FAMILIES concerned for the safety of their children have been outside County Hall, Haverfordwest this morning, July 14, seeking answers to questions.

Protesters, made up of parents from Monkton, Pembroke and Pembroke Dock, were joined by local councillor Pearl Llewellyn.

Western Telegraph:

The issue: fears that a convicted female sex offender had been re-homed in Monkton.

Locals are worried their village has been made a 'dumping ground' for dangerous criminals.

The residents, led by Monkton man Charlie Price, sought answers to questions about how the sex-offender came to be in Monkton.

They were met by senior members of Pembrokeshire County Council, including Council Leader Cllr David Simpson and chief executive Ian Westley.

Western Telegraph:

Mr Westley told the crowd: “First of all, I wish to stress that we, as the local authority, do understand and sympathise with your concerns.

“I am a parent myself and appreciate the fears and frustration which you all feel.

“We also recognise that this is an issue which is not just confined to Pembrokeshire but has been a subject for national debate for some years now, throughout the UK.

Western Telegraph:

“I need to make it abundantly clear that the female to whom your protest is directed was not placed in Monkton by Pembrokeshire County Council or any other organisation and therefore is not, and never has been, a council tenant.

“As it was explained to you yesterday, outside Pembroke Dock police station, she moved in with the council tenant, we assume at his request.

“However, I can give you an assurance today that the individual concerned, together with the council tenant, are no longer in the county.

“The tenancy has been surrendered.

“We are aware that you have prepared a series of questions and we are committed to working with you in this regard.”

Local county councillor Pearl Llewellyn read a pre-prepared list of questions to be answered by the senior members of the council.

Western Telegraph:

Some five members of the group entered County Hall to discuss their questions at midday.

Yesterday the concerned residents gathered at Pembroke Dock police station.

As tensions ran high, Dyfed-Powys Police Superintendent Ian John addressed a crowd outside the station.

He said he wanted to work with local people and address their concerns, but could not speak give out personal information about anyone, convicted or otherwise.

That meeting follows a protest in the town the day before.

On Tuesday night, more than 100 Monkton residents crowded around a house in Gwilliam Court, which they believed was housing a convicted sex offender.

Police officers from Dyfed-Powys Police and South Wales Police were called at around 10pm to disperse the crowd.

Two occupants were escorted from the property by police.

Pictures: Martin Cavaney.