News

AM backs the shopworkers’ call for respect

Published

11 years ago

November 27, 2013

REBECCA EVANS AM, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales has backed Usdaw, the shopworkers’ trade union, at the launch in the Assembly of its annual Respect for Shopworkers week.

This year’s campaign is focused on the need for a stronger law to protect shopworkers against violence and abuse. The union is also highlighting the under-reporting of attacks with 1 in 6 not being reported by shopworkers to management or the police.

Usdaw activists in shops and supermarkets across Wales are holding campaign events to urge colleagues and customers to back a change in the law to provide stiffer sentences for those who assault workers serving the public.

They are also reminding customers to ‘Keep Your Cool at Christmas’, a time when incidents of violence and abuse against shopworkers tend to increase.

Mrs Evans said “It is shocking that so many people seem to think that it is acceptable to abuse and attack those who serve us in the shops. Strengthening the law would send a clear message to potential assailants that such behaviour will not be tolerated and encourage shopworkers to come forward and report attacks. Sadly the problems are often worst in the run-up to Christmas when customers are stressed and shops are at their busiest. I am happy to join Usdaw in urging people to show respect for shopworkers and to ‘Keep your cool at Christmas’.”

Usdaw Divisional Officer Nick Ireland said: “It’s a sad fact that every minute of every day a shopworker somewhere is assaulted, threatened or abused. Respect for Shopworkers Week is a great opportunity for retail staff to talk to the public about these problems and seek their support in saying that there is never an excuse for attacks on them. It is always encouraging to see how many Assembly Members back our campaign.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

11 hours 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

18 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

18 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.