News
Councillors mull free Wi-Fi for Milford
AN EXTRAORDINARY meeting of Milford Haven Town Council took place on Wednesday (Jan 13) where members discussed the option of installing free Wi-Fi in the centre of the town.
The current proposal, presented to the council by David Bannister of Antur Teifi, is to seek support from local businesses to erect seven Cisco access points along Charles Street which would allow people with Wi-Fi enabled devices to access the Internet in Hamilton Terrace, Charles Street and in Robert Street. The scheme, which will be part funded by Pembrokeshire County Council for the first three years is expected to boost town trade, as well as providing a method for the town council to collect data on town foot fall. Email addresses from users of the Wi-Fi could also be collected, with the user’s consent, for marketing purposes.
After the presentation members took it in turns to ask Mr Bannister questions about how the proposed scheme could operate. First to speak was Cllr Colin Sharp who said: “I can see several benefits, but are all the access points confirmed.” The council was told that businesses were not yet signed up to provide locations for the access points. But it was confirmed that once Wi-Fi equipment was installed it would only cost £25 per year to run for electricity, plus broadband costs. Cllr John Cole said that he wanted to know the precise costs of the scheme. He also asked if the Milford Haven Business Circle had been consulted.
Cllr Mathew Rickard suggested that placing the access points on top of taller buildings could have a beneficial effect on range, and suggested the Torch Theatre or Milford Haven fire station as locations to give the town greater coverage. Cllr Eric Harries expressed concern about the administration of such a scheme. He said: “The setting up, control and maintenance of this scheme could be demanding on officers’ time. We have only two staff. My question is do we need any additional expertise.”
Mr Banister said that there was very little to do once the scheme was set up. Also in attendance at the meeting were Alex Brown and Anna Malloy representing the Port of Milford Haven. Councillors considered if a larger scheme should be introduced which would also give Wi-Fi access on the marina. Members were told that the Port may have to pay for their own equipment, as it was unlikely that this would be provided by the local authority. Councillors decided to refer the matter to the Social Media Working Group, after which the matter will likely be referred back to Full Council.
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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