News
Crabb calls for action on crippling energy price hike
PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb has called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to step in and help people being hit by soaring energy prices.
Speaking in a busy House of Commons chamber yesterday, Mr Crabb highlighted a couple from Pembrokeshire who have already been told their fixed tariff bills will more than double.
With some people arguing for a VAT cut to electricity bills or for the Government to slash the levies on bills which fund green energy, Mr Crabb instead urged the Chancellor to use the existing Warm Home Discount Scheme to help vulnerable customers quickly. He favours extending the scheme to reach more families and increasing the amount of support available.
Currently, the Warm Home Discount Scheme sees bills reduced by £140. Individuals and families are eligible to apply should they fit into one of two categories: those who receive Pension Credit Guarantee or those who are on low incomes. Mr Crabb is concerned this does not go far enough and help is needed for those working families who just miss out on support. The Preseli MP believes that action is needed now to ease the pressure of the price hikes.
Commenting on the looming energy increase, Crabb stated: “I have already had constituents getting in touch with me about the expected increase in energy prices. It is a real worry for families all across the country which is why I’m looking for the Government to get behind this issue and offer some support to a greater number of households.’
“At present, eligibility for the Warm Home Discount Scheme is limited to a small grouping, the Chancellor should look at increasing the amount, as well as extending the current eligibility criteria. Without a change in approach, millions of families are going to be pushed nearer to the poverty line.”
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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