News

New-build Pembrokeshire home part-collapses raising safety concerns

Published

1 year ago

September 29, 2023

EMERGENCY SERVICES responded to Oak Grove estate in Twycross on the outskirts of Tenby, when a newly-built home’s side wall collapsed unexpectedly.

This occurred while the owner, Scott Ferney, was fortunately away on holiday. The unsettling incident has sent shockwaves through the community and cast shadows over the safety of the other properties on the estate.

Kevin Ferney, Scott’s father, voiced the family’s distress, stating, “As a parent, we want him [Scott] away from here just in case something else becomes unsafe. If he’d been here, there could’ve been a fatality.” This incident is reportedly the second of its kind in recent months on the estate developed by Mill Bay Homes. Earlier, a porch from a property on the same estate was reported to have detached without any warning.

Pembrokeshire county councillor for the area, Rhys Jordan, who has been fervently active in voicing concerns over the estate’s safety, said he would be “fighting tooth and nail” to ensure the residents have peace of mind about the safety of their homes. Jordan declared his intentions to commission a full structural survey for all the properties in the estate, partnering with the developer, Mill Bay Homes, to determine the cause of the collapses.

Built around 2020, the Oak Grove estate, primarily consisting of privately-owned homes, seems to have been plagued with issues. Residents claim they’ve been grappling with repeated flooding issues in some regions of the estate. Intriguingly, the wall collapse on September 27 preceded the arrival of Storm Agnes. According to Councillor Jordan, it was a fortunate coincidence that the owner was away during the incident, as the tumbling bricks “decimated” a garden cabin, which Scott Ferney typically uses as a workspace during the day.

The emergency response was swift with fire crews from the Mid and West Wales Fire Service attending the scene at around 4.30pm. A representative from the service detailed the damage, stating, “A section of a property’s gable end had collapsed onto a garden building as well as a car parking area on the nearby roadway.” The area was promptly cordoned off, with the electricity supply to the property being cut off and a structural engineer evaluating the extent of the damage.

The local councillor, Rhys Jordan, in an address to the residents of Oak Grove, reassured them saying, “The fire brigade has promptly attended the scene and ensured the area is safe. Further investigation into this incident will commence as soon as the ongoing storm subsides. At this moment, the cause of the property failure is unknown.”

Photos Courtesy: Rhys Jordan

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

21 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.