News
Independent journeys course praised
A NEW road safety course has been introduced teaching Year 7 pupils in Pembrokeshire how to be careful when travelling locally by themselves.
The programme – entitled ‘Independent Journeys’ – has been written specifically for local children by Pembrokeshire County Council’s road safety team.
To date, it has been delivered in three secondary schools – Tasker Milward, Sir Thomas Picton, and Pembroke – and it will be run at Milford Haven School in May.
Sally Jones, Child Pedestrian Coordinator, delivers the course. “The aim is to increase awareness and understanding of road safety among children aged 11 and 12,” she said.
“In many cases, these children are starting to make independent journeys for the first time. We look at lots of different scenarios like going to school, into town, or out with friends, and how they can plan a safe journey – whether it’s by bus, car, bike or by foot.”
The children discuss ways to improve their safety like planning their route, knowing their timings, and being aware of where pedestrian crossings are.
They talk about factors which could be helpful, like taking their phone with them, telling people where they are, and wearing suitable gear if visibility is an issue.
Sally said they also discuss potential dangers and risky behaviour like listening to music on headphones, being on the mobile, or playing by the road.
“We also talk about peer pressure – what it is, how someone can facilitate this, how to resist it, and giving children ways to deal with it,” she said.
“It’s about considering all these different factors before they set off on a journey by themselves.”
Lauren Davies, Head of Year 7 at Tasker Milward School, said the course had some very valuable messages for pupils.
“The safety of our pupils travelling to and from school is of paramount importance to us, and we welcomed this opportunity to provide them with some road safety advice specific to their age group,” she said.
“As well as taking on board the advice given, we hope these pupils will also provide role models to younger pupils starting in September.”
Isabel Winstone, a pupil at Tasker Milward, said: “It made us think about the dangers on busy roads and how we need to try and be safe when we’re near them.”
Fellow pupil Amber McFadden added that the course had made them think about many different issues to do with road safety.
“It teaches you a lot about the world around you, and how you need to keep your eyes open and be looking around for anything that might be a problem,” she said.
Cllr Rob Lewis, Cabinet Member for Transportation, said he was pleased that the new course had been introduced. “We have a range of different road safety interventions, including Kerbcraft – which is taught to all primary school children from the age of five – and Crucial Crew, which delivers safety messages to all pupils in Year 6,” he said. “The new ‘Independent Journeys’ programme is an important addition.”
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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