News

County Court holds first remote hearing

Published

5 years ago

July 20, 2020

by Tess Delaney

THE FIRST hearing to be held under Coronavirus distancing rules at Haverfordwest County Court last Friday upheld the right of access needed by Chrystia and Keith Hertogs to run their sustainable holding in Llanycefn.
The court considered whether the holding’s use of the historic stone road from Rhydwilym towards Maenclochog and Llanycefn, was limited by the public bridleway rights that also make use of the same road.
The hearing ended with all parties agreeing that the Hertogs’s holding has ‘the right of road or way’ along the stone road, ‘at all times and for all purposes’, with an injunction in place to protect their use.
Chrystia Hertogs explains: ‘Local roads like this one have many uses, added over centuries of local history. Farms and houses often have private rights of access, which are in no way reduced or limited, by the road’s also later being designated as a public bridleway.’
Groundwork contractor John Llewellyn from Crymych, who was a remote witness in the hearing, commented: ‘I was born in Glan Rhydwilym. I know that whole area like the back of my hand. Those upper fields of Dolfelfed farm were always run, using that stone road.
“I went to school, and to friends’ houses, along it. My sister’s best friend went to school at Nant-y-Cwm, and lived at Cefn Mwynant.
“Aged 17, I drove out hay myself, from the fields of Keith’s holding, over the same stone road.’
Mr Mark Dyson, a retired planning lawyer, acted as McKenzie friend (legal supporter) to Dr Hertogs.
“My own view,” said Mr Dyson, “is that, since we are at the tipping point into massive climate catastrophe, access to land should urgently be made easier for the increasing number of people who want to do the work of sustainably improving soil carbon, and planting trees. These are now mainstream aims of Wales and UK policy, and I’m pleased with today’s decision.”
Keith and Chrystia Hertogs find, after ten years of regenerative agriculture, tree-planting and use of local biomass to improve the depleted pasture soil, that salad, fruit, and vegetable crops now produce well.
“The United Nations’ Farming and Agriculture Organisation estimates that 30% of the world’s soils are degraded, so Wales is not alone in needing regenerative action.” Keith said.
He continued: “European farm soils were formed during millennia of tree-cover, and have now been used for a couple of centuries without replenishment. Regeneration re-creates soil from planted trees, nitrogen-fixing perennials, green manure, sustainable, brief, grazing rotation, and silvipasture.”
The Welsh Government’s target is to plant 1000 km2 of new trees, an area about the size of Pembrokeshire, by 2030, spread throughout Wales.
Dr Hertogs said: “The Welsh Government’s sustainability policy, ‘One Wales, One Planet’ is uniquely forward-looking. It’s strongly based on environment and economic evidence, not the wishful dream of limitless consuming, exceeding global resource limits, which is – right now – destroying our planet.
“The policy’s One Planet Development thinking, deserves to change the norm, to provide low-impact work, housing, and new food-growing by ordinary people across Wales.’
“One Planet Development fits perfectly with the work I did in the NHS, encouraging physical work and healthy food, to help people avoid diabetes and heart disease.”
During their delivery round of greens and salads, Keith and Christyia havre found many local people, including young people, have started growing their own during the coronavirus lockdown.
Keith concluded: “This is exactly the time for all of us as new, successful gardeners, to plan and plant trees and nitrogenous bushes, so we can feed our soil, keeping it healthy and productive for future generations.”

Community

Fire crews join St Davids Cathedral on collaborative training day

Published

1 min ago

January 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CREWS from the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service joined staff at St Davids Cathedral on Thursday for a collaborative training day, blending skills and expertise in a unique historic setting.

The fire service conducted a series of exercises, including a dramatic rescue simulation, where they practiced retrieving a ‘body’ from the cathedral tower. The exercise demonstrated the precision and teamwork required for emergency scenarios, particularly in complex environments like heritage buildings.

Such training is essential due to the unique challenges posed by historic landmarks. St Davids Cathedral, with its ancient architecture and narrow stairways, presents potential obstacles in emergency situations. Fire crews must be prepared to navigate these complexities to ensure the safety of visitors, staff, and the preservation of the structure itself.

Additionally, the presence of large numbers of visitors during peak periods increases the need for effective response strategies. Collaboration between the cathedral’s staff and emergency services ensures everyone is prepared to act swiftly and efficiently in the event of a fire or medical emergency.

A spokesperson for St Davids Cathedral said: “It was great to have the fire crews join us – their training exercises added an exciting and valuable dimension to our day. Their work highlights the importance of being prepared for any eventuality.”

The fire service also benefited from the day, as training in real-world settings like St Davids Cathedral helps refine their approach to tackling emergencies in historic and culturally significant buildings.

Photo caption: Rescue simulation: Fire crews conducted a ‘body’ rescue from the tower during a joint training day (Pic: St Davids Cathedral).

Business

Residents meet with local politicians over A477 road safety concerns

Published

21 mins ago

January 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MEMBERS of the Eglwyscummin Community Council and residents of the village of Red Roses today (Friday 17^th January) called a road-side meeting with local politicians Samuel Kurtz MS, Cefin Campbell MS and Ann Davies MP to highlight what they consider to be an ‘unsafe’ junction.

Growing concerns about the safety of the Red Roses junction brought about by the increase in near misses and accidents from users of the junction was evidenced during the meeting. The community hope that continued pressured on Welsh Government will deliver the additional safety modifications needed to reduce the number of incidents happening at the junction.

The local Member of Senedd for Carmerthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Samuel Kurtz, has been leading the campaign with the Community Council and has been liaising with SWTRA and Welsh Government Ministers to call for action on this junction.

He has already delivered a successful campaign to change the road layout of the notorious A477 Nash Fingerpost junction following several serious accidents, which is already being of real benefit to the local community. He hopes to build on this success by continuing to fight for further improvements in Red Roses and address the speeding issues being experienced on the A477 through the village of Milton.

Following the community meeting, Samuel Kurtz MS commented: “The Community Council have been extremely active in sharing the experiences that drivers are having at this junction and have put forward some recommendations that they believe will make it safer. Sadly, it’s a typical case of the junction meeting all the criteria on paper, but in practice, it’s dangerous and needs addressing.”

“ In this case, traffic travelling Westward towards Pembroke at speed have no turn off lane before having to slow down to virtually a standstill to make the narrow sharp lefthand turn off the A477 to Red Roses. On this fast busy road, it has been the root cause of the sign being crashed into on several occasions as drivers have failed to make the turn. There are crashes or near misses, as cars break sharply to try to make the turn as safely as possible.”

He added: “I believe that there are some relatively straight forward steps that can be taken which will deliver improvement and I’ve been asking Welsh Government for a review of the A477 and will invite road officials to see for themselves the junction in use. But I do need feedback from the local community to help make the case to Welsh Government. I’m asking people to get in touch with me via my Facebook page or email to share their experience, opinion, or example of any issues they may have had or witnessed using this stretch of road.”

Pictured above: Members of the Eglwyscummin Community Council at the road-side meeting with local politicians Samuel Kurtz MS, Cefin Campbell MS and Ann Davies MP discussing safety concerns at the Red Roses junction.

Business

Haverfordwest Farmers Market: Local producers and fresh produce

Published

29 mins ago

January 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

AS County Councillor for Castle Ward, Thomas Tudor expressed his delight after visiting the Haverfordwest Farmers Market. Held in Castle Square, the market showcases a variety of high-quality local produce, offering a vibrant community shopping experience.

Fresh produce every Friday

The Haverfordwest Farmers Market takes place every Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm in the heart of Pembrokeshire’s bustling county town. Visitors can explore a wide range of stalls offering fresh produce, meats, crafts, and organic goods directly from local farmers, growers, and artisans.

Market Manager Joanne Welch explained: “Customers enjoy a memorable shopping experience in a vibrant, friendly atmosphere, have confidence in the producers, their products, and can always rely on the high-quality produce available at every market.”

Why shop local?

The market serves as a hub for supporting local businesses and reducing food miles. “Buying local makes sense,” Joanne continued. “Not only does it benefit the local economy, but it guarantees the freshest produce that is great value for money—and tastes fantastic too!”

What you need to know

Purpose: Farmers markets provide a unique opportunity to connect with local producers while enjoying fresh, quality food. Supporting these markets ensures a sustainable future for local farmers and reduces the environmental impact of long food supply chains.
Hygiene standards: Stallholders adhere to the same strict hygiene regulations as other food retailers, ensuring safety and quality for customers.
Cost: While prices may not always be cheaper, the quality and freshness of the products offer excellent value for money.

For those looking to enjoy a unique shopping experience, Castle Square in Haverfordwest is the place to be every Friday. Explore the best of Pembrokeshire’s local produce and craft while supporting your community.