News
Petition to replace traffic lights with roundabout at Fingerpost considered
A petition calling for the replacement of traffic lights with a roundabout at the Nash Fingerpost junction, a known accident blackspot in Pembrokeshire, has been considered by the Senedd’s Petitions Committee.
The petition, which gathered 439 signatures, was submitted by Laura Griffiths, who believes a roundabout would provide a “sustainable solution with minimal environmental impact.”
Traffic lights were installed at the fatal junction earlier this year, following a 10,000-strong petition calling for improved safety measures after the tragic death of motorcyclist Ashley Rogers. Despite these changes, many locals feel that a roundabout would be a better long-term solution, particularly given the heavy freight traffic passing through the area en route to Pembroke Dock.
In a letter to the Petitions Committee, Griffiths argued that a roundabout would not only be more environmentally friendly by reducing stop-start traffic and lowering emissions, but it would also eliminate the need for electricity consumption and light pollution associated with traffic signals. She added that local farmers were willing to provide the necessary land for the roundabout, which could be landscaped with native plants to minimise environmental disruption.
Griffiths also highlighted the safety benefits, stating that a roundabout would reduce the severity of accidents and improve traffic flow by allowing for continuous movement, rather than the stop-start nature of traffic lights.
Luke Fletcher MS, a member of the Petitions Committee, acknowledged the ongoing concerns, noting that local representatives, particularly Sam Kurtz MS (Pictured), had repeatedly raised the issue of safety at this junction. Fletcher recommended that local members continue to advocate for a roundabout and suggested that the petition be passed to the relevant Welsh Government minister for further consideration.
Fletcher concluded by advising the committee to close the petition, but ensure that it remains accessible to local members and ministers, stressing the significant concern in the community over the current measures in place.
The debate around the Nash Fingerpost junction remains a pressing issue for the area, with many residents continuing to push for further safety improvements.
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand. Despite these measures, the terminal remains overwhelmed by the volume of traffic.
From our position at the terminal, we have captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion. The atmosphere is one of both frustration and resilience as passengers await their departures.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
Crime
Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm
THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.
Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.
The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.
“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.
“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.
“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”
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