News
New support package will help businesses hit by flooding
MID and West Wales Member of the Senedd Eluned Morgan has welcomed clarification on how businesses affected by flooding in Pembrokeshire will be able to access support from the Welsh Government.
Storms Ciara, Dennis and Jorge brought hurricane force winds and periods of intense rainfall that caused river and coastal flooding earlier this year.
A series of measures have been introduced by the Welsh Government to support those affected by flooding such as a hardship fund for homeowners distributed through local councils.
Business Wales is now administering The Welsh Government Business Flood Relief Grant to support businesses affected by recent flooding.
Eluned Morgan MS said: “Right across Wales, businesses have been counting the cost of the recent storms. Yesterday’s economic figures show that with no growth in the economy and now the threat of Coronavirus, as an administration this Welsh Labour Government will continue to support small and medium companies in times of crisis.
“Whilst we wait for the UK Government to determine how they will help, the Welsh Government could wait no longer in ensuring those businesses hit hardest by flooding get the help they need. Any business unable to get insurance in Pembrokeshire will be able to apply for up to £2,500 to meet the immediate costs of recovery from damage and disruption to help them remain solvent during these difficult trading conditions.”
The Welsh Government Business Flood Relief Grant Fund is now open and accepting applications until 20th August this year subject to the availability of funding. A total of £2.5 million has been earmarked for the Fund.
Details of how to apply are available by contacting the Business Wales Helpline on 03000 6 03000. Any business that has already contacted Business Wales to express an interest in applying for the Flood Relief Grant since it was announced will automatically be issued with the application form and guidance.
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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