News
AM petitions council over Avenue Centre
LABOUR’s Joyce Watson AM has intervened in the campaign to save Tenby’s Avenue Social Activity Centre.
Pembrokeshire Council is consulting the public on the future of the centre, which is currently used by 38 adults with learning disabilities.
An online petition opposing the threatened closure has more than 1,100 signatures.
Pembrokeshire Council has now said it will take more time to consider the future of the facility, according to a letter from Pembrokeshire Council’s director of adult services, Pam Marsden to the AM.
On January 15, Joyce Watson wrote: “I was very pleased today to hear that Pembrokeshire County Council is taking more time to consider the future of this important facility.
“This extra time will allow proper assessments to be carried out for the users of the SAC to ensure that any future reports to Pembrokeshire Council’s Cabinet contains up to date and relevant information.
“I can see that the current building is in need of repair, but was disappointed that the report that went to the cabinet in November did not contain options for alternative accommodation for the facility. Relatives and users of the centre are keen to protect the model of care currently provided. They consider this model to be excellent. I’ve also been told that the November report has had a demoralising impact on the centre’s staff.
“I look forward to reading the new report when it is available.”
Announcing the consultation last November, Ms Marsden said the proposed move is set against the background of a shift in care away from dependency to ensure that people are supported to live as independently as possible:
“The Social Services and Well-being Act (Wales) details a vision which is about maximising independence and connecting people to their communities,” she said.
“This coupled with a rise in expectations and demand sits alongside the need for the Council to deliver significant efficiency savings over the next few years.”
Mrs Watson is urging people to have their say before the consultation closes at midday on Friday, February 26.
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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