News

Cleddau Bridge will be free by 2020, says Welsh Labour

Published

7 years ago

October 1, 2017

THE WELSH Labour Government has signalled that it will scrap the Cleddau Bridge tolls by 2020 in a budget deal it has announced today (Oct 1).

The toll, 75p for a car, is said to have divided the county and have been the subject of repeated campaigns for the scrapping of the charge. Removing the fee to cross the A477 could save workers up to £360 a year, and improve the economy of the area say supporters.

Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Labour spokesperson, Marc Tierney told The Herald: “Labour has been campaigning for a long time to remove the tax to cross the Cleddau. Thousands signed a petition I launched back in the Summer of 2015 to remove the charges which many see as an unfair tax and a barrier to trade across the river.

“I am pleased that the Welsh Labour Government will honour the commitment it made in December 2015 to examine all options with a view to scrapping the toll. Whilst I will be seeking to ensure staff are redeployed elsewhere within the Council, I am confident a toll free bridge will bring benefits to the local economy.”

Philippa Thompson, Labour’s candidate at the last General Election for Preseli Pembrokeshire also supported the campaign and has welcomed the decision to drop the toll from 2020.

She commented: “The Cleddau Bridge toll has held back our economy and added a financial burden to local families. People living on one side of the Haven but working on the other are set to save more than £360 a year by having these charges dropped. This is good news for local people and local businesses. The Welsh Labour Government has heard local people’s views and acted on them.”

Cllr Paul Miller, Labour leader on Pembrokeshire County Council said in a statement: “I’ve always been a firm advocate for scrapping the Cleddau Bridge tolls as have a number of my cabinet colleagues. The tolls are, without question, an unwelcome barrier to trade in Pembrokeshire and removing that barrier, which currently almost perfectly divides the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone, can only be a positive thing.

“That said, there is much work to do before scrapping the tolls becomes a reality. Since the new administration came into being in April we’ve had some very high level discussions with Welsh Government on this issue but the detail is key. I’m acutely aware the bridge has significant implications for the authority’s budget and there is of course a potential impact on our staff too.

“I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues in Government to agree the detail in the coming months.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

9 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

17 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

17 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.