News
Town walkway link opens in Haverfordwest
A ‘MUCH needed’ pedestrian access route to Haverfordwest town centre has opened.
Following extensive renovations, a link has been re-established between the town’s Castle Lake car park with Castle Square.
Pedestrians can now enjoy an attractive walkway for visitors to directly access Castle Square while opening up the link to the castle.
The £200,000 plus scheme was funded through the Townscape Heritage Fund and Welsh Government’s Active Travel Grant.
Work carried out by local contractors Evan Pritchard Limited included extending Castle Lake car park and creating a direct link with Castle Square, re-paving the area to tie-in with Castle Square
landscaping to provide better access and a better view of the Castle and modifying the steps leading up to the Castle, making them safer.
The work also included developing the old terraced Burgage plots to create a pleasant picnic amenity.
Pembrokeshire County Councillor Thomas Tudor – the local Member – revealed he was delighted to see the scheme completed.
“This is a much needed improvement and is something I have championed for a long time” said Councillor Tudor.
“It forms an integral part of the Haverfordwest Master Plan which aims to boost the footfall and economic activity of the town centre both day and night.”
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure, Phil Baker, said the work had made a huge difference and improved active travel provision in a key area of Haverfordwest.
“What was an unsightly area has been made really attractive and is now an asset” said Councillor Baker. “It also ties in with our regeneration plans for the town.”
In the photo: Councillor Tudor cuts a ribbon to open the walkway flanked by engineers, Anthony Price from the Council and Mathew Pritchard from Evan Pritchard.
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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