News
Conservative leader accuses Labour of a removal of Democracy
AS PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL sails from the turbulent waters of the Bryn Parry Jones saga to what many will hope is a more steady course, The Herald spoke exclusively with Conservative group leader, David Howlett. Speaking about his group’s performance, and the future of the Council, he said: “We are only 3 of 60, so our influence can’t be huge, but I was pleased I was able to make sure all councillors spending over £500 is now published online. I believe in transparency.
We have made a difference; in the filming of meetings for example, a proposal I made. Over the last couple of years Pembrokeshire has been in headlines for all the wrong reasons. It’s been the Independent group at the helm and questions need to be asked. The Independent group backed the Chief Executive and then all of a sudden did an about turn. We (Conservatives) don’t just go for headlines, we are a constructive opposition. We need a culture change and I’m pleased we are starting to see that.
The people at the top set the way the Council operates and we need strong political leadership; questionably done with a group of independents. The process for choosing a new Chief Executive is important and that the right person is chosen. There are huge advantages for a County Council to have a united voice, and the organisation is far better when it is a proper political party, because though you don’t get told how to vote, you have teamwork, especially when you have MPs, AMs and an MEP.
That means there are people at all levels for guidance who are working together. With a proper political party you can stand shoulder to shoulder.” He went on to comment on the effectiveness of Labour group leader, Paul Miller: “I went to a questions and answer session at St Mary’s Church last Friday, in Haverfordwest, with Jamie Adams, Paul Davies, Mike Stoddart and Cllr. Miller. Jamie Adams suggested Cllr. Miller was wanting the saga of Bryn Parry Jones to continue, in order to keep him in the paper; I think there is an element of truth in that.”
Mr Howlett was also keen to discuss the potential mergers of Councils that the Welsh Labour Government are proposing: “If anyone thinks bigger is better I would point to the Hywel Dda Health Board and ask has that been good for Pembrokeshire? And have they saved any money since they have gone into this huge organisation that seems to be constantly taking services away from Pembrokeshire?
Leighton Andrews is even talking about as few as 6 councils in Wales. We are against this. We think we could cut the cost of politics by having fewer county councillors so we put forward a proposal to the Boundary Commission that would have seen a cut from 61 to 40-44 councillors; their idea was for a cut of just one. I believe in localism and local democracy. The Welsh Labour Government will take democracy away from the people, which isn’t Conservative Leader: Questions acceptable.”
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.
Crime
Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm
THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.
Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.
The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.
“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.
“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.
“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”
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Flashbang
December 12, 2014 at 2:20 am
“because though you don’t get told how to vote, you have teamwork, especially when you have MPs, AMs and an MEP.”
The IPPG by another name. Absolutely no difference whatsoever.