News
Call for new Welsh Secretary to step in to help Mustang Marine creditors
The newly appointed Secretary of State for Wales, local Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb, must step in to help local creditors following the collapse of boat building company Mustang Marine, according to Labour Parliamentary Candidate for South Pembrokeshire Delyth Evans. In a new development, Milford Haven Port Authority Chairman Peter Jones has been asked by the UK Government to look into all aspects of the Port’s involvement with Mustang Marine and to report back to the Government with his findings. Ms Evans says this puts the ball firmly back in in the Port Authority’s court, and it is up to the new Welsh Secretary and local MP Stephen Crabb to ensure that decisive action is now taken on behalf of the creditors.
“I am calling on Stephen Crabb in his new Cabinet role to ensure that the Port Authority takes responsibility for the debts owed to local businesses as 50% shareholders and as directors of Mustang Marine. The Port Authority must have known Mustang was in financial difficulties but allowed the company to carry on doing business with local firms when it did not have the money to pay them for their work. Mr. Crabb must understand that people’s livelihoods are at stake here. These local businesses are stakeholders in the Port Authority as a Trust Port, and their debts should be honoured by the Port.”
It has been suggested that a Community Interest Company should be set up whereby the profits from the operation of the Dry Dock would be used to pay back local creditors. Ms Evans says this plan might come too late for some businesses. “I spoke to one of the creditors who was on his way to the bank to see if he could get an emergency loan to pay his workforce. This is how bad things have got because of the unpaid debts left by Mustang. Action needs to be taken now to stop these local businesses going to the wall. “
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.
Crime
Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm
THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.
Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.
The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.
“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.
“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.
“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”
-
News1 day ago
Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route
-
Top News5 days ago
Pembrokeshire man jailed after repeatedly punching pregnant wife
-
Top News5 days ago
Police investigate dogs seen persistently chasing sheep on Pembrokeshire airfield
-
News6 days ago
Dyfed-Powys Police launches attempted murder investigation
-
News6 days ago
Heroes of the storm: How Council workers rallied during rare red wind warning
-
Top News5 days ago
Milford man dealt ‘persistent’ blows on girlfriend after urinating in flat
-
News6 days ago
Engine room fire caused by loose fuel pipe connection previously flagged
-
News5 days ago
Children seen kicking and ‘egging’ doors near Pembrokeshire train station in early hours
Andrew Lye
July 21, 2014 at 11:54 am
This seems a fair request. A business collapse always hits those at the bottom of the pecking order, hardest.
Paul Hill
July 21, 2014 at 3:58 pm
Come on Mr Crabb, let’s see what your made off….