News

Council Leader’s daily virus update as Wales stays at Alert Level 4

Published

4 years ago

January 29, 2021

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Leader, Councillor David Simpson, has provided a further coronavirus update for Friday (Jan 29) , as follows:

“Welcome to my weekly update, I hope you are all well.

“As we near the end of January I feel this update is a good opportunity to reflect on the last four weeks.

“This year started with Covid-19 still very much impacting on all our lives. Every day, we have had updates in relation to the number of coronavirus cases and sadly, the number of deaths associated with the virus. It has been very upsetting to hear how many people have lost their lives due to this pandemic.

“I’m also very aware of how communities have had to deal with the lockdown. The pandemic has had a huge impact on businesses, education provision, balancing home learning and our general well-being. Thank you to everyone – I appreciate this has been a very difficult time.

“On a more uplifting note, I’m delighted to let you know that as an authority, we have worked in partnership with Hywel Dda University Health Board on the mass vaccination centres at the Pembrokeshire Archives Building in Haverfordwest and Tenby Leisure Centre.

“The vaccination programme is a huge task – but it is still vitally important that we continue to protect ourselves while the roll-out of the programme continues.

“I want to thank everyone that is working or supporting the vaccination centres and GP surgeries in their vital work, which will help ensure the most vulnerable in our communities are protected.

“Every week Hywel Dda UHB will publish a Vaccine Bulletin, providing up-to-date information regarding the progress of the COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Programme across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. (Editor: In Pembrokeshire 12,414 people (9.9 per cent) have so far had their first jab of a coronavirus vaccine.)

“Finally, as you may be aware, today the Welsh Government announced that the whole of Wales must remain at Alert Level 4, following their most recent review

“This means everyone must stay at home and work from home wherever possible. All non-essential retail, hospitality venues, licensed premises and leisure facilities must remain closed.

“Again, I would like to highlight that we are still receiving calls that some people are not adhering to the ‘Stay Home’ requirements.

“I do urge everyone to exercise from home, please do not drive to beauty spots – we all need to keep strong. Please do not add additional pressures to our services, staying at home is still key to beating this virus.

“I’m aware that the police are out patrolling beauty spots and car parks to ensure people are not traveling for non-essential travel.

“They have also produced a leaflet – which I support – to remind people about the importance of staying at home. These will be placed on car windscreens as they go on their patrols.

“So as we head into the start of February and hopefully the early signs of Spring, I would like to wish you all a good weekend. It does feel that there is light at the end of this long tunnel; however, we all still need to support each other as we move forward to a better time ahead.

“Take care everyone and thank you for all your support.”

Council Leader, Cllr David Simpson (Pic PCC)

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.