News

Campervanners set to be banned from sleeping in car parks once again

Published

3 months ago

September 8, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A TRIAL scheme for overnight motorhome and campervan parking at some of Pembrokeshire’s car parks is expected to be dropped, but a facility for motorhomes close to the Fishguard ferry may be tested.

Members of the council’s Cabinet, at their February meeting, backed a proposal for a trial run ‘Pembs Stop’ scheme at four car parks: North Beach, Tenby; Goodwick Moor, Goodwick; Townsmoor, Narberth; and Western Way, Pembroke Dock.

The ‘Pembs Stop’ trial areas, available for up to two nights, would operate year-round at £10 a night for a trial 18-month period, then expected to start in July.

It was stressed the scheme was not intended to create ‘campsites,’ with a list of criteria including no LPG bottles or furniture to be stored outside, and no camping waste or recycling points being provided.

The planned trial even received national coverage, with a discussion on a phone-in programme on BBC Radio Wales.

But local tourism businesses have said the proposals will harm them and concerns about the trial were also raised by the official tourism industry group for Pembrokeshire, Visit Pembrokeshire.

A special council scrutiny committee meeting was held in April where the scheme was overwhelmingly rejected, with a recommendation to the council’s Cabinet it is not progressed.

Pembrokeshire’s Cabinet, meeting on September 9, is now recommended to not proceed with the scheme, but instead trial an overnight stopover facility for motorhomes at Goodwick, linked to the ferry port, which had gained some potential support at the April meeting.

That potential stopover facility would be at £10 a night, 7pm-9am.

A report for Cabinet says: “In light of the resolution of scrutiny and further review, it is proposed that the ‘Pembs Stop’ scheme does not progress. Notwithstanding, there is appreciation of specific management issues at focussed locations.

“The amended proposal is therefore to allow overnight stopover, maximum two nights, at a specific car park, namely – Goodwick Moor car park – this will require a Variation to the Off Street Parking order. This matter will be reviewed after 18 months to review usage, impact and to measure outcomes.”

The report, which has various options including going ahead with the ‘Pembs Stop’ scheme despite the committee recommendations, also asks senior councillors to consider extending the scheme to Western Way, Pembroke Dock, close to another ferry port, after three months of trial in Goodwick Moor.

In the case of Goodwick, it states: “It has been noted that Goodwick Moor car park has high usage of Motorhomes, which seems specifically linked with the nearby ferry port. It is considered a trial of overnight stopover in this specific car park would be beneficial in focussing review work.

“It is also considered that having a second site, as part of this trail, would be beneficial, therefore Western Way, Pembroke will be considered following a three-month review of Goodwick Moor, this car park is also linked to a ferry port.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

12 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

19 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

20 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.