News
New Minister Appointed to Welsh Government Cabinet
THE WELSH Government has announced a new addition to its Cabinet team. Sarah Murphy has been appointed as the Minister for Social Partnership, bringing her expertise and leadership to a critical role within the government.
First Minister Vaughan Gething made the announcement earlier today, expressing his enthusiasm for Sarah Murphy’s appointment. In his statement, Gething highlighted Murphy’s responsibility to advance the government’s collaborative efforts with its valued social partners. Her role will also encompass providing leadership across the creative, hospitality, tourism, and retail sectors—areas vital to Wales’ economic and cultural vitality.
“I warmly welcome Sarah to my talented and ambitious Cabinet team,” said Gething. “Her experience and dedication will be invaluable as we continue our work in these key sectors.”
Sarah Murphy’s appointment is expected to bolster the Welsh Government’s initiatives and strengthen partnerships across various industries, ensuring continued growth and innovation within Wales.
Photo: Matthew Horwood
Business
Three daily sailings from Pembroke to Rosslare from January 7
THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has confirmed it will facilitate a third daily ferry sailing from Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal to Rosslare on a temporary basis from 7th January 2025. Irish Ferries vessel the ‘Isle of Innisfree’ will call at the Port in addition to the twice-daily scheduled call of the ‘James Joyce’.
Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, Tom Sawyer, said: “Since the temporary closure of Holyhead Port, the Port of Milford Haven has been working in close collaboration with the Department for Transport, Welsh Government and Irish Ferries to identify ways in which it can support the national effort to move freight and passengers between Britain and Ireland.
“As the UK’s largest energy port responsible for the facilitation of around 20% of the UK’s energy needs, we have had to look carefully at how we can support additional ferry traffic without impacting vital UK energy supplies.
“After careful analysis we have identified that we can accommodate an additional daily ferry sailing from Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal on a temporary basis. This third sailing of Irish Ferries vessel ‘Isle of Innisfree’ will be in addition to the usual twice-daily sailing of the ‘James Joyce’. However, whilst the James Joyce will be departing from Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal at its usual timetabled slots of 02:45 and 14:45, the Isle of Innisfree departure time will be dependent on other traffic movements, although we will be aiming for a departure time of 0600 where possible.
“Thank you to all our customers for their patience and understanding whilst we have taken time to identify ways to support all traffic movements on the Milford Haven Waterway. Finally, thank you to the community of Pembroke Dock who have endured additional traffic through the town throughout this period.”
Crime
Haverfordwest man accused of racially aggravated harassment
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been accused of racially aggravated harassment against a Haverfordwest town councillor.
Lee Woodmass, 48, of Hywel Road, Haverfordwest, is alleged to have harassed Councillor Randell Turner-Thomas, who represents the Castle ward, during an incident in the town centre on August 6 last year.
Woodmass is accused of intentionally causing alarm or distress to Cllr Turner-Thomas during an altercation.
Woodmass previously appeared before a district judge sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where he denied the charge. He elected a Crown Court trial, and proceedings commenced on November 29.
The defendant later pleaded guilty to the offence on a basis, but this was not accepted by the prosecution.
A Newton Hearing will take place at Swansea Crown Court on January 2 to determine the facts of the case.
News
Angle RNLI locate missing person in early morning search
THE ANGLE LIFEBOAT’S crew were paged at 3:23am this morning (Sun, Dec 29) to assist the police with a search for a missing person in the Milford Haven area. Police officers had located an item of clothing on the beach and with concern that a person may have entered the water, the lifeboat was requested to assist.
Tasked to search from Milford Beach to the Rath, the lifeboat was soon on scene and a search was commenced. Not long into the search, the crew spotted a casualty on the rocks to the east of Milford Beach.
The Y boat was deployed and a crew member went ashore to reassure the casualty. Shortly after, the person was taken onboard the Y boat and handed over to police officers and members of Dale and Broad Haven Costguard Rescue Teams at the bottom of Slip Hill. With the casualty cold and wet, Y boat returned to the lifeboat to collect blankets.
After a brief handover, the Y boat was recovered and the lifeboat returned to her berth and readied for further service by 4:45am.
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