News

Planned oil survey off the west Wales coast suspended following outcry

Published

6 years ago

May 31, 2019

AN APPLICATION for a controversial seismic gas and oil survey off the west Wales coast has been suspended today (May 31).
In a letter to Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth today, the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy revealed the planned survey had been halted.

The letter says: “Before the applications could be determined BEIS Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning would also have to undertake a Habitats Regulations Assessment to determine whether there would be a likely significant effect on any protected species or the integrity of any protected sites.
“To date, the applications have not been determined, and at Eni UK Ltd’s request all work on the applications has now been suspended.
“I can also assure you that approval would not be granted if it was determined that the proposals were likely to have any significant adverse effects on the local wildlife or the integrity of any Special Areas of Conservation.”

Stephen Crabb MP said: “Following concerns raised by my constituents about the proposed seismic survey due to take place on 1st June off the coast of Cardigan Bay, I wrote to Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Clark, asking him to intervene to prevent this survey taking place. I have now received a response from Greg which confirms that no approval has been granted to Eni UK’s application and that the survey will not be going ahead tomorrow.

“This is great news and I am sure that those constituents who have raised their concerns with me will be reassured. I also note that all work on the application has now been suspended. Greg Clark confirms that approval would not have been granted if the proposals were likely to have any significant adverse effects on the Pembrokeshire coast and the wildlife that live there. I am very glad to hear the Government make this commitment and will continue to monitor the situation in case there are further developments.”

The Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Inustrial Strategy said in his letter to Mr Crabb: “I can assure you that approval would not be granted if the proposals were likely to have any significant adverse effects on the Pembrokeshire coast and the wildlife that live there.”

Gordon James, of Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth told The Herald: “We are delighted to learn that this outrageous plan to search for oil and gas in one of the UK’s most valuable marine wildlife areas has been suspended.

“The proposal triggered an extremely angry response throughout west Wales and further afield. It made a mockery of the declaration of a climate change emergency by the Welsh Government and the House of Commons and flew in the face of growing international concern about wildlife extinction.

“We now call upon the company to totally scrap, rather than just suspend, this application.

“We also call upon the Welsh Government to tighten their policies to ensure that this sort of application cannot happen again.”

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

1 day 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

1 day 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.