News

Local Conservatives condemn Winter Fuel Payment cut

Published

3 months ago

September 12, 2024

AROUND 21,000 pensioners in Mid and South Pembrokeshire are set to lose up to £300 in Winter Fuel Payments after Labour MPs voted to scrap the scheme in the House of Commons on September 10.

Labour claims it was left with no choice but to cut the allowance, which is a tiny fraction of overall public spending, to balance the national books. Its wildly unpopular decision was announced shortly before the government announced inflation-busting pay rises for striking railway staff.

A total of 347 Labour MPs, including the Labour MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, voted to cut these vital payments despite warnings that pensioners could be forced to choose between heating and eating this winter.

Following the vote, which only occurred due to significant pressure from the Conservatives, Samuel Kurtz, Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, vowed to continue fighting for vulnerable older people throughout the winter.

He also committed to lobbying the Government to reverse its decision, warning that pensioners will not forget Sir Keir Starmer and his Labour Government’s actions as Labour’s union paymasters enjoy above-inflation pay rises.

Samuel Kurtz MS commented: “This heartless decision clearly shows where Sir Keir Starmer and his Labour Government’s priorities lie, and it’s certainly not with the 21,000 pensioners in Mid and South Pembrokeshire.

“Despite knowing that older people will struggle to heat their homes this winter – their own report acknowledged this – Labour MPs still chose to strip pensioners of this vital support.

“It hasn’t taken long for Labour ministers and this Government to reveal their true colours.

“I would have voted against this plan, and I will continue to do everything in my power to support vulnerable pensioners through the challenging winter months ahead.”

Preseli Pembrokeshire MS Paul Davies warned that the decision to cut winter fuel payments would have huge implications in Pembrokeshire.

Only pensioners who claim pension credit will now receive the payment of up to £300 this winter to help with higher heating bills.

Mr Davies said, “The next few months will be very uncomfortable for many local pensioners, who will now be unable to receive a winter fuel payment. These payments were a lifeline to pensioners, and the UK Government’s decision to cut them is callous and cruel.

“The policy has been rushed through without serious consideration of the impact
that it will have – and it’s disappointing that MPs have not done more to scrutinise
this policy and hold the UK Labour Government to account.

“Thousands of local pensioners in Pembrokeshire will go without this valuable support this winter because of the UK Labour Government’s rush to implement this policy.

“It’s absolutely appalling, and the pensioners of Pembrokeshire deserve better.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

7 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

15 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

15 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.