News
Haverfordwest: Parent governors ‘outraged’ at Council’s sixth form plans
THE PARENT governors of both Secondary Schools in Haverfordwest are outraged and have united to try and ensure the retention for 6th Form choice in the county town.
Current proposals are that sixth form provision will be in future provided at Pembrokeshire College. The governors have released a statement following Pembrokeshire County Council approving the second stage of the consultation exercise into the reorganisation of secondary school education in the county.
The governors are also encouraging parents, and friends of the schools to attend a meeting at Sir Thomas Picton School Hall on Monday the 2nd of March at 7pm
In the statement the governors said: “The joint Governing Bodies of Tasker Milward and Sir Thomas Picton Schools are extremely concerned with the removal of sixth form provision from the new 21st Century School and that Post 16 Education will only be provided in a new integrated Sixth Form Centre as part of a formal collaboration between the County Council and Pembrokeshire College.”
“A public meeting has been called at Sir Thomas Picton School Hall on Monday 2nd March 2015 at 7:00pm and the focus of the evening will be about 6th Form Choice retained within the school environment.
The Parent Governors want to retain the option for CHOICE and need everyone to engage in the consultation process which is due to commence on 10th March 2015 for an eight week period.
The main concern of the Governors of both schools relates to the proposed loss of a “Sixth Form” element within the school.”
“Sixth form students – with their maturing outlook – help to round off a school. They are often looked upon as leaders by the younger pupils and they do have immense influence within the school.”
“Their attendance not only assists the financing of the school but their learning abilities also stretch the staff within the school. The mere fact that a sixth form exists within a school ensures that from year 11 onwards the continual educational development of the pupils and students is maintained. Where strengths are identified invaluable guidance can be provided for sixth form choice.”
“The joint Governing Bodies of Tasker Milward and Sir Thomas Picton Schools are concerned that the removal of sixth form provision from the new 21st Century School will have a detrimental effect, not only upon the school as an entity, but also upon students opportunities thereafter. This argument will be put to the County Council during the consultation process.”
“The public meeting has been called at the Sir Thomas Picton School Hall on Monday the 2nd of March at 7pm and we trust that you will pass on this information to the families of those youngsters who are already on the ladder to secondary education – as it is these pupils who will be amongst the first to encounter the radical proposals of change.”
“We understand that the next meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council is to be held at County Hall Haverfordwest on Thursday the 5th of March at 9am.”
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.
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
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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