News
Protestors unhappy about sex offender living in the community
PROTESTORS gathered on Tuesday night (Oct 4) outside a private residence in Lower Priory that belongs to convicted sex offender, James Robert Kershaw.
A crowd of 25 local people chanted, banged drums and used a megaphone to demand the removal of Mr Kershaw from the community, citing fears for local children as the main reason for their concerns.
When we arrived at the scene, we asked the gathered crowd why they would feel the need to protest, we were told bluntly: “Because he’s a paedophile!”
“We all know he was in the paper for what he did, we know he’s come out for what he did.
“We all know he’s a wrong one. And at the end of the day we don’t think it’s right that he lives around here amongst the community where there are kids.”
Kershaw, now 42, travelled to Carmarthen Railway Station on September 2, 2021 to meet what he believed was an underage girl for sex, Kershaw was in fact met by self-proclaimed ‘paedophile hunters’ who confronted him, he injured one of these individuals with his vehicle as he attempted to flee the scene.
Kershaw, who was cleared of inciting a teenager to engage in sexual activity back in 2017, has recently been released into the community after being imprisoned for sexual communication with a child and assault.
He was quickly joined by officers from Dyfed-Powys Police who secured the property in order to prevent protestors from accessing his home.
Around ten police officers were at the scene.
The police have been asked for a comment.
After the protest Mr Kershaw contacted The Pembrokeshire Herald saying: “I am innocent of the offence, and was put in jail wrongly. This case will be going to the Court of Appeal, where I will clear my name.
“I do not wish to leave my home as I feel that I have done nothing wrong, I am the victim of a miscarriage of justice.”
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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