News
Pay by phone option introduced for Pembrokeshire Council car parks
A PARTNERSHIP between Pembrokeshire County Council and parking payment provider PayByPhone will make it easier for people to pay for parking as lockdown restrictions are gradually eased.
Under the scheme, drivers in Pembrokeshire will get the option of cashless parking at 3,000 off-street parking spaces across 32 locations.
This service will be available from tomorrow, Wednesday, 31st March 2021, when drivers will be able to pay for their parking safely and securely using their mobile devices.
Drivers are encouraged to download the PayByPhone app which is available for both Apple and Android devices.
Drivers will still have the option to pay by card at machines if they prefer, and with cash where available, until cash payments are phased out.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has already partnered with PayByPhone and Pembrokeshire is the sixth Welsh county to launch PayByPhone since summer 2020, joining Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Cllr Phil Baker, Cabinet Member for infrastructure at Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “We’re delighted to be working with PayByPhone to provide a cashless parking payment option that gives our residents and visitors across the whole County an alternative way to pay for parking.
“Although we will retain card payments, the new cashless option via the PayByPhone app is in line with our programme to deliver cashless payment options across all our car parks.”
The PayByPhone app is quick and easy to download and use to pay for parking, or drivers can also call the PayByPhone automated payment service line, the telephone number which is displayed on signs in the car parks.
Adam Dolphin, Sales Director for PayByPhone UK, says: “We’re delighted to be working with Pembrokeshire County Council. The shift away from using notes and coins sparked by the pandemic is not only the smart choice, but it’s also one that should be relatively easy for
most.
“As Wales and the rest of the UK eases out of lockdown, it’s reassuring to see our technology making a positive impact on society – making people’s lives easier.”
To find out more about PayByPhone, see: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/paybyphone
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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