News

Pembroke: Emergency services still dealing with ‘unknown substance’

Published

6 years ago

July 13, 2018

EMERGENCY SERVICES have evacuated Pembroke Castle and closed off the nearby footpaths this afternoon (Jul 13) following the discovery of an item which ‘contains an unknown substance’.

The Herald was told at the scene that a container which may have had ‘Novichok’ (the nerve agent used in the Salisbury poisonings) written on it was discovered by a member of the public, but this has not been confirmed by the authorities.

As of 10:45pm, police are still at the scene and are likely to remain there overnight.

Earlier today, fire and chemical units were at the scene.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police is currently in attendance at Castle Terrace in Pembroke.

“Precautions are being taken over an item which contains an unknown substance.

“There is not believed to be any risk to the public at present, but the community is advised that there will be a high presence of emergency services in the area as the item is investigated.”

A Pembroke Castle spokesperson said they will be closed for the rest of the day: “Pembroke Castle will be closed for the rest of today (13 July), and tonight’s Ghost Tour has been cancelled.

“We expect to be open again tomorrow, but please check our Facebook page or website for updates before leaving for the castle.

“If you have purchased tickets for this evening’s Ghost Tour, these will be refunded as soon as possible.

“Apologies for any inconvenience caused.”

Mr and Mrs Cook are on holiday from Derby and were hurriedly evacuated from Pembroke Castle.

They told the Herald: “Police were asking everyone who had been into Wogan’s Cavern. They would not explain what the nature of the emergency was, we were obviously very worried.

“Pembroke Castle refunded our tickets and we are disappointed we didn’t get to see the castle properly.”

Another couple on holiday from Salisbury said that they came to Pembrokeshire to get away from events there – referring to the recent nerve agent poisonings.

The couple said they were anxious as to why there was a large emergency response, including a chemical protection unit

More to follow.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.