News

Bob’s plan for Pembrokeshire

Published

9 years ago

May 3, 2016

BOB KILMISTER, Welsh Liberal Democrat candidate for Preseli, has launched a plan to improve Pembrokeshire’s local economy and protect local services.

“I’ve put ‘No to Dyfed’ at the top of the list,” said Bob, “Labour’s proposal to get rid of Pembrokeshire puts our local economy at risk. Tourism and other industry sectors rely on the Pembrokeshire brand.”

“Our services are also at risk. Pembrokeshire used to have its own Health Board, providing good services and a balanced budget. However, since Hywel Dda was introduced in 2009, our local health services have been downgraded.”

“We need more help for small businesses, too. Town centre car parking charges should be scrapped, along with the Cleddau Bridge toll. Cutting VAT for tourism venues would give a huge boost to rural economies like ours, while the extra tourists attracted to the UK would bring in more money for the government.”

Bob Kilmister’s 8 Point Plan:

Say no to Labour’s plan to bring back Dyfed. Support Bob’s campaign to keep Pembrokeshire.
Withybush Hospital. Return paediatric and maternity provision and protect core services.
Improve access to GPs by training more doctors. The Welsh Government should pay medical students’ university fees and guarantee them a job, in return for five years’ service within Wales.
End parking charges in our town centres. Let people go shopping and visit the doctor without paying to park.
Build more affordable homes for local people. We can copy other parts of the UK with ideas like Community Land Trusts.
Scrap the Cleddau Bridge tolls. Transfer ownership of the bridge and the repair costs to the Welsh Government.
Give local communities a Right to Bid. Allow local groups protect and run local services like libraries, post offices and pubs.
Reduce VAT to 5% for hotels, restaurants and tourism venues. This will boost rural economies like Pembrokeshire, bringing more jobs.

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.