News
Police leaders discuss crime and terrorism
STRATEGIES to deal with organised crime, extremism and terrorism were among the range of topics discussed in depth by police leaders from all over Wales.
The country’s four Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and Chief Constables met at Gwent Police’s HQ in Cwmbran on July 4 for the quarterly All Wales Policing Group meeting.
Dyfed-Powys PCC Dafydd Llywelyn said: “This was a great opportunity to discuss and share ideas between all Welsh police forces; this forum allows issues to be discussed at a pan-Wales level.
“Working together in the interests of the public in Wales is at the heart of everything all of us do; I’m confident this partnership approach will develop opportunities to collaborate and for joined-up working.”
The group meet around the country and this event was hosted by Gwent PCC Jeff Cuthbert. It was such meeting since May’s PCCelections.
The All Wales Policing Group enables Welsh PCCs and Chief Constables to discuss strategic issues and to identify how they can best work together to prevent crime and protect victims from serious harm.
The latest meeting included a presentation from Carl Sargeant, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children.
Gwent Chief Constable Jeff Farrar presented a report on the Welsh Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit (WECTU) and the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU).
Meeting delegates considered future areas of policy and policing they wish to influence and shared feedback on national meetings they had attended.
Mr Cuthbert said: “I was delighted to welcome all the Welsh PCCs and Chief Constables to this meeting. I was pleased to welcome Carl Sargeant who spoke about the importance of collaboration between the police and the Welsh Government.
“This was an invaluable opportunity for us to get together to share ideas, discuss policies and deliberate on how we can enhance existing collaboration between forces to increase efficiency in the service provided.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
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
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.
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