News

Danfo gives toilet update

Published

10 years ago

December 3, 2014

COUNCILLORS at Tuesday’s Environment Overview meeting listened to a presentation from Danfo about its public toilet provision. Danfo was awarded a contract in August to allow them to take over running of some of the county’s public toilets. At Tuesday’s meeting, Managing Director for Danfo, Ross Longbottom, and Pembrokeshire Operations Manager, Jon Mills, updated councillors on their work since being awarded the contract. Ross Longbottom highlighted their vision for Pembrokeshire saying: “We have invested £5m of our own money into local authorities.

We want to deliver high quality and well managed facilities, deliver better services, invest in current infrastructure and develop the contract.” He also spoke of the ‘Loo of the Year’ awards saying he hoped Pembrokeshire would win a few awards at next year’s ceremony. Jon Mills then spoke about the work they have done in the months since taking over the running of the toilets. He added: “There are now ten full time cleaning staff and two wardens. We have issued new vehicles, new kit, new uniforms and each member of staff has a mobile phone. In Narberth and Neyland we have carried out deep cleans to improve the facilities. From August until now we have carried out 365 repairs across the county that includes everything from replacing light bulbs to clearing blocked drains.” Ross continued: “This is part of a £400,000 investment.

There is a shopping list of what is achievable at the busiest sites. This may include charging mechanisms. There are lots of units that will not require any investment. We have expertise in the industry. We are proactive with our maintenance and we are looking at investing in buildings. There will also be employment opportunities, local supplies will be used, changing places facilities will be built and we want to have a strong partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council.” Cllr Peter Stock said: “This is a quality service. Tourism is the backbone of Pembrokeshire. To draw people to the county we’ve got to provide a quality service. This is an important partnership but vandalism is a real problem we’ve got to tackle.” Ross Longbottom responded: “You are never going to have a vandal-proof toilet but a lot of places are judged on the quality of their public conveniences.”

Cllr Lyn Jenkins also asked about the charges that may be introduced. Ross added: “We have looked at a 20p charge and that has been agreed through Cabinet. The charges could apply to any toilet but at the moment around 15-20 is the maximum number. We may be able to charge at other locations.” The council’s acting head of paid service, Ian Westley added: “Danfo has focussed on management, this could easily have been presented on other matters. I have noticed a phrase that has been gaining momentum recently in relation to our cuts and that is ‘salamislicing’. This was the necessary approach this time last year. What we’ve heard today, is the potential to save revenue figures. Our employees that were affected seem to be quite happy with the outcome. Some staff were concerned at Jon’s appointment to Danfo but we were mindful of the situation and I am confident that everything has been done in a proper manner.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 hour ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

9 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

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

Published

9 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.