News

South Hook power plant plans cancelled

Published

9 years ago

May 16, 2016

PLANS for a combined heat and power station at a Milford Haven gas storage plant have been axed.

The project was a partnership involving Qatar Petroleum, Exxon Mobil and Elf Petroleum UK, but a spokesman has said stakeholders were told earlier this month but “events had moved on”.

The plans for the power plant were granted planning consent in October 2014 but were deferred in February last year, after initial grounder’s had been completed.

About 600 construction jobs were expected to be created by the project, along with 30 permanent jobs at the site, which was next to the existing South Hook Liquefied Natural Gas terminal.

In an email to Milford Haven Town Council, a spokesman said the project was being cancelled “in the light of current market conditions and the international competition for project funding”.

“The decision not to proceed with the South Hook CHP Project was a difficult one for the shareholders to make and reflects the fact that in the light of today’s market conditions all discretionary major investments have to be rigorously appraised.”

Cllr Stephen Joseph told The Herald: “I am sad at this news. When you have something of this magnitude just being called off now, it hits the local economy.”

Back in early 2015 a spokesperson for South Hook CHP Limited said: “I can confirm that the Board of Directors of South Hook CHP Limited determined that, in the light of current market conditions, the decision regarding proceeding with the construction of the proposed South Hook combined heat and power (CHP) plant near Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire will be deferred and the Project placed on hold. Development work will be brought to minimum levels required to maintain the integrity of the work done to date and allow the timely and efficient restart of development if required.”

Speaking on behalf of the Shareholders, Nasser Al Jaidah (Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Petroleum International) said: “The decision to place the Project on hold and to defer the investment decision on the South Hook CHP Project was a difficult one for the shareholders to make and reflects the fact that in the light of today’s market conditions all discretionary major investments have to be rigorously appraised. The decision is in no way a reflection on the attractiveness of the South Hook CHP Project itself, the UK as a place to invest or the support we have received for the Project from government and other stakeholders at the national, regional or local level.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.