News

Warning of ‘deepening risks’ to local economy as ferry disruption continues

Published

6 months ago

December 12, 2025

Calls grow for urgent resilience plan as routes face repeated cancellations

PAUL DAVIES MS and Samuel Kurtz MS have issued a renewed warning over the fragility of Welsh–Irish connectivity, after a series of cancelled sailings once again highlighted the strategic importance of Pembrokeshire’s Irish Sea ports.

Several crossings on the Rosslare–Pembroke Dock and Rosslare–Fishguard routes were cancelled over the weekend, prompting concerns about the long-term reliability of services that thousands of passengers, hauliers and businesses depend on each year.

The disruption comes at a time when Terminal 5 at Holyhead remains closed, and just twelve months after severe damage to berthing infrastructure there caused major delays across the UK–Ireland network. With Holyhead still unable to operate at full strength, the two Pembrokeshire ports now carry a disproportionate share of Wales’ Irish Sea traffic — a shift that local Members of the Senedd say has not been matched with the investment or planning required.

‘Southern Corridor now carrying the weight’

Both Members stressed that Pembroke Dock and Fishguard have effectively become the backbone of the Southern Corridor, absorbing diverted freight, seasonal passenger surges and commercial pressures that were previously spread more evenly across Welsh ports.

They say that any interruption now has amplified consequences — not only for local hauliers and employers, but for the reliability of the UK supply chain during the busiest trading period of the year.

The crossings, they argue, underpin jobs across Pembrokeshire’s logistics, hospitality and retail sectors, and ensure that essential goods ranging from food to pharmaceuticals continue to move smoothly into the county.

Paul Davies: ‘We need answers — and long-term resilience’

Paul Davies MS said the latest cancellations highlight a need for “clear communication and firm commitment” from operators.

“These crossings play a key role in connecting communities and are strategically vital routes for Wales, Ireland and the wider UK,” he said. “As a result, any disruption can cause challenges for businesses and supply chains, and so it’s vital that operators keep people as informed as possible and work to maintain reliable services.

“Moving forward we must look at how we can build long-term resilience into these routes, and that means strengthening the engagement between operators, government and local stakeholders in order to protect and support these vital routes for the future.”

Mr Davies said the public deserved transparency about the cancelled sailings, adding that operators should explain what steps are being taken to ensure stability going into 2026, particularly as freight volumes continue to rise.

Kurtz: ‘This is a red flag for the Christmas supply chain’

Samuel Kurtz MS said the timing of the disruption could not be worse for local businesses.

“These routes are not simply transport links; they are economic lifelines, and operators must provide assurances that their contingency planning is strong enough to prevent disruption at such a critical trading period,” he said.

“The failure to move key freight ahead of Christmas is especially concerning, given how heavily local supply chains rely on timely deliveries at this point in the year. When sailings are cancelled at short notice, the pressure on our local haulage firms intensifies significantly, forcing them to absorb delays, reroute vehicles, and manage rising costs.”

Mr Kurtz added that the cumulative effect of repeated cancellations risked undermining confidence among businesses choosing between Welsh ports and alternatives elsewhere in the UK and Ireland.

Call for joint Welsh–UK action

Both Members urged the Welsh Government and the UK Department for Transport to work together on a formal Southern Corridor resilience strategy, ensuring that Pembrokeshire’s ports receive the investment, dredging support, and infrastructure planning needed to manage increased traffic.

Industry representatives have privately warned that further cancellations over the festive period could lead to stock shortages and reduced availability for retailers in west Wales.

Davies and Kurtz say the message is simple: Pembrokeshire’s Irish Sea links can no longer be treated as secondary to Holyhead.

“They are now central to the economic health of west Wales,” they said, “and government must act accordingly.”

Local Government

Security privately arranged by Mayor at Beating of the Bounds

Published

59 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has confirmed that security personnel seen at this year’s Beating of the Bounds were privately arranged and paid for by the town’s Mayor.

The council issued a statement on Tuesday (June 16) following queries about the presence of security staff at the civic event.

It confirmed that the arrangements were made by the Mayor and Admiral of the Port, Councillor Randell Thomas-Turner, and were not commissioned by the council.

The statement said the decision was taken by the Mayor as a personal precaution in response to safety concerns connected with his role as a councillor.

NO SPECIFIC THREAT

The council stressed that the presence of security personnel should not be interpreted as an indication of any specific threat to the event, participants, or members of the public.

It added that the event “proceeded safely and successfully” and that there were no incidents of concern during the day.

The Beating of the Bounds is one of Haverfordwest’s oldest civic traditions, with the Mayor and Sheriff travelling to the White Stone, the historic boundary marker of the Port of Haverfordwest, to reaffirm the ancient boundaries and rights of the town.

Hundreds of people attended this year’s event, which included a flotilla, music, entertainment, stalls and family activities along the riverside.

COUNCIL CONDEMNS ABUSE

In its statement, the council said it remained committed to ensuring civic events were “welcoming, inclusive and family-friendly” occasions.

It said appropriate planning and risk management arrangements were undertaken for all public events so residents and visitors could attend with confidence.

The council added: “While the security arrangements were a personal matter for the Mayor, the council recognises the importance of supporting the wellbeing and safety of all elected members and staff.

“The council condemns all forms of abuse, intimidation and threatening behaviour directed towards those serving their communities.

“Respectful public discourse is fundamental to local democracy, but there is no place for conduct that seeks to harass, threaten or intimidate others.”

The council thanked everyone who attended and contributed to what it described as another successful Beating of the Bounds, celebrating Haverfordwest’s history, traditions and community spirit.

Image: Darth Marty Media

Local Government

Major improvement works completed at Fleming Crescent

Published

5 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NEW roofs, structural upgrades and solar panels have been installed across three residential blocks at Fleming Crescent as part of a major housing improvement scheme.

Pembrokeshire County Council said the project has delivered safer, warmer and more energy-efficient homes for residents, with the full replacement of roofs serving 54 flats.

The works also included structural improvements designed to support the long-term performance of the buildings, alongside the installation of solar panels to help improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs for tenants.

The council received a funding contribution from the Welsh Government through the Optimised Retrofit Programme, which supports energy-efficiency improvements alongside wider investment works.

The scheme was completed on schedule, with W B Griffiths & Son Ltd appointed as the main contractor.

Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Michelle Bateman said: “Delivering a project of this scale on schedule is a significant achievement.

“The new roofs and external upgrades will help reduce future maintenance issues and improve the long-term resilience of the buildings, while the solar panels form an important part of our wider decarbonisation programme.

“By working closely with W B Griffiths & Son Ltd, we have delivered high-quality improvements that will benefit tenants both now and in the future.

“Pembrokeshire County Council continues to invest in housing improvements across the county, ensuring homes remain safe, modern, energy efficient and fit for the future.”

The project has also received national recognition after being shortlisted for a Constructing Excellence in Wales Award.

Neil Griffiths, Managing Director of W B Griffiths & Son Ltd, said: “We are proud to have delivered this important project at Fleming Crescent to a high standard and within the agreed timescales.

“The combination of full roof replacement and solar panel installation will provide long-term value, improve the performance of the buildings and support better outcomes for residents.

“It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council on this scheme.”

News

Tenby lifeboat tows yacht to safety after skipper falls ill near Caldey

Published

18 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A YACHT was towed back to Tenby after its skipper became unwell off Caldey Island.

Tenby’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch at 1:40pm on Monday (Jun 15), after the coastguard received a call from the occupants of a yacht reporting that the skipper had become ill around one mile south of Caldey Island.

The volunteer crew quickly made their way to the vessel, which had three people and a dog on board.

Once alongside, the lifeboat crew discovered that the skipper was suffering badly from seasickness and that the other two people on board were unable to sail the yacht themselves.

After a full assessment by the coxswain, it was decided that the safest course of action was to tow the yacht back to Tenby. The vessel was drifting with the tide towards Caldey Island and was also considered a potential navigational hazard to other boats.

Two lifeboat crew members were placed aboard the yacht to help set up the tow and to monitor the unwell skipper during the journey back.

After a tow of around an hour, the yacht was placed on the lifeboat mooring in the calmer waters of North Bay.

The lifeboat then returned to station, arriving back at 3:15pm.