News
St Catherine’s Island to close again
THE POPULAR tourist attraction of St Catherine’s Island in Tenby is to be closed once more due to its uncertain future.
The popular fort has been open to the public since November 2013 and there had been plans in place to develop the island to bring in more visitors.
Its final day of opening to the public will be Saturday, August 27.
On Facebook, the Tenby Island Project group said:
“This important post is neither something we could have predicted or could have foreseen in the last five years of working towards releasing the island’s potential.
“It has now been confirmed that the island and fort will once again close its gate to the public, as it unfortunately faces an uncertain future. Our final day of opening to the public will be Saturday, August 27.
“Since the beginning of July 2013, our Facebook page has been our only meaningful way of communicating directly to the vast majority of island visitors, friends, supporters and associates and has grown from strength to strength, which is why we have chosen to inform you in advance of an official statement to be made next week.
“All the team here on the island thank you all for your support that you have shown and appreciate this may come as shocking news but please be aware we cannot be drawn further on the subject until the official announcement has been made.
“We simply wish to provide as much warning as possible for those who wish to visit the island prior to the gates closing once again. Opening times will continue to be published here on our page for the next two weeks until closure each Friday AM.”
Original plans were submitted to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park but these were rejected because a bat survey had not yet been completed.
After that had been done, new plans were put forward and approved but the applicant, Mr Prosser, appealed to the Planning Inspectorate about the conditions that had been imposed by the Park Authority.
It is thought that the conditions imposed are one of the reasons behind the decision to close the island.
As part of the plans, the fort would have been restored with food and drink establishments being erected, a nature walk and boat landings.
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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