News
Act now on Hakin Cliff issue say politicians
STEPHEN CRABB MP and Paul Davies AM are calling for action to remedy the long standing problem of a cliff collapse above Hakin Point in Milford Haven. A landslip occurred at the location on 1st July 2012, and two further land slips have occurred since. The cliff has a main sewerage pipe in it, prompting fears that any further landslips could cause damage to the pipe leading to major environmental problems.
The issue was highlighted in a two page report in The Herald last month.
A number of people who own properties under the cliff have had their properties severely damaged, and the footpath above the cliff that leads from Hakin Point to Point Fields has been closed as the area is now deemed too dangerous to allow people to use.
Commenting on the matter, Stephen Crabb MP said “I have been in touch with residents from Hakin Point for more than 3 years about this issue. They remain very concerned about the potential for further landslips and damage to their properties. Clearly this situation cannot continue and Pembrokeshire County Council and Dwr Cymru need to take action now to provide reassurance and clarity about future action.”
Paul Davies AM said “In order to try to resolve the situation, I organised a meeting in November 2014 which was attended by Stephen Crabb and senior officers from Dwr Cymru and Pembrokeshire County Council. I left the meeting with some optimism that Dwr Cymru and Pembrokeshire County Council could resolve this issue. It was agreed that both organisations would share existing reports on the matter and commission new reports to ascertain the current position. However, by June 2015, Dwr Cymru had decided it was not their responsibility to make good the cliff which would protect their mains sewerage pipe.”
Mr Davies continued “The mains sewerage pipe was laid by the then Milford Haven Urban District Council in the late 1960s, prior to the existence of Dwr Cymru. I have seen minutes from the Council between 1968 and 1970, which mention problems encountered when laying the pipe and “the crumbling cliff face”. Dwr Cymru are now responsible for the pipe, and I feel that for them to walk away from the problem is not good enough. It’s quite obvious that urgent action is required to tackle this matter. Dwr Cymru, in conjunction with Pembrokeshire County Council need to take action to stabilise the cliff to give peace of mind to Hakin Point property owners and to safeguard their mains sewerage pipe. In addition, this action would also mean that the footpath would reopen.”
One of the affected householders are Bryan and Ozra Johnson. Commenting on the situation Bryan Johnson said “As a local couple, when we bought our house in Hakin Point, we were convinced we’d found the perfect home. We spent many years restoring the property to its former glory. Then three and a half years ago our dream home literally collapsed around us; the cliff behind the house started to disintegrate showering the property with rocks and debris; no longer a dream but the start of a nightmare. Now large parts of the house are uninhabitable due to the damage but also due to the constant fear of further rock falls.”
Mr Johnson continued “We are further away than ever from a solution, with Dwr Cymru and Pembrokeshire County Council saying it is nothing to do with them. We have the added problem and worry of the sewerage pipe in the cliff face. Of course if we had an option to walk away and start building our lives again elsewhere that might be the answer, but our property at Hakin Point is our life, there is no option to walk away. We have invested financially and emotionally into the property, we’ve brought up our children here. Is it too much to ask for some honesty, some lateral thinking and above all some compassion from these organisations.”
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.”
-
News22 hours ago
Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route
-
Top News5 days ago
Pembrokeshire man jailed after repeatedly punching pregnant wife
-
Top News4 days ago
Police investigate dogs seen persistently chasing sheep on Pembrokeshire airfield
-
News6 days ago
Dyfed-Powys Police launches attempted murder investigation
-
News6 days ago
Heroes of the storm: How Council workers rallied during rare red wind warning
-
Top News5 days ago
Milford man dealt ‘persistent’ blows on girlfriend after urinating in flat
-
News5 days ago
Engine room fire caused by loose fuel pipe connection previously flagged
-
News5 days ago
Children seen kicking and ‘egging’ doors near Pembrokeshire train station in early hours