News
Search for travellers sites to go ahead
COUNCILLORS have voted unanimously for a search to be conducted to find homes for travellers at an extraordinary general meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council last Friday.
The meeting was called after a planning Inspectorate permitted a traveller family’s home to be sited on land at Clayford Road, Kilgetty.
It was called by East Williamston Councillor Jacob Williams and supported by Cllrs Tony Brinsden, David Bryan, Tessa Hodgson and Gwilym Price.
The inspector blamed Pembrokeshire County Council for its failure to meet demand for travellers’ pitches in the county.
Councillor Adams stated that the inspectorate should give more information as to why he allowed the travellers to pitch in Kilgetty.
Councillor Sue Perkins, who once had a large travellers site in her ward, said: “Gypsies have every right to have somewhere to live”.
Another councillor, who currently has one of the biggest travellers sites in her constituency, Pearl Llewellyn said: “Many sites are being refused and that’s why they’re buying their own land and trying to set up on their own”
It was also agreed that land would be acquired adjacent to Kingsmoor Common by agreement or by using compulsory purchase powers in order to facilitate exchange in common land with authority delegated to the Director of Development for this purpose.
Councillor Jacob Williams also highlighted the fact that “the main thrust of the policy’s weakness was that of small parcels of land”.
In the meeting it was argued why the matter could not be discussed at an ordinary council, but the EGM decision last Friday means that this issue will be dealt with much quicker.
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. Despite these measures, the terminal remains overwhelmed by the volume of traffic.
From our position at the terminal, we have captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion. The atmosphere is one of both frustration and resilience as passengers await their departures.
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.
Crime
Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm
THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.
Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.
The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.
“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.
“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.
“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”
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