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Archaeological excavations fail to uncover medieval priory at Cardigan Hospital site

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RECENT archaeological investigations conducted on the grounds of the former Cardigan Hospital have yielded disappointing results, offering limited insights into the possible location of a medieval priory that once stood there. Experts now fear that extensive redevelopment over the centuries has likely obliterated any significant remains from the medieval era.

The excavations, carried out along the northern edge of the site, were part of Phase 1 of the planning conditions imposed by the Dyfed Archaeological Trust. The dig was necessitated by earlier findings that hinted at the presence of a medieval roadside settlement in the area. The subsequent excavation work was initiated in anticipation of the proposed redevelopment of the site by Wales and West Housing.

Although fragments of medieval pottery and jug handles were uncovered during the excavation, EDP heritage planning consultant, Rob Skinner, acknowledged the lack of noteworthy discoveries. “We’ve found some pieces of medieval pottery and some jug handles, but unfortunately, in addition to these, nothing particularly exciting has been found,” remarked Skinner.

The overall condition of the site, heavily disturbed and altered over the centuries, posed a significant challenge to the archaeological team. Large portions of land had been excavated and filled with rubble and other materials during subsequent developmental phases. Consequently, the disrupted state of the site has hindered the retrieval of a coherent archaeological record.

Skinner further explained, “Over the centuries, the site has been developed and changed in so many different directions, with the result that the archaeological picture has been severely disturbed. This means that the majority of what’s been found dates from the 17th and 18th centuries, with very little dating before.”

These findings suggest that the priory may have occupied the exact location where remnants of a 17th-century house still stand today. Consequently, the archaeological team is beginning to believe that the priory’s remains may never be unearthed. “If this is the case, it means that the remains of the priory will never be found,” added Mr. Skinner with a hint of disappointment.

While the first phase of excavations concluded in May, the Dyfed Archaeological Trust plans to commence the second phase later this year. The upcoming dig will shift focus to the western side of the site, closer to the church, in the hopes of uncovering additional historical artifacts and shedding further light on the site’s past.

In the midst of these archaeological developments, Wales and West Housing has confirmed that a press statement will be issued later this summer, as they have encountered “some issues” during the development process. The housing developers had initially aimed for the opening of their new 34 eco-friendly apartments by the summer of 2023. However, they announced last year that construction would be delayed until this summer, attributing the setback to challenges related to the availability of materials and labor in the construction sector.

As excavations continue and the fate of the priory remains elusive, the archaeological team remains committed to unraveling the mysteries of the former Cardigan Hospital site.

Business

Stena announces redundancy plan amid uncertainty for Pembrokeshire

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FREIGHT carrier and ferry operator Stena Line, which runs services between Fishguard and Pembroke Dock, has announced plans to cut up to 80 staff members following an internal review.

Uncertainty looms over whether any of these redundancies will impact staff operating our local ferry services.

Stena CEO Paul Grant shared the news in an email to employees on Monday, citing a need to “future proof the company.” He explained that an internal assessment revealed the company’s current organisational structure as “too big and expensive” compared to its revenue.

The decision comes amid rising costs and increased competition in the freight and travel sectors.

According to Mr. Grant, “Cost pressure due to higher inflation has led to our customers having less money to spend, and with the introduction of the European Emission Trading Scheme (ETS), increasing our prices, we see a decline in volumes for both travel and freight.” Additionally, disappointing sales during the summer season and unmet market growth expectations for 2024 contributed to the restructuring.

The program, designed to strengthen Stena’s long-term business viability, includes a reduction of costs, prioritization of investments, and staff cuts that will primarily impact support functions and consultants. The workforce will be reduced by 80 positions by early 2025, along with 30 consultants also set to leave the company. Discussions with unions and work councils are expected to last several months, with all affected staff to be informed of their status by January 31, 2025.

In response to this announcement, the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) has demanded a meeting with Stena Line to clarify the impact of these cuts, particularly on their members.

TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust expressed disappointment over the handling of the announcement, stating: “Our members are shocked by this news and outraged that Stena has chosen to sidestep established industrial relations processes. Stena must meet with us urgently to clarify who is at risk and address the potential impacts on our members.”

The layoffs are part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at securing Stena Line’s future amid sustainability challenges. CEO Niclas Mårtensson acknowledged the difficult decision, stating, “Stena Line has been a successful company over the past few years; however, we need to ensure a lower cost base to be able to future proof the company. With 40 vessels in Europe and the Mediterranean, we have significant sustainability challenges ahead of us, and this program will enable us to make necessary investments for the future.”

The TSSA’s letter to Stena reiterates the union’s commitment to supporting affected employees and calls for an immediate discussion to clarify the situation, especially for staff at Fishguard who may be impacted.

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UK government to appoint first Wales Crown Estate Commissioner

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FOR the first time, the UK government will appoint a Crown Estate Commissioner dedicated to advising on matters in Wales, further integrating Welsh interests in board-level decisions. This move supports existing efforts to ensure that Wales benefits from the push for clean energy, following an agreement facilitated by the Welsh Secretary.

An amendment to the Crown Estate Bill, with cross-party backing from Labour, Plaid Cymru, Liberal Democrats, and crossbenchers, will be accepted at today’s Lords Report Stage (Nov 5). This change mandates the appointment of a Wales-specific Commissioner through the Public Appointments process, with input from the Welsh Government. The appointee will bear “an additional responsibility” to represent Welsh conditions and interests, amplifying Wales’s voice within the Crown Estate.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has collaborated with the Treasury, The Crown Estate, House of Lords members, and the Welsh Government to secure this legislative advancement. The Crown Estate, instrumental in drawing international investment to Wales, supports projects like Floating Offshore Wind in the Celtic Sea, which promises cleaner energy and job creation.

The introduction of a Wales-specific Commissioner strengthens The Crown Estate’s mission to serve the entire UK while averting potential market fragmentation and protecting international investor confidence critical to the net-zero transition.

In a related effort, Great British Energy, the government’s new public energy firm, recently partnered with The Crown Estate to expedite renewable energy advancements. This initiative could attract up to £60bn in private investment, boosting the UK’s journey toward energy independence.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens stated: “This is a landmark step toward ensuring that Welsh prosperity is at the heart of the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower. Our nation stands to benefit hugely from investment in floating offshore wind, and we now have the representation we need to help seize that moment. This demonstrates how Wales benefits directly from its two governments working together, and I’m grateful to Lord Livermore, The Crown Estate, and others for helping to make this happen.”

Sir Robin Budenberg CBE, Chair of The Crown Estate, said: “In seeking to increase the number of Commissioners from eight to twelve, The Crown Estate welcomes the opportunity now presented by this amendment to bring even more direct knowledge and understanding of the areas in which we operate and further strengthen our ability to deliver benefit to the whole of the UK.”

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Crime

Arrests made after large-scale cannabis operation raided in Pembroke Dock

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POLICE in Pembroke Dock have uncovered yet another large-scale cannabis operation, as part of an ongoing clampdown on illegal farms in the area. On Monday (Nov 4), Dyfed-Powys Police executed a search warrant at a property on Dimond Street, where officers found over 500 cannabis plants in a sophisticated cultivation setup.

Two men, aged 26 and 34, have been arrested in connection with the investigation and are currently in police custody. The raid follows a series of similar operations in Pembrokeshire, targeting properties used for illegal drug cultivation.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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