News

Cabinet u-turn on £1 bus journey for school pupils

Published

4 years ago

February 15, 2021

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council will not implement a charge of £1 per journey for pupils who do not meet the criteria for free school transport.

Cabinet members discussed the charge at their meeting on Monday, February 15, but many said that they had changed their mind since the last meeting.

Cllr Guy Woodham said it did not ‘sit comfortably’ with him that they could be adding an extra burden on families at a time when the number of child poverty cases in Pembrokeshire was the highest in Wales.

In October, the Cabinet agreed that prior to implementation of the charges, a further report would be done on the implications of the potential charge.

Cllr Woodham added that it was an ‘ever-changing situation’ and said that although the net budget contribution had originally been set at £86,000, that figure was now less than £10,000.

The Cabinet member for education moved that they receive the report but that they did not introduce the charges at this time.

Cllr Paul Miller added that he had not been supportive of this and said he had never seen the merit of introducing the charge which could restrict pupil’s access to education settings.

Cllr Michelle Bateman added that she had changed her position and agreed with what Cllr Woodham had said.

The proposal from Cllr Woodham was seconded by Cllr Neil Prior who said he was ‘pleased’ to see other changing their minds and added it was the ‘wrong thing to be doing’.

Cllr Cris Tomos said that rural wards in the north east of county were among some of the areas most impacted adding that buses were running through these wards with empty seats.

Before it was put to a vote, Cllr Phil Baker thanked officers for their report but said he was happy to support the recommendation from Cllr Woodham.

The proposal not to introduce the charge was supported unanimously.

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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.