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Pembroke Dock: Town Council discusses clerk’s resignation over bullying

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AT A MEETING of Pembroke Dock Town Council this week, emotions ran high as members tried to persuade the town clerk, who had earlier offered her resignation, to stay on.

Cllr Brian Hall offered a vote of confidence in Sarah Scourfield, which members supported unanimously. But some councillors have been accused of hypocrisy by Deputy Mayor Cllr Gordon Goff, as some of those who have offered their support are the same members who are accused of bullying, the reason for her resignation.

Mrs Scourfield, who has been town clerk for eight years, said that the constant harassment and bullying behaviours and pressure received from certain councillors had “pushed her into making the decision” to quit.

The Herald understands that Mrs Scourfield is the second clerk to resign over alleged bullying, her predecessor, Moira Saunders having resigned for similar reasons.

County Cllr Paul Dowson (Left) attended the meeting and wanted answers

At the October 5 meeting, Pembroke Dock Central county councillor Paul Dowson, who was attending in his capacity as a member of the public asked: “Given that this is the second allegation of bullying within Pembroke Dock Town Council; what processes have been put in place after the first allegation, and why did they fail this time?”

Another member of public who was watching the meeting, Mr. John Lloyd asked: “This is absolutely disgraceful from a body of people that we have voted for; we are losing a principled person; are the councillors concerned resigning on the matter? People that bully other people should be asked to resign; it is not something that should condoned and allowed to continue, and it has happened on a previous occasion

However, was told that none of the alleged bullies had offered their resignation.

Following the public meeting, the matter was further discussed in a private and confidential session lasting 90 minutes.

Councillors at the meeting said they have, “believe it or not”, tried to tackle bullying in the past.

Personnel committee member Cllr Dilys Burrell said it was “looking in to all these things” to “see what we can put in place to stop this happening again”.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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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)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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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)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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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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