News
MP calls for “urgent improvement” at DVLA
Preseli MP Stephen Crabb has called on UK ministers to get a grip on the performance of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) which is trying to clear a backlog of applications for licences. The Agency has struggled during the pandemic with staff safety concerns and industrial disputes.
Dozens of frustrated constituents have contacted the MP over the last six months after failing to receive a response to applications. Some complex cases, such as those involving medical decisions about fitness to drive, are taking months to even receive an acknowledgement.
Mr Crabb attended a meeting with the Minister on Wednesday evening to feed in concerns about the length of time it is taking to turn around some applications.
Commenting on this, MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, Stephen Crabb added:
“For months on end, I have had constituents get in touch about the lack of response they from the DVLA and the lengthy wait times they have endured. It is just not acceptable. With the pandemic behind us, ministers really need to make sure there is urgent improvement in the situation. “
“It is still taking over 25 working days for a paper application form to be processed. For a rural constituency like Pembrokeshire where driving is a necessity for so many people, delays in receiving a licence can have a real impact on daily life and even someone’s ability to get to work and make a living.”
“The minister has told me that the DVLA has introduced additional online services, recruited more staff, increased overtime working and secured extra office space in Swansea and Birmingham. We are starting to see the fruits of this now but I am aware that the DVLA medical department is still battling with a significant backlog which will take at least 6 months to clear. This is simply not acceptable.”
Offering advice to constituents, the MP added,
“ Anyone making an application is advised to do so online where possible, alternatively, the Post Office offer a digital form service with priority processing. If posting a paper form is the only option available then you are encouraged to ensure this is sent by special delivery. It is advisable to keep in regular contact with any medical professional for any outstanding documentation required.”
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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