News
PCC Leader’s update June 4 th – here’s to a busy Whitsun week:
Hello everyone, hope you are enjoying the nice weather and Whitsun break. This week is Volunteers Week, 1 st June – 7 th June – and I want to thank all the people who give their time freely to volunteer and offer a helping hand in their community. While we have all done a fantastic job in supporting our communities during the pandemic I’m very aware of the great support offered by volunteers across the county – a true spirit of supporting each other. Volunteers have stepped forward from community groups, conservation, heritage, sports etc. – so a huge thank you to you all.
Last weekend and this week we have seen a huge increase in people enjoying and exploring our county. Our car parks have been full, litter bins emptied, toilets cleaned, streets swept, beaches kept clean to ensure we keep Pembrokeshire safe, clean and welcoming to all. I want to personally thank all our officers out on the ground – they have done a fantastic job as usual and appreciated by all.
To support our officers I ask you all to consider taking your rubbish home, please recycle, and plan ahead – it’s important that we all work together as our communities reopen and rebuild after the lockdown period.
This week I have received numerous comments on how wonderful Pembrokeshire is as a county and what a great place to live and visit – this always puts a smile on my face and I fully agree Pembrokeshire is a fabulous county that we all should be proud off.
Golden beaches, places to explore, great communities and fantastic walks – why do you love Pembrokeshire?
Next week is Carers Week, where we will recognise the vital work of carers and highlight the support available. This annual campaign will raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities across the UK. The role that carers play in our society is invaluable and must not be under-estimated. Carers Week is the perfect time to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible efforts of carers day in, day out.
Today the First Minister has announced amendments to the alert levels and road map – officers will now be reviewing the information.
So thank you once again for taking the time to read my update – it’s hard to believe we are in June already. I want to wish you all a lovely weekend.
Please take care and look out for those who need to support.
David Simpson
Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council
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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