News

Salmon launches election campaign

Published

9 years ago

April 28, 2016

Tom Sinclair

Launch: Christopher Salmon launches his manifesto

CHRISTOPHER Salmon has launched his campaign for reelection as Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner – with a visit to charitable housing association.

Staff told of their work to support victims and shared case studies showing the impact of abuse on families.

“I am holding my launch here today, with Hafan Cymru, because I want to highlight how domestic abuse destroys lives where they should be safest – in the home”, he said.

One example involved a mother of three children who suffered physical, mental and financial abuse. Hafan Cymru offered her refuge and, with other support agencies, helped her rebuild her and her children’s lives.

“I want to pay tribute to all organisations who work in this difficult field”, Mr Salmon said. “I have increased support for victims but I want to go further. We cannot leave it to the police alone to confront this issue. I want to tackle offenders and break the cycle of abuse. Everyone has a role to play – health, education, social services, the third sector and the police. And, of course, the public. That is why I am launching my campaign here.”

Ann Sherwood, Head of Business Development from Hafan Cymru said: “We were delighted to host Christopher Salmon and to hear his manifesto commitment to tackling Domestic Abuse. We have to start talking more openly and honestly about the causes and impact of abuse and violence within relationships. We want to see an emphasis upon prevention as well as an increase in funding from statutory agencies for support to victims.”

Mr Salmon pledged a volunteer Special Constable, with full police powers, for every town, village and community which wants one as part of his drive for “Safer Communities.”

“Local officers are the eyes and ears of the police, and the backbone of their communities”, he said. “It’s the return of the village bobby in a modern form, if you like, and I want to see more of them on our streets over the next four years.

“Thanks to my decisions we have more officers spending more time on our streets every day. Crime and anti-social behaviour have fallen further and faster than anywhere else in Wales. And I have cut local taxes. I want to build on that.”

Mr Salmon said the choice at the election on May 5 was now clear. “It is a choice between my positive plan for our safety or my opponents’ griping and opportunism. I have not heard a positive suggestion from any of them.

“If you want safer communities and lower bills, vote for Christopher Salmon as your first choice for Police and Crime Commissioner on May 5”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.