News

Don’t trespass on the rail network in Wales and the borders

Published

2 years ago

April 5, 2023

BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE is urging parents and carers across Wales and the borders areas to warn children and young people of the dangers of trespassing over Easter break.

As schools are now closed for Easter, officers want to remind children and young people of the dangers of being trackside and not to make train tracks their playground.

The rail network operates 24 hours a day with passenger services and freight, with trains travelling at very high speeds. Part of the network is also electrified, conducting 25,000 volts of electricity that can jump from overhead lines. All these aspects make for an extremely dangerous environment that can easily leave people with devastating life changing injuries, or even result in death.

BTP Wales and Borders Superintendent, Andrew Morgan, said: “Many children and young people look at the railway as an exciting place, but it is far from it. Those people who work and operate across the network are highly skilled and undertake constant training because the environment can be a deadly place and I would urge all parents and carers to have conversations with their loved ones about these dangers. It’s also important to remember that trespassing on the rail network is not only dangerous, but is also illegal.

“As with all school holidays, we always increase our patrols during these times, looking proactively for those breaking the law. I would urge any member of the public who witnesses anyone trespassing to let us know by texting or calling us. In an emergency, always dial 999.”

TfW Safety, Sustainability and Risk Director Leyton Powell said: “It’s never ever worth taking a risk by trespassing, not only is it illegal it can result in significant injury or loss. Whether you’re playing with friends, taking a short cut or taking healthy exercise, please don’t do this on or near a railway line. Trains can approach quickly and silently and must be treated with respect. If you’re out with friends or your children are going out for the day, please do the right thing and remind them to stay safe too.”

People can contact BTP via text on 61016, by downloading the Railway Guardian App or by calling 0800 40 50 40, always dial 999 in an emergency.

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.