News
Plans lodged for new schools
PLANS have been submitted for two new schools in Pembrokeshire.
They are for a three to 16 years Welsh medium school at Withybush, Haverfordwest, and for a three to 11 years primary school in Hundleton in the south of the county.
Both projects are being jointly funded by Pembrokeshire County Council and Welsh Government as part of the 21st Century Schools Programme.
The Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor David Lloyd, said: “This is the culmination of a highly successful period of consultation regarding very challenging matters.
“I would congratulate all parties who have helped to achieve these two important outcomes. The overriding object must always be to fulfil the potential of our children and I am absolutely certain that these two projects will contribute considerably to this.”
The Haverfordwest application involves new build accommodation for a Cylch Meithrin, 45-place Early Years Unit, with 315-place primary provision and 600-place secondary provision.
Also included in the application are plans for a 3G pitch and associated sports facilities for the new school.
If approved, work would start on site at the beginning of 2017, with the new school opening in September 2018.
Drop-in sessions for the public to view the plans will be held at the beginning of the autumn term at a location to be announced.
The primary school application involves a 120-place school plus Early Years Unit opposite the existing Orielton CP School in Hundleton.
It will serve pupils based on the Angle peninsula and will follow the closure of Stackpole, Angle and Orielton schools.
The application is due for consideration by the Authority’s Planning and Rights of Way Committee in September.
If approved, work would start at the end of September with the new school due for completion by September, 2017.
Again, drop-in sessions to view the plans will be held at Stackpole, Orielton and Angle schools at the beginning of the autumn term.
Additionally, plans for both new schools will be also on display in the Learning Zone at the County Show in Withybush, Haverfordwest, from August 16 – 18, where officers will be present to answer any questions.
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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