News
Johnston: Bombay Brasserie to keep licence following review
A REVIEW of a popular Indian restaurant’s drinks licence has ended with no further action bar a request for the premises to install CCTV.
The review of Bombay Brasserie’s licence was undertaken after it was alleged that illegal workers had been found on the premises in immigration raids.
The application for the review of the award winning restaurant filed by the Home Office Immigration Team says: “”We have reason to believe the licence holder will fail to meet the licensing objectives of prevention of crime and disorder, as illegal working has been identified at the premises”
But after a meeting at County Hall on Thursday (May 30), which was held in private for legal reasons, it was decided that the restaurant could continue operating as long as CCTV was installed which the Home Office would be able to review if necessary.
Licensing Sub Committee Chairman Tim Evans said at the end of the meeting: “This committee is dealing today with the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder, the Home Office being the responsible authority which instigated the review.
“The Home Office has indicated that the licensing objectives would be satisfied by the installation of CCTV cameras in both the bar and kitchen areas.
“The premises licence holder has agreed to this proposal.
“Therefore, the review will be dealt with by modifying the conditions of premises licence specifically: the standard licensing condition of the installation of CCTV cameras at the premises to the satisfaction of Dyfed Powys Police shall be added to the premises licence conditions.
“Also, the Home Office Immigration Enforcement should be added to the list of those able to view the CCTV footage.
“The CCTV must be installed, and the licensing team notified within 30 days.”
Bombay Brasserie’s manager Fazlur Rahman told The Herald that the Home Office had been criticised by the council for being insufficiently prepared for the meeting, and for not being able to prove that those caught working allegedly illegally were in fact illegal immigrants. “Our reputation was tainted unfairly” he said – “but I am glad now things have been put right.”
The Council has been contacted for a comment.
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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