News

Snow and ice in Pembs: Some schools closed and police warn of road dangers

Published

11 months ago

January 18, 2024

Good morning, residents of snowy Pembrokeshire.

In light of the cold weather conditions affecting the county, we are keeping you informed with the latest updates on road safety, school closures, and public transport alterations.

As of 06:00 AM, travellers are advised to exercise extreme caution on the A487 route from Newgale to Haverfordwest. This stretch has become treacherous due to significant ice accumulation. Authorities recommend allowing extra time for travel along this route, as the icy conditions have considerably increased the risk of accidents.
By 06:30 AM, the A487 near Boncath experienced disruptions. A lorry, unable to navigate the snowy and icy hill at Rhos Hill near the turnoff to Boncath, became a partial roadblock. Efforts are underway to safely remove the vehicle and restore normal traffic flow.
Schools have been significantly impacted by these harsh conditions. At 07:20 AM, Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi announced its closure for the day, citing the severe weather and the cancellation of school buses. The safety of students and staff is paramount, and the decision to close was made to ensure their wellbeing.
Shortly thereafter, at 07:23 AM, further potential school closures were reported. Portfield School, Pembroke Dock School, Neyland LRC, Goodwick School, and Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi are likely to remain closed today. However, Pembrokeshire College, Milford Haven Community Primary School, and Cosheston VC have reported that they will remain open.
Richard Bros. announced at 08:00 AM the suspension of all school and college service routes until further notice. This decision, made in response to the adverse weather and road conditions, aims to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff. Richard Bros. apologises for any inconvenience caused and urges the public to stay updated for further notices.
At 7:46am there were reports of cars stuck on Newgale Hill.
At 07:52am The council said Mary Immaculate School, Haverfordwest says it can open.
At 07:53am Cilgerran Church in Wales VC School will be closed today .
At 07:55am The council said Pembrokeshire Learning Centre will be closed today.
At 07:56am We received news that Puncheston Community Primary School will be closed today.
At 07:56am It was confirmed that Roch Community School will be closed today.
At 07:58am The council said Ysgol Bro Ingli – Newport will be closed today.
At 07:59am We received news that Ysgol Caer Elen will be closed today.
At 08:00am It was decided that Ysgol Gymunedol Brynconin – Llandissilio will be closed today.
At 08:04am We received news that Ysgol Gymunedol Maenclochog will be closed today.
At 08:04am Goodwick Community School will be closed today.
At 08:05am It was confirmed that Ysgol Llandudoch – St Dogmaels will be closed today.
At 08:06am Confirmed that Ysgol Llanychllwydog – Gwaun Valley will be closed today.
At 08:07am The council said Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA will be closed today.
At 08:09am It was confirmed that Ysgol Bro Preseli will be closed today.

08:09am – Holy Name Catholic Primary School in Fishguard will be partially closed today due to staff shortages caused by adverse weather conditions. Classes 4 and 5 will be closed this morning Work will be set on Google Classroom If we are able to safely reopen the classes later today we will inform parents
08:10am – Ysgol Ger y Llan in Letterston will be partially closed today Staff say conditions will be re-assessed by 10am and parents contacted via Seesaw
08:11am – Ysgol Hafan y Môr will be partially closed today as some staff are unable to reach the school site. The school will be partially open today. This means open to pupils in yrs. 3 – 6 however the school is closed to all pupils in Nursery, Reception, Yrs. 1 + 2. Breakfast club open – yrs. 3 -6 only Cylch Meithrin is open. School says apologies for any inconvenience this may cause however the health and safety of staff is paramount. Thank you for your understanding.
08:23am – Coastlands School – St Ishmaels will be partially closed today.
08:24am – Haverfordwest High VC School will be partially closed today. School is closed to KS3 and Open to KS4 and 5.
08.34am – Road between the country road between St Davids Road and Nolton Haven is impassable for cars.
08:51am – B4329 road at Poyston Cross, Haverfordwest, is currently obstructed due to a single-vehicle traffic collision.
09:00am – Pembrokeshire County Council have announced that there are challenges surrounding waste and recycling collections this morning due to weather conditions. Collections will be later starting than usual, and when commencing, priority will be given to Residual (grey/black bags) and AHP (purple bags) collections. We will make every effort to collect where it it safe to do so, however wherever possible can households please keep their recycling until the next collection day.
09:20am – Update from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – We’re aware of snow falling across many areas of the National Park overnight and this morning. We’d advise everyone to be cautious if you’re heading out – and be mindful that some local roads are already in a treacherous condition. For those planning to enjoy the snow, please remember that much of the land in the National Park, including North Pembrokeshire, is privately owned. Have fun, but please respect the land, farmers and their livestock. Take all litter home with you and park wisely, without blocking gates or roads that may be used by local residents, landowners and emergency services.
09:21am – Pembrokeshire County Council have said that primary routes and secondary routes have been gritted and are being patrolled again this morning but conditions remain very icy and slippery. Untreated routes will be hazardous and dangerous. Please take caution and cnsider if journey is essential. Coastal roads are reported as dangerous.
09:22am Police confirm road closure at Jackson Way and Goodwick Hill, Goodwick. Drivers are reminded to follow diversion routes which will be gritted.
09:31am Pembrokeshire County Council said A478 has been gritted but road is icy, especially around Rhoshill. Reports of cars being stuck also between Cardigan and Crymych at Bridell.
09:40am Emergency services are still dealing with accident on the A478 at Newgale Hill, police said.
09:59am Warning from local residents that Snowdrop Lane in Haverfordwest is very icy and to proceed with care
10:04am Warning that B4318 is blocked due to lorry stuck on hill due to ice/snow between Tavernspite and Red Roses. Team deployed by Pembrokeshire County Council to assist.
10:52am Avoid the back road past the Priory Inn, Lower Priory, Milford Haven, vans and cars stuck all over the place, the snow has frozen, so very slippy.
11:08am Gritting lorry stuck in snow near Scolton Manor, take care to avoid obstruction.
11:09am Road closure at Saundersfoot and Stop & Call, Goodwick due to burst water mains. Drivers are reminded to follow diversion routes which are gritted.
11:10am Road closure for the B4582 requested between Croft and Nevern due to several vehicles stuck
11:12am B4313 between Fishguard and Llanacher at Trebover Hill only passable by 4 x 4 cars unable to pass
11:13am Back roads around Letterston and Wolfscastle are not passable with a number of cars getting stuck
11:15am A478: Icy especially between Cardigan and Crymych at Bridell.
11:17am A487: Icy conditions around each side of Newgale on the hills
11:20am Hill on Glenover fields, Redhill park, side roads around Trafalgar roads in Haverfordwest are very icy
11:22am Take care on Johnston to Troopers Inn and Church Road
11:20am B4329 Haverfordwest to Cardigan road between Scolton and Crundale: Car accident
11:27am Road between Jordanston and Rosemarket around St Mary’s Park: Car Stuck and Public transport blocked. Team deployed by council.
11:30am Roads around Milford Haven are reporting as hazardous due to frost freezing over the snow. Fender bender on Victoria Road and also at Murray Road.
11:32am Take care on B4313 between Fishguard and Llanacher at Trebover Hill only passable by 4×4 – ordinary cars are unable to pass, police said.
11:36am A number of cars are blocking the access road between the A40 and Sealyham
11:47am Roads around Eglwyswrw, Llangwm, Letterston, Ambleston, Little Newcastle,, Wolfsdale, Leweston, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Keeston very slippy and have difficult driving conditions to name a few – Pembrokeshire County Council warning.
13.10pm The A487 between Fishguard and Cardigan has been closed in both directions due to snow. Police are currently on scene. Pembrokeshire County Council have been informed. Please avoid the area and find an alternative route.

The Pembrokeshire Herald urges all residents to stay informed, plan ahead, and prioritise safety during these challenging weather conditions. For the latest updates, please continue to follow our website and stay tuned for any further announcements.

Stay safe, Pembrokeshire.

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

6 hours 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

6 hours 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.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

7 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.

Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.

The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.

“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.

“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”