News

Tenby: Mayor calls for review of pedestrianisation scheme

Published

7 years ago

September 12, 2017

THE MAYOR of Tenby has called for an urgent review of the town’s summer pedestrianisation initiative, after citing failings that have occurred with the scheme over the 2017 holiday season.

The rules prohibits unauthorised vehicles from entering the town walls between 11am and 5.30pm during the summer, with restrictions in force from July 10 until last Friday (Sept 8), which coincides with the school summer holidays.

The local authority initiated the ban as a trial 2002 and then there was a public consultation in 2006, which was called for by campaigners living within the town’s walls.

Speaking at last Tuesday night’s (Sept 5) meeting of Tenby Town Council, Mayor Cllr. Sue Lane, said that a review of the scheme was needed.

“Now we do not have a town bus, anybody who is not too good on their feet can’t come in!” she said.

“When the scheme was first started, Pembrokeshire County Council had the Park and Ride scheme running to help people into town who had problems with mobility, but now, due to budget cuts and the ‘park and ride’ scheme no longer running as it was, people with ‘blue badges’ living within the town walls now themselves struggle to get in and out.

“These were conditions in place when the scheme started to help look after residents and visitors. People living within the town with ‘blue badges’ were assured they wouldn’t suffer, but it’s no longer working and people can’t get down to areas such as the harbour.

“The county council either have to reinstate the ‘park and ride’ buses, or look at the scheme again, as it can’t possibly work without bus access for people, as those with mobility issues shouldn’t be expected to walk that distance.”

Pembrokeshire County Council said in response that the pedestrianisation scheme has run successfully for a number of years now since the pilot scheme in 2005. The scheme was extended in 2015 so that it now runs for the period commencing the Monday following Long Course Weekend to the Friday preceding Ironman Wales.

Over this period, the Authority said the officers involved in co-ordinating the scheme on the ground have worked hard to ensure it runs well.

A spokesman added: “There continues to be a Park and Ride bus operation that runs from the Salterns car park. This operates on a free-basis, funded collaboratively through contributions from the County Council; the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority; Kiln Park (Bourne Leisure); Tenby Town Council and Tenby Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

“The former North beach service was discontinued in 2014 to reduce vehicle movements within the town and for cost efficiency.

“It is already a complex scheme that has an extensive list of journey exemptions.

“We do not prevent the disabled, nor those with mobility problems, accessing the harbour. If a blue badge holder requires access to that area then staff advise that they are permitted access to drop-off or pick-up a person.

“To date, the Council has received very few observations on the operation of the scheme this year.

“Notwithstanding, the Council is receptive to constructive feedback and welcomes the opportunity to work with partners to review the operation and look at improvements where possible.

“We are already in the process of organising a discussion meeting with Tenby Town Council to review the 2017 pedestrianisation scheme.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 hours 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

9 hours 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

10 hours 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.