News
Anti-racism commitment call to Pembrokeshire council
A CALL for an anti-racism commitment at Pembrokeshire County Council will be heard later this week.
A notice of motion signed by all 10 members of the county council’s Labour group, says: “The publication of the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan, aims to make Wales an Anti-Racist Nation with the purpose to collectively make a significant change to the lives of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people.”
It asks that: “Pembrokeshire County Council recognises the importance of fostering an inclusive and anti-racist community that values diversity and promotes equality.
“Recent events have highlighted the need for proactive measures to address racism and ensure that our community remains a welcoming and safe space for all residents.
“As such the Labour Group on Pembrokeshire County Council wishes to put forward the following: Notice of Motion: Anti-Racist Pembrokeshire County Council Action Plan.
“Pembrokeshire County Council reaffirms its commitment to promoting anti-racism and fostering an inclusive environment within Pembrokeshire and Wales.
“The council will actively work to eliminate racial discrimination and prejudice, both within its own operations and in the wider community.
“Pembrokeshire County Council will collaborate with local organisations, community leaders, and residents to develop and implement anti-racist initiatives and programmes.
“Pembrokeshire County Council will review and strengthen existing policies to ensure they are inclusive and address any systemic issues that may contribute to racial disparities.
“The council will provide anti-racism training for staff, elected officials, and community leaders to raise awareness and promote cultural competence.
We will establish a working group dedicated to monitoring and addressing issues related to racism, with regular updates provided to the council.
“The council commits to engaging with the community to listen to the experiences and concerns of residents affected by racism and to take appropriate actions to address these concerns.
“The council will celebrate diversity and promote cultural awareness through events, education, and community engagement initiatives.”
The notice, signed by Cllr Thomas Tudor, Cllr Guy Woodham, Cllr Simon Hancock, Cllr Tony Wilcox, Cllr Maureen Bowen, Cllr Paul Miller, Cllr Jordan Ryan, Cllr Marc Tierney, Cllr Nicola Gwynn and Cllr Joshua Beynon, concludes: “This motion reflects Pembrokeshire County Councils commitment to building a more inclusive and anti-racist community.
“By taking these steps, we aim to foster understanding, unity, and equality for all residents in Pembrokeshire.”
The notice will be considered at the March 7 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council.
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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