News

Takeaway owner jailed – ‘unfit to run a kitchen’

Published

5 years ago

January 15, 2020

The former owner of a food outlet in Cilgerran has been jailed for four months after he was branded “unfit to run a kitchen” by a Crown Court Judge.

Zhi Hua Zhao ran the Grace Chinese takeaway when a routine inspection in January 2018 by an officer from Pembrokeshire County Council’s food safety team found unsatisfactory and substandard conditions.

The visit resulted in the issue of a food hygiene rating of 0 – the lowest rating under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme – and a requirement for Zhao to complete immediate improvements in order to protect public health.

Formal proceedings followed due to the seriousness of the conditions identified and continued non-compliance.

When Zhao disappeared, providing no forwarding address, the Council obtained a warrant for his arrest.

It was also discovered that in 2009 Zhao had been banned by Maidstone Crown Court from running a food business.

But Swansea Crown Court heard on Monday (13th January) that, despite the ban, Zhao had continued to operate food businesses.

Zhao was arrested and was charged with five food hygiene offences including failure to comply with an Improvement Notice and running a food business while prohibited by a court order.

Sentencing Zhao, Judge HHJ Walters said: “The reality in this case is that you are not fit to run any kitchen. You don’t have basic understanding of what is required. Food hygiene rules are there for a purpose, not simply bureaucratic rules. They are there to ensure safety of the public”.

Zhao was sentenced to four months imprisonment concurrent for each offence and ordered to pay £1,000 prosecution costs within 12 months.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Cris Tomos, said after the hearing: “The conditions in these premises were particularly poor, and the food hygiene rating score of 0, combined with a continuing failure to comply with food safety requirements, meant that a prosecution was inevitable.

“The sentence reflects current guidelines and we expect to see similar offences dealt with equally seriously by the courts.”
Councillor Tomos added: “This case demonstrates the crucial importance of food businesses complying with all food safety legislation.”

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

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.