News
Girl, five, dies in house fire in Pontyglasier, near Crymych
IN A TRAGIC incident that has sent shockwaves through the Pembrokeshire community, a five-year-old girl, Alysia Salisbury, lost her life in a house fire that occurred on Saturday night (May 27).
The devastating incident took place in the quiet village of Pontyglasier, near Crymych.
According to the police, Alysia Salisbury tragically perished at the scene of the blaze, leaving her family and loved ones shattered.
She is described as “a beautiful daughter and sister” by her grieving family.
The fire ignited a massive emergency response, drawing the swift attention of the Dyfed-Powys Police and prompting an outpouring of support for the affected family. Specialist officers have been assigned to provide assistance to Alysia’s relatives during this incredibly difficult time.
Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams expressed the commitment of the police force to collaborate closely with the fire service in determining the cause of the fire. “Our thoughts are with the family and the local community at this tragic time,” he stated, highlighting the shared grief and solidarity within the community.
The family, coping with an unbearable loss, has humbly requested privacy as they navigate through this overwhelming ordeal.
Local councillors John Davies and Shon Rees have taken to social media, rallying the community to come together and extend their support to the devastated family.
They have appealed for donations of clothing, food, and other essential items, emphasising that the family has lost everything and is in dire need of assistance. In a joint statement, the councillors conveyed their heartfelt sympathies, emphasizing their unwavering solidarity with the grieving family.
The swift response to the distress call involved a coordinated effort by fire crews from Crymych, Cardigan, Newcastle Emlyn, Whitland, and Fishguard. Additionally, a specialist turntable ladder from Haverfordwest, a water bowser from Milford Haven, and the Urban Search and Rescue Team were mobilized to tackle fire.
The Welsh Ambulance Service promptly dispatched multiple vehicles to the scene following the call received shortly after 21:45. Their presence was a testament to the dedication and urgency demonstrated by the paramedics in providing medical assistance during the incident.
POLICE STATEMENT:
Dyfed-Powys Police attended a property in the Pontyglasier area, near Crymych, following reports of a house fire at shortly before 10pm on Saturday, 27 May.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, The Welsh Ambulance Service and the Welsh Air Ambulance attended also attended.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, four-year-old Alysia Salisbury died at the scene.
Alysia’s family, who have described her as “a beautiful daughter and sister”, are being supported by specialist officers.
DCI Llyr Williams said: “Our thoughts are with the family and the local community at this tragic time. HM Coroner has been informed and officers will now work with colleagues form the fire service to establish the cause of the fire.
“The family request privacy at this difficult time”
The operation saw fire crews from Crymych, Cardigan, Newcastle Emlyn, Whitland and Fishguard in attendance, with specialist kit a turntable ladder from Haverfordwest, a water bowser from Milford Haven and the Urban Search and Rescue Team in attendance.
A police drone was also used.
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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