News
Fflecsi Pembrokeshire expansion to launch this summer
A NEW Fflecsi bus zone that includes Tenby will be launched in time for the summer holidays by Transport for Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council.
As well as covering the popular tourist destinations of Tenby and Saundersfoot, the new demand responsive transport zone will service inland communities as far as Pembroke and Pembroke Dock.
The zone will replace the current 360 and 361 fixed-line services between Tenby and Pembroke Dock, providing a more sustainable and usable service for communities without a regular bus service as well as linking with railway stations.
The Council has received £180,000 of grant funding from the Welsh Government Public Transport Improvement Fund to support the expansion.
Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said: “The awarding of grant funding to enable the expansion of fflecsi Pembrokeshire services is fantastic news for residents and visitors.
“The existing provision has proven to be very successful in opening up the service to a wider area and providing greater travel options for passengers.
“fflecsi will also enable travel via public transport on a Saturday which has not been available in many areas for some time.”
The newly introduced Dale Peninsula zone will be expanded eastwards beyond Milford Haven, replacing some of the journeys on the 308 fixed-line service covering Burton, Llangwm, Hook, Freystrop, Rosemarket and Merlin’s Bridge.
The first and last 308 journeys will remain to enable College Students and commuters to continue to travel without the need to book.
The current fflecsi zone has seen significant passenger growth since it replaced the 315 fixed-line service earlier this year.
A revised fflecsi Bwcabus zone will extend to cover Crymych, Llandissilio and Clynderwen, providing improved connections with the 430 fixed-line route between Cardigan and Narberth.
The Bwcabus area previously covering Hayscastle Cross, Castlemorris and Llangloffan will be served by the Northwest Pembrokeshire zone.
From Monday, 24th July the new fflesci zones will be available anytime between 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Saturday. Booking opens from Wednesday, 19th July via the fflecsi app or by phoning 0300 234 0300.
Lee Robinson, Development Director for Mid, North and Rural Wales at Transport for Wales, said: “fflecsi Pembrokeshire is a fantastic example of how demand responsive transport can transform transport opportunities for rural communities in Wales and I’m delighted to see the service expanding across the county.
“We’re committed to promoting sustainable tourism across Wales and the new zone between Saundersfoot and Pembroke Dock will allow visitors travelling to the area by rail to make their onward journeys using fflecsi.
“The recently introduced Dale Peninsula continues to see increased passenger growth and its expansion will allow more communities to benefit from greater connectivity to the wider bus and rail network.”
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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