News

Ashes in black bag causes fire at amenity centre [VIDEO]

Published

6 years ago

October 5, 2018

HOUSEHOLDERS have been urged not to put potentially combustible materials in their black bag waste, following a fire in a landfill compactor skip at Winsel Civic Amenity and Recycling centre on Saturday (Sept 28).

The waste compactor had to be removed from its holdings when smoke was seen billowing out – just 30 minutes before the centre was scheduled to close.

The fire service arrived to help put out the smouldering fire and spent over an hour on site to ensure it was extinguished.

It’s believed hot ashes were the cause.

Site supervisor Nigel Cole said a major fire was only averted because of the quick reactions of the centre’s staff.

“We were lucky this was spotted just before closing time,” he said.

“It could have been much worse had it spread to the carpets and cardboard stored nearby.

“Fortunately the staff on site reacted quickly, removed the compactor away from other potentially flammable material and started to put the fire out before the fire service were able to assist.”

He said it wasn’t the first time a fire had broken out in a skip.

“Sometimes it’s because of hot ashes, but often it’s due to smaller electrical items which people have put in their black bags.

“When these are crushed, the electrical components or the batteries can sometimes ignite and start a fire.”

Nigel added: “We would ask anyone who needs to dispose of small electrical items to use the specific containers available at all civic amenity and recycling centres.

“With ashes, they are permitted on site but they should be extinguished properly and put in the rubble container not the general waste skip.

“If people are unsure where to dispose of items, our staff are always willing to assist.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 days 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.