News
Pembroke Dock: Protesters voice concerns about alleged child sex offender
AROUND 30 protesters gathered outside a property on Water Street in Pembroke Dock this afternoon (Oct 9) to express their concern that they thought an alleged child sex offender was living in premises
However, police at the scene told the gathered crowd that the person they were there to protest about was not at the property and would not be returning for the foreseeable future
The police said that efforts had been made to relocate the individual after the demonstration had been advertised on social media.
The Herald understands the demonstration follows an arrest at Pembroke Dock railway station last week, where a man in his 40s was arrested by officers following a sting by child protestor vigilante group Silent Justice.
The controversial organisation, which removed a post from its Facebook page following the suicide of an alleged offender in Ireland in August this year, confronted the Pembroke Dock man and accused him of engaging in a conversation with a 13-year-old girl for a sexual encounter.
In a Facebook Live video watched over 30,000 people, the male was confronted and told that he had actually been talking to a ‘decoy’ who was working for Silent Justice.
Feelings are already running high in the Pembroke Dock area following a major protest earlier this year in Monkton after a convicted sex offender was found in the community.
Speaking last week, a spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police told the Herald: “Dyfed Powys Police can confirm that a 43-year-old man has been arrested in Pembrokeshire on suspicion of grooming related offences and is currently in police custody. No charges have been brought at the current time, though officers are investigating the incident fully.
Chief Inspector Steve Davies said: “We recognise the strength of feeling which exists but would like to reassure the public that as your local police we are working hard in carrying out our duty to ensure all members of the community are safe.
“We are fully investigating the matter but ask that people do not take matters into their own hands or get involved in any unlawful activity which could hamper police enquiries. Where any criminal offences are committed, we will take appropriate action.”
By 3:30pm today all the protesters had left the scene.
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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