News

Assembly Members meet with NatWest management to discuss closures

Published

7 years ago

January 19, 2018

TWO Assembly Members have called on management from NatWest bank to reconfirm their commitment to west Wales following announcements of four branch closures due to affect the County over the coming months.

Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies and Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire AM Angela Burns met with representatives of the bank to discuss the planned branch closures in Cardigan, Narberth, Pembroke and Milford Haven.

Details were provided about the rationale behind the decision and the alternative plans that are being put in place to ensure that customers of the four branches are not unduly affected.

The bank provided assurances that job losses would be kept to a minimum and that community banking positions would be created in addition to the provision of a mobile van visiting those towns affected offering a continuation of banking services.

Commenting after the visit Angela Burns said: “I was disappointed to hear about the branch closures in west Wales. These are on top of other branch closures which have taken place over recent years affecting customers in my constituency.

“I asked the Natwest Management to provide reassurances that full impact assessments were done but I remain concerned that external factors other than customer numbers, such as broadband connection, transport links and the age demographic were not taken into account when coming to a decision.

“Whilst I accept that banking practices have changed over the last few decades many communities are now without any banking facilities. I would like to see support provided to maintain branches if they are the last one open in a town.

“I am however pleased to hear that community banking facilities will be provided and mobile branches will be operating in the four towns affected, but I call on the management to provide long term commitment to such arrangements to ensure similar conversations are not taking place again in a couple of years’ time.”

Paul Davies added: “The meeting with Natwest was a good opportunity for me to explain to them the very real impact that will be felt by communities in Pembrokeshire affected by the recent announcement of bank closures in the local area.

“Whilst I accept that the face of banking has changed somewhat in recent years, these closures will have a detrimental impact on vulnerable and less mobile customers and will also be a real problem for those customers facing little or no broadband provision at all.

“It’s vital that those customers have access to community banking facilities and I expect Natwest to ensure that those facilities are made available at the very least.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

5 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

12 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

13 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.