News

Johnston: Councillors frustrated at A4076 safety risk

Published

6 years ago

October 10, 2018

COMMUNITY Councillors have expressed their continuing concern about the danger posed by a narrow pavement on the main A4076 road connecting Milford Haven and the south of Pembrokeshire with Haverfordwest.
Johnston Community Council discussed the 21-inch-wide footway located on a blind bend opposite the Church Road junction.
The pavement narrows at that point due to the presence of houses on either side of the road. There are fears that its location and the speed at which traffic goes through the village – including freight vehicles – represents an unacceptable public risk.
Despite the issue being a subject of meetings and correspondence between community councillors, county council officers and the trunk road agency for many years, the issue remains unresolved.
Community Councillor Bryan Morgan reflected the frustration of councillors when he observed that the matter appeared to have been batted around without any progress being made.
He observed that the flow of traffic through Johnston had significantly increased in recent years, meaning that the road was busy throughout the day and not only during the usual ‘rush hour’ periods. Cllr Morgan said that he was particularly concerned at the way in which drivers ignored the speed limit and that the poor pedestrian access effectively divided the southern part of the village from the rest.
Bryan Morgan continued by saying that while he appreciated the physical constraints of the road’s location with regard to widening the pavement, something had to be done. He suggested a reduction in the speed limit and enforcement to deter car users from speeding near a dangerous spot. He concluded by observing that if something was not done, and done soon, there was the potential for a serious accident which would then force action to be taken.
Responding to Bryan Morgan’s observations, Cllr Ken Rowlands said that he shared his fellow councillors’ exasperation with the saga. He also noted the layout of the road and the nearby buildings would make widening the pavement very difficult and supported the suggestion that action should be taken to at least reduce the speed limit to attempt to reduce the risk.
We spoke to Ken Rowlands following the meeting about his and the community council’s concerns.
He told us that communications had, at one time, been open between community councillors and officers of the Welsh Government regarding the problem but that had ended when Edwina Hart became responsible for roads infrastructure. At that point, Cllr Rowlands said, direct contact had stopped altogether. Despite letters to the Welsh Government and efforts by local AM Paul Davies to make progress towards a resolution, he told us, solving the problem was a long way down Cardiff Bay’s list of priorities.
Cllr Rowlands noted that although there were constraints on public spending, owing to the effects of austerity policies, he was very keen to ensure that some solution would soon be forthcoming.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

13 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

20 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

21 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.