Latest news with #HaverfordwestTownCouncil
Western Telegraph
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Anger as Reform Haverfordwest town councillor co-opted
The petition targets Haverfordwest Town Council in response to the recent co-option of Reform UK councillor Scott Thorley. Campaign group West Wales Stand Up to Racism argues that Mr Thorley's appointment undermines the council's commitment to inclusivity and anti-racism, given Reform UK's opposition to the Welsh Government's Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan. Cllr Scott Thorley has hit back at the petition, calling the group stroppy teenagers (Image: Cllr Scott Thorley - Reform UK Pembrokeshire) The petition calls on Pembrokeshire County Council to publicly reaffirm its support for an inclusive and anti-racist future, and urges Haverfordwest Town Council to review its co-option process. It states: "We, the undersigned, believe that our local councils must uphold the highest standards of ethical governance, transparency, and commitment to inclusivity. "Decisions made at the council level should reflect the values of fairness, equality, and a dedication to anti-racism." Mr Thorley said he welcomes the opportunity to contribute to anti-racist efforts but criticised the group's approach. He said: "As I have been invited to help on the anti-racist action plan by councillor Randell Thomas-Turner, I'm really confused by their comments. "I'm very much looking forward to helping integrate communities together in Haverfordwest using food, drink, culture, music and talking. "In my experience from dealing with them they are far from fighting racism, just because they say they're anti-racist doesn't mean they are, just as much as Jim Jones said he was the messiah. "They don't stand for election or try and join the town councils, they are cowards and try to bully people into changing their opinions. "Politics is about talking and helping people, they need to grow up, take their Che Guevara posters off their walls at home and stop acting like stroppy teenagers." Haverfordwest Town Council has responded to the petition, reaffirming its commitment to equality and transparency. Haverfordwest Town Council say they are committed to equality and transparency (Image: Google) A spokesman for the council said: "Haverfordwest Town Council is aware of the petition titled 'Petition for Ethical and Inclusive Governance in Haverfordwest Town Council.' "The council remains committed to fairness, transparency, and respect for all. "It proudly adopted the Welsh Government's Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan and continues to review its policies to ensure best practice in local governance. "The process to co-opt a member of council follows legal procedures. "This includes a public call for applications, consideration by elected members, and a vote at a duly convened meeting. "The council is non-party-political, and all councillors are bound by the Code of Conduct. "Haverfordwest Town Council remains dedicated to serving all members of the community fairly, respectfully, and without prejudice." Pembrokeshire County Council were also contacted for comment.
Pembrokeshire Herald
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Petition launched over Reform councillor's co-option
Anti-racism campaigners challenge appointment as Cllr Scott Thorley hits back A PETITION has been launched calling for a review of co-option procedures at Haverfordwest Town Council after a Reform UK candidate was appointed to a vacant seat. Scott Thorley, who stood for Reform UK in February's Prendergast by-election, was co-opted to the town council on Thursday (Apr 17). Just two days later, political graffiti appeared at Withybush Retail Park—where he works—prompting further controversy. Scott Thorley: Now co-opted as a town councillor he had stood for election onto Pembrokeshire County Council The petition, organised by campaign group West Wales Stand Up to Racism, claims Thorley's appointment is incompatible with Wales' national commitment to building an anti-racist society. It calls on Pembrokeshire County Council to reaffirm its support for the Welsh Government's Anti-racist Wales Action Plan (AWAP), and for the town council to review its procedures to ensure future co-options reflect 'ethical governance and inclusivity'. Campaigners have highlighted Reform UK's opposition to the AWAP, which they describe as a key equality strategy aimed at eradicating systemic racism in Wales by 2030. The party has publicly criticised aspects of the plan, including measures designed to increase ethnic minority representation in teaching and public life. Graffiti messages reading 'KEIR STARMER OUT, REFORM IN! GOD SAVE US' and 'VOTE REFORM' were found sprayed in large letters across retail park walls on Saturday (Apr 19), two days after Thorley's appointment. Speaking to The Pembrokeshire Herald, Thorley strongly condemned the vandalism: 'Whoever has done this, it is vandalism plain and simple. It doesn't help us—it's embarrassing.' In response to the petition, Thorley issued a statement in full: 'As I have been invited to help on the anti-racist action plan by Councillor Randell Thomas-Turner, I'm really confused by their comments. I'm very much looking forward to helping integrate communities together in Haverfordwest using food, drink, culture, music and talking. 'In my experience from dealing with them they are far from fighting racism. Just because they say they're anti-racist doesn't mean they are—just as much as Jim Jones said he was the messiah. 'They don't stand for election or try and join the town councils—they are cowards and try to bully people into changing their opinions. 'Politics is about talking and helping people. They need to grow up, take their Che Guevara posters off their walls at home, and stop acting like stroppy teenagers.' Reform UK has been openly critical of the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan, arguing that it promotes what they describe as divisive 'identity politics.' The party objects to measures such as offering higher education grants to ethnic minority trainee teachers, which they claim amounts to racial preference and undermines equality based on merit. Reform figures have also criticised proposals to alter public spaces to accommodate cultural sensitivities, saying such policies are impractical and distract from core public concerns. Supporters of the plan argue it is a necessary step to address systemic racism and promote fairer opportunities across all sectors of Welsh society. The petition, remains open and has been circulated online by local campaigners, comes just days after Reform UK achieved a significant breakthrough in West Wales. On May 29, Michelle Beer won a by-election in the Lliedi ward of Llanelli, becoming the first Reform UK councillor elected to Carmarthenshire County Council. Her victory marked a notable gain for the party in a traditionally Labour stronghold, reflecting its growing presence in Welsh local politics. Reform UK has not issued a separate comment. PHOTO CAPTION: Under fire: Scott Thorley, pictured earlier this year with local police, says critics are more interested in 'bullying' than dialogue (Pic: Reform/Facebook)
Western Telegraph
01-06-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
VC Gallery in Haverfordwest reopens after flooding
On Friday, May 30, Barry John MBE was joined by First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan who cut the ribbon. Despite the 'unexpected flooding' forcing the VC Gallery's headquarters to close in June 2024, Mr John revealed the facility has been upgraded. First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan cut the ribbon. (Image: VC Photo Group) Founder of VC Gallery, Mr Barry John said: 'The reopening went really well. The First Minister of Wales attended alongside the veteran minister. We usually have our breakfast club on a Friday morning, and this was our first one in the new facility. 'There was extensive damage from the unexpected flooding, and we faced lots of difficulties. We had to fight to get it back open. But we had help from Haverfordwest Town Council and lots of support in Pembrokeshire with different programs coming together. The VC Gallery received a lot of support. (Image: VC Photo Group) 'We now have more classrooms and more space overall. You would think the builders would measure everything due to the cost-of-living crisis. But they went above and beyond, working until 4am. 'Tomos Palmer and his team from TGP Glass invested extra crash and hours into the project, putting things in that they bought themselves. We have new tables, ceilings and the installation of fire alarms. The facility is even better than it was before.' Founder of VC Gallery Barry John MBE and Baroness Morgan. (Image: VC Photo Group) Despite the flooding forcing the VC Gallery to temporarily close, Mr John expressed how the charity still did not stop offering help to the community. He continued: 'The First Minister has always been a massive supporter. She was over the moon to reopen the VC Gallery in Haverfordwest. 'She came to visit us during one of her breaks in her busy schedule along with members of the county council who gave their time to speak to veterans with physical and mental disabilities. They genuinely asked brilliant questions. 'After the flooding, some people assumed that things weren't continuing at the charity. But actually, everyone here has been able to provide an engagement passage for those who need it. 'We have been offering our walking groups, our Dig for Victory project and providing alcohol and drug counselling.' After the flooding, the charity never stopped providing support to the local community. (Image: VC Photo Group) Mr John also thanked Phil Kirby from County Electrical Services for installing the electrics in the building. He added: 'It was a bad situation but because of the community and our ethos and culture, we were able to recover. Barry John MBE expressed how happy he was with the new facility (Image: VC Photo Group) 'Similar to when COVID hit, we had to become dynamic and keep supporting locals. We had insurance but that can only cover so much.'
Western Telegraph
10-05-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
VE Day commemoration held by Pembrokeshire County Council
On Thursday, May 8, councillors and staff gathered at County Hall for the VE Day 80 proclamation. This was read in Welsh by Councillor Delme Harries, member champion for Welsh language, and in English by Councillor Simon Hancock, the presiding member and member champion for armed forces. A special VE Day 80 flag was raised, with staff and members led in wartime songs by Sarah Benbow. A display included posters designed by children across the county (Image: Pembrokeshire County Council) The foyer of County Hall was decorated with Union Jack bunting, and Pembrokeshire Archives created a VE Day exhibition of local news items from May 8, 1945. Hundreds of posters relating to VE Day, made by Pembrokeshire schoolchildren, added colour to the occasion. County Hall was also lit in red and blue to mark the anniversary. Councillor Hancock said: "It was an honour to read the VE Day 80th proclamation. "It was a lovely service and great to see the VE Day flag flying at County Hall. "As the proclamation stated: 'We remember those we lost, those who were wounded or scarred and those whose lives were forever changed by war.' "We thank them for everything they did so that we enjoy our freedoms today." Councillor Jon Harvey, leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, added: "The 80th anniversary of VE Day has provided a timely opportunity to remember the sacrifices of the Second World War generation. "It was an honour to be part of the commemorations at County Hall to pay tribute and remember the day peace was secured and victory declared across Europe." Full council was adjourned at 10.45am to allow members to attend the Haverfordwest Town Council and Royal British Legion VE Day service at Salutation Square, Haverfordwest, and the national two-minute silence was observed at midday.
Pembrokeshire Herald
02-05-2025
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Milford Haven Town Council Confirms Mayor and Deputy Mayor for 2025–2026
A BRAINSTORMING session has been held at HaverHub to discuss the next stages of the Haverfordwest Castle redevelopment – a key part of Pembrokeshire County Council's regeneration plans for the county town. Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor was among those in attendance, along with representatives from Haverfordwest Town Council, the Royal Institute of British Architects, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and community members including Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner and Gitti Coats. The Heart of Pembrokeshire team at the county council hosted the meeting to provide an update on the scheme, which aims to turn the historic castle, Gaol building and Governor's House into a flagship visitor attraction. The council says the upgraded site will tell the story of Pembrokeshire past, present and future – with interactive, tech-based exhibits housed in the refurbished Gaol building. The redeveloped Governor's House will become home to a new town museum, while the inner bailey will serve as a space for theatre, live music, fayres and other events. Access to the site will be improved from Castle Square, with new way-marking throughout the town. Plans also include a new 'signature bridge' over the Western Cleddau, linking the site to Riverside. The Herald understands that 88 per cent of Haverfordwest residents surveyed in a recent consultation supported the redevelopment of the castle as a visitor attraction and community space. Many locals believe the project will help make Haverfordwest a better place to live, work and visit. Funding for the scheme is being provided by the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund, with match funding from Pembrokeshire County Council. Further funding is being sought to complete the fit-out and support associated community activities. Haverfordwest Castle is currently closed while the work takes place. The museum has been temporarily relocated to a site on the Riverside, and the car park at the castle is shut for the duration of the development. The flagship attraction is expected to open to the public in Spring 2027.
