News

A40 death: Bus driver ‘had no chance’ to avoid collision with pedestrian

Published

5 years ago

July 26, 2019

A BUS driver transporting Sea Cadets home from a drill in Swansea could not prevent the death of a local man who dived in front of his vehicle

Andrew Banks Jones, who was 48-years-old, of West Street, Fishguard was killed on February 17 when he dived infront of the bus.

An inquest heard that Banks Jones had suffered with mental health issues which had become worse in the time leading up to his death.

On July 25, an inquest heard that on the day of his death, Mr Banks-Jones was seen on the roadside verge at a junction between the A40 and a byroad to Manorowen.

Lee Jenkins was behind the wheel of a coach bringing sea cadets home to Pembrokeshire, and was driving on the A40 from Scleddau to the Rafael roundabout outside Fishguard.

The coroner was told that the driver took evasive action when Mr Banks-Jones stepped out into the A40, but did not expect the pedestrian to dive in front of the bus.

Inspector Shane Davies, a collision investigation officer for Dyfed-Powys police gave expert testimony at the inquest. He said: “It would appear in this instance the driver of the coach has only been left with a minimal amount of time to react to what was happening in front of him.”

HM Coroner for Pembrokeshire, Mr Mark Layton, said: “It is clear from the evidence I have read and heard that Mr Banks Jones has dived into the path of a bus and I conclude he did so with the intention of ending his own life.

“The driver of the coach had no opportunity whatsoever of avoiding the collision and I conclude that Mr Banks Jones took that action to end his own life. I record a conclusion of suicide.”

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.