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Wales’ Digital Dilemma

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Screen Shot 2016-02-22 at 12.26.13A WELSH Labour Assembly candidate has said large parts of Wales will ‘be left behind’ when a new range of digital radio stations launches on 29th February.

Last year, Sound Digital won the second national DAB (digital radio) multiplex during a bidding process arranged by media regulator Ofcom. Sound Digital’s winning bid includes new radio station launches such as the return of Talk Radio, as well as Virgin Radio both previously available on medium wave.

However, technical limitations and the use of just 45 transmitters across the UK means that in Wales only urban areas around Swansea, south east Wales as well as parts of the north east will hear what industry bosses have described as the biggest expansion in radio choice for a generation.

Labour’s Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Candidate Marc Tierney who is a former radio broadcaster and programme manager said:

“Digital radio offers new stations and more choice for listeners, so I welcome that further stations are being launched. But where I live and across large parts of mid, west and north west Wales, these stations just won’t be available on a digital radio.

“The march to a digital future shouldn’t end up with there being a two tier system. “The industry and UK Government is pushing the take up of digital radio, but there is little or no incentive in rural areas where listeners will miss out on the next digital switch on.

“Not only do rural communities have access to fewer TV stations on Freeview, the UK Government has failed to address problems with mobile coverage, and now we’re being left behind the rest of the country when it comes to radio too.

Marc Tierney has written to Ofcom Wales to ask what can be done to resolve the technical restrictions with a view to opening up discussions with authorities in the Irish Republic.

“An international agreement is in place which co-ordinates the use of broadcast frequencies – all of the new radio stations launching on 29th February share a frequency which could also be used in the Irish Republic at some point in the future.

Marc concluded: “In the same way discussions took place to resolve interference from Ireland to Freeview services in Pembrokeshire in the past, I hope that there can be a positive solution can be found to enhance coverage, widening choice for listeners here in Wales.”

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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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. Despite these measures, the terminal remains overwhelmed by the volume of traffic.

From our position at the terminal, we have captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion. The atmosphere is one of both frustration and resilience as passengers await their departures.

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)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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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.

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Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

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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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