News
Collapsed deal punches hole in economy
THE FUTURE of the Murco Refinery, Milford Haven was discussed by Assembly Members during an emergency statement in the Senedd. Earlier Mid and West AM Simon Thomas for the Party of Wales had tabled an emergency question for a statement about Murco Oil Refinery following the failure to sell the site to new owners. Regional AM for Plaid Cymru Simon Thomas said: “My thoughts are with the people whose jobs are at risk. This is a huge hole punched into the Pembrokeshire economy but also in the strategic economy of Wales and the UK economy as these facilities in Milford Haven are key.
These 350 well paid jobs are important to the Pembrokeshire economy not only at the refinery but in the supply chain. The retail arm which has already been sold off is a network supports many small businesses in west Wales. The change of use for the refinery could have an impact on the retail arm, so I’m seeking answers from the Welsh Government about this. There is a glimmer of hope with other interest in this site. There has been a discussion of a management buyout or a workers’ cooperative control. I hope these ideas will be considered if it is not too late. Plaid Cymru wants to see the Murco taskforce established in April to be beefed up as it now has a different task for regeneration in the immediate 18 months to 2 years and has to build up the skills of the Pembrokeshire economy urgently.
I’m pledging my party’s support to cooperate with the Welsh Government and the Government in Westminster to work to find the best way forward for those people who rely on jobs at the refinery. Our thoughts and sympathies must be with the families impacted upon by this decision by the Klesch Group. This is another example of the unbalanced UK economy – more Plaid Cymru MPs next May would ensure that Wales is not forgotten when it comes to any economic recovery.”
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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