IAN BADHAM, a long-standing partner at Ashmole & Co, is celebrating three decades with the accountancy firm this month.

Ian, who is based in the Haverfordwest, Tenby and Cardigan offices, joined the firm in 1995 as an ACCA Trainee Accountant after graduating with a degree in Accountancy and Finance from Bristol University. A decade later, in 2005, he became a Partner and has since played a key role in developing the firm’s presence in west Wales.

Reflecting on the changes over the past 30 years, Ian said: “When I started, there was just one computer with internet access in the entire office. Everything was paper-based. It’s been incredible to see the shift to a digital office environment.”

Ian lives in Penally, near Tenby, and takes great pride in supporting the next generation of professionals. “As a firm in west Wales employing over 100 staff, it is very rewarding to be able to provide quality jobs for local people. Seeing our staff grow in their careers means a lot to me.”

He added: “Being a first point of contact as a trusted adviser to our clients is a key part of my role. We are here to support them through both good and challenging times. The Covid pandemic was probably the most difficult period in my career, as we worked around the clock helping businesses access support. It was tough, but also one of the most rewarding parts of the job.”

In addition to his work across multiple offices, Ian is also a family man. He and his wife Claire have two sons. Their youngest plays rugby for the Scarlets and Carmarthen Quins, and much of Ian’s spare time is spent travelling Wales to support him. Ian recently became a grandfather and is now also enjoying ‘grandad duties’. When time allows, he enjoys golf, sea rowing and kayaking around Pembrokeshire.

Ashmole & Co, Chartered Certified Accountants, is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. It is one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in south Wales, operating from thirteen offices including Swansea, Ammanford and Llandeilo.

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is once again preparing for the annual Tenby Pedestrianisation scheme.

The scheme is due to start on Monday July 7 and finish on Friday September 12 and run between 11am – 5.30pm each day.

The scheme will again see the Walled Town divided into three zones, each of which will have varying degrees of vehicle access.

Full details of the scheme and the on-line application form will be available from Thursday May 1st on the Council’s website at https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/tenby-pedestrianisation

Residents and business within the Walled Town are encouraged to complete the application process as soon as possible after the documents go live.

This will ensure that there is sufficient time for the application to be processed and additional checks made should further information be required.

Permits will be issued approximately seven to 10 days before the scheme start date.

Please note that paper application forms and guidance notes will no longer be delivered to residents and businesses within the Walled Town and requests for permits will be required to be submitted online.

In order to ensure the ongoing success of the scheme permit holders are encouraged to continue to plan journeys outside of the scheme hours of 11am – 5.30pm as far as is practical.

Email Tenby.pedestrian@pembrokeshire.gov.uk for further information.

CONCERNS have been raised about trespassers entering the closed Oakwood theme park, prompting calls for a swift sale of the site.

The once-popular attraction near Narberth has become a hotspot for urban explorers and thrill-seekers, with social media videos emerging of people wandering around the abandoned rides and infrastructure.

Since Oakwood shut its gates last month, following a decision by Spanish owners Aspro Parks to cease operations due to falling visitor numbers, locals have raised concerns about safety and the risk of vandalism.

Sam Kurtz MS, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, said a speedy sale was now vital to prevent further deterioration and potential criminal activity.

“The longer it remains empty, the greater the risk of problems – from trespassing to the site falling into disrepair,” said Mr Kurtz. “There’s also a real risk to health and safety if people are entering unsupervised.”

Mr Kurtz called on Aspro to actively work with the Welsh Government, local businesses, and other stakeholders to secure a new future for the site.

“This is a valuable asset,” he said. “There’s been a lot of interest from businesses already, and I urge Aspro to engage with us so we can get the ball rolling.”

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they have received multiple reports of trespassing and possible criminal offences at the site since its closure.

The BBC have reported that Economics expert Professor Calvin Jones, of Cardiff University, was less optimistic about Oakwood’s chances of reopening as a theme park.

“If the existing operator – who’s invested tens of millions – can’t make it viable, it’s unlikely a new operator would be able to,” he said.

Instead, Prof Jones suggested the land might lend itself better to other recreational activities, such as adventure tourism, mountain biking, or zipline attractions, depending on what planning authorities allow.

“Ultimately, the future use of the site will come down to planning permission,” he said. “It may become something entirely different.”

Bluestone National Park Resort, which neighbours Oakwood and employs around 700 people, declined to comment on whether it would consider buying the land. Prof Jones noted that Bluestone has historically expanded cautiously and would likely only consider purchasing the site if the price was low.

The Welsh Government said that it “continues to engage” with Aspro Parks and recognised the former theme park’s importance to the local economy.

A spokesperson said: “We are hopeful a buyer will come forward to ensure this site can continue contributing to tourism in the area.”

Pembrokeshire County Council has confirmed it has not yet held any discussions with Aspro.