News

Short-stay parking charges set to double

Published

2 years ago

February 15, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

SHORT-STAY parking charges to use the majority of Pembrokeshire’s paid-for car parks are set to double following a decision by senior councillors.

A report for members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, meeting on February 13, recommended most all-year car parks in the county would see the rise for one hour parking go up from 50p to £1, with smaller proportionate increases – and even reductions in some cases – for longer stays.

It also recommended increases in permit charges at many car parks and smaller increases at seasonal charging car parks.

Another proposed development is the introduction of a pay and display car park at County Hall, Haverfordwest.

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Councillor Rhys Sinnett said the rises were “not a simple let’s raise everything to deal with the financial situation”.

“We’ve tried to minimise this as much as possible, car parking is an asset that needs to be maintained. We have in the county 95 car parks but only 36 of these have charges levied on them but yet we have to maintain the other 59.”

Between 7am and 5pm it will be restricted to County Hall permit holders only, a report for members said, adding that outside this period, and at weekends and bank holidays it would be used as a Pay and Display.

Members supported recommendations that the changes are introduced from April 3, and that a pay and display is introduced at County Hall, Haverfordwest.

Key points

Increasing current 50p per hour for town centre car parks. Town centre car parks still have lower tariffs than coastal car parks to assist in town centre footfall
Current seasonal charging car parks will remain free parking from November 1 to February 28
Permits will be available for regular users of car parks
Pop and Shop free parking bays will remain
Town centre car parks charges for all day duration will be lower in proportion to short-stay charges
Coastal car parks charges have been increased to support turnover and to assist with peak demand
Current free car parks will not be impacted

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

22 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.