News
New fishing quotas good news for Milford
THIS WEEK saw a new deal brokered in Brussels on Britain’s fishing quotas, during an extended 30 hour set of talks. Fishermen in Britain have been told they will now be able to increase their catch of key fish, including cod, which will increase in 2015 by 5% from this year. This, however, comes in the face of scientific advice that suggests it should actually be cut by 20%. Speaking about the late-night deal, the UK’s fisheries minister, George Eustice, said: “Although these were difficult negotiations, I am pleased that we were able to secure the best possible deal to ensure sustainable fisheries and a strong UK fishing industry.
“While fishermen had feared there would be major cuts, we were able to keep the same quota as last year for many species, in addition to important increases to the North Sea cod and haddock quota, which will benefit Scottish fishermen.” There was also good news for UK fishermen in so much as they will now be allowed to catch 15% more prawns, 15% more plaice in the North Sea and a further rise of 6% in the Haddock catch, though there are reductions imposed in the Celtic Sea.
A reduction that could affect Welsh fishermen is that of sole yields in the Bristol channel. However, Andrew Clayton of the Pew Charitable Trusts, an organisation who advocate sustainable fisheries policy, said: “After decades of failing to get to grips with overfishing, the new common fisheries policy was supposed to bind ministers to setting sustainable fishing limits this year.
Instead, they have set a considerable number of [quotas] in excess of the level scientists advised, failing to meet the targets they set themselves for overfishing. “These are weak decisions, jeopardising the livelihoods of fishermen and the sustainability of stocks.” Adding to the concerns, was Greenpeace EU fisheries policy director Saskia Richartz, who said: “It is unacceptable that many of the fishing quotas agreed today fail to end overfishing. Ministers gave no justification for postponing action to recover fish stocks, despite new laws requiring that any delay is justified with appropriate evidence.”
The European commissioner for the environment, Karmenu Vella, said of the concluded deal: “We have succeeded in increasing the number of stocks that are now managed at sustainable levels. I can therefore say that sustainably managed stocks are now a broadly accepted concept across the EU. “This will allow fishermen to progressively reap more and more benefits in terms of higher catches for these stocks. “This is because science-based decision-making is increasingly becoming the norm.
We have worked with [ministers] to ensure that where we do not follow science, member states take the necessary decisions to avoid a real disaster happening later.” Speaking for the Port of Milford Haven – Alaric Churchill, Marina and Docks Manager told The Herald: “Quotas, like the weather, can have a huge impact on the livelihoods and businesses that depend on fishing in Pembrokeshire and we welcome decisions on quotas which will help boost sustainable fishing in Welsh waters.
As the owner of Milford Fish Docks, what we are doing is focusing on continuous improvement of the facilities and services available to the fishing fleets here in Wales’ busiest and most successful fishing port and creating more business opportunities for the industry here in Wales.” The manager added: “We promote the sourcing of sustainable and high quality seafood and are optimistic that fishing has a bright future here.
We have already begun work on upgrading the Fish Docks creating new fish processing units, offices and facilities for the dock’s inshore fleet. As part of the Milford Dock Master Plan we envisage seafood landed here playing a huge role attracting processing, retail and tourism businesses, creating further jobs and investment for the long term.”
News
Police seek witnesses to Llanelli incident involving black car
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to an incident that took place at around 10:30pm on Tuesday night (Nov 5) in Llanelli.
A report indicates that a teenage boy, who was walking along Emma Street into Dilwyn Street, was followed by a black car. The teenager, wearing a bright orange coat, was allegedly shouted at by the driver of the car, who then swerved towards him. Fortunately, the teenager was able to run away and returned home unharmed.
Police are urging anyone with information that could assist their investigation to contact Dyfed-Powys Police. Reports can be made online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, via email at [email protected], or by calling 101. Deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired individuals can text the non-emergency number at 07811 311 908.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
Please quote reference 464 of Nov 5.
News
Carmarthenshire County Council successfully delivers new homes
CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has created new homes in Carmarthen which will provide modern and energy efficient accommodation for four families.
The new development sits on the site of the former Wauniago House and features three x two-bedroom homes and one x four bedroom home.
With a focus on maximising energy efficiency and reducing energy bills for residents, the homes are powered by electricity rather than traditional gas central heating, generating a smaller carbon footprint and removing the reliance on fossil fuels. They also feature high levels of insulation, keeping them warmer for longer.
Solar panels have also been installed to generate their own clean energy and LEDs provide low cost lighting.
The homes will be allocated in accordance with a Local Lettings Policy (LLP) created specifically for the development. This will focus on providing homes for local people with specific criteria in place which considers local issues and helps to create a balanced sustainable community.
Cllr Linda Davies Evans, Cabinet Member for Homes said: “The new homes on the former Wauniago House site are a fantastic addition to the accommodation that Carmarthenshire County Council has already delivered so far this year in Llanelli and Carmarthen, with more projects currently under development for completion in 2025.
“I’m delighted that this project will provide good quality family homes for local people and makes good use of a site previously occupied by a building that was unfortunately no longer fit for purpose.”
The developments form part of Carmarthenshire County Council’s commitment to provide 2,000 affordable Council homes in the next five years. This also contributes towards the Council’s green energy agenda.
News
Pembrokeshire masseuse shortlisted for National UK Beauty Awards 2025
Pembrokeshire beauty consultant Nina Conant has been shortlisted as one of the UK’s top massage therapists after winning her way to the National Beauty Awards 2025.
As a result, Nina will now be attending the glittering awards ceremony that takes place in Liverpool on February 20.
“I still can’t believe that I’m going to be a part of such a prestigious event,” a delighted Nina told The Pembrokeshire Herald from her salon at NF Therapies which is on the Withybush Trading Estate in Haverfordwest.
Born and raised in Haverfordwest, Nina trained at Pembrokeshire College before working at a number of health and beauty spas throughout Pembrokeshire. But two years ago, she decided to venture out on her own and open NF Therapies.
“My original idea was to open in March 2020, but naturally Covid put a stop to all that,” she laughs.
“Obviously it meant I couldn’t work face-to-face with my clients, so I tried to build my online following and get people engaged in all the positive effects that massage can have.”
Nina designed a series of online videos which introduced people to the technique of carrying out their own DIY massage techniques to help them tackle some of the anxieties and stresses associated with lockdown.
“The videos proved a big hit but then, following the opening of NF Therapies, the number of people who are now turning to me for help has continued to grow.”
Last year Nina was named Masseuse of the Year in the Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards at Cardiff City Stadium.
“Yes, it’s a huge honour to be shortlisted once again – this time for the National Beauty Awards which includes the whole of the UK and Ireland – but I believe it’s largely the result of the way I’ve always tried my hardest to communicate with my clients.
“It’s about so much more than just learning the techniques and applying them as a masseuse. You also have to learn to listen to them, to try to find out precisely where their aches and pains are, but also to give them the opportunity to talk about what might be happening in their lives.”
Nina has helped support people who are going through domestic abuse, family disputes, financial struggles, anxiety, stress-related illnesses and depression.
“At the end of the day, massage is all about wellbeing, which includes both a person’s physical and emotional health,” she explained.
“Massage helps the body to detox and it’s always wonderful to see just how greatly people can benefit from it.
“I’ve met so many people since setting up the business and I’ve made so many friends. It’s wonderful to see them coming back for other beauty treatments besides the massage and to see just how much it’s benefiting them in their everyday lives.”
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