurig Salisbury.
It will be the first time the two songs have been heard in more than 80 years. Nerys Williams, the composer’s daughter, has been invited to attend the Eisteddfod and present the scores to Tŷ Cerdd.
Betsan Moses, Chief Executive of the National Eisteddfod, said: “There’s a strong programme of classical music across the Maes this year. We’re delighted to welcome so many former competition winners back to perform, celebrating the connection between competing at the Eisteddfod and their career in music.
“We’re also using Rhosygilwen, near the Maes, as the venue for our music prelims during the week, and everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the performances.
“The Pafiliwn event on the final Saturday evening promises to be one of the highlights of the festival. It is wonderful to give classical music such a prominent place at its heart, while offering talented young local musicians the chance to be part of a unique experience, working alongside one of Wales’ best-known composers and bringing the words of one of our leading poets to life through music.
“It will provide a memorable finale to a week of music and creativity.”
Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las will be held in Llantwd, north Pembrokeshire, from August 1 to 8. Further information and tickets are available at eisteddfod.cymru.
Crime
Tenby woman fined after permitting uninsured driver to use car in Pembroke Dock
A TENBY woman has been fined after magistrates found she permitted an uninsured driver to use a car in Pembroke Dock.
Christy May Brown, aged 38, of Bush Terrace, Jameston, Tenby, was not present when her case was dealt with at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jul 8).
The court heard that on November 1, 2025, Brown permitted Robert Christopher to use a Vauxhall Astra, registration KW08 KRD, on Ferry Lane, Pembroke Dock, when there was no insurance in force covering third-party risks.
The offence was proved in her absence.
Brown was fined £120 and ordered to pay a £48 victim services surcharge and £120 costs. Her driving record was endorsed with six penalty points.
Magistrates also dealt with a second matter, relating to Brown permitting Christopher to drive the same vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a driving licence. The court heard that he was a provisional licence holder, driving unaccompanied by a qualified passenger, and that no L-plates were displayed on the vehicle.
That offence was also proved in absence, but no separate penalty was imposed.
The court made a collection order and Brown was ordered to pay the £288 balance at £24 per month from August 5.
The case had earlier been reopened under section 142 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980, with a sentence imposed on May 20, 2026 set aside and a previous licence endorsement removed.
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