News

Schools vote a ‘ridiculous’ situation, says councillor

Published

10 years ago

January 28, 2015

Monitoring Officer: Laurence Harding

CONTROVERSIAL Monitoring Officer Laurence Harding has told councillors who sit as parent governors that they not be allowed either to vote or to speak at the Extraordinary Council being held on Thursday.

However, LEA appointees, preponderantly from the ruling group which is promoting the schools shake up, are unaffected by the ruling due to an express provision in the Council’s Code of Conduct.

While Mr Harding refers to paragraph 12(2)(a) of the Code of Conduct, a review of a subsequent part of the documents appears to suggest that members are entitled to attend the meeting and speak, provided they declare an interest and are given permission to speak. Those members cannot vote on any proposal made at the meeting.

One councillor told us that the ruling was “ridiculous” and would mean that only around half the Council would be able to vote due to others’ personal and familial connections with the county’s schools. She pointed out that as the proposal touches upon the future of post-16 education, the logical extension of Mr Harding’s position would disqualify virtually all councillors from taking part in the debate.

County Hall

The Herald also spoke with Thomas Tudor, who confirmed he had received an email from the Monitoring Officer: “I am a parent governor at Sir Thomas Picton. I have been told I cannot participate in Thursday’s meeting. I have very serious concerns regarding the proposals for Ysgol Dewi Sant – which is an important part of St Davids community and very unhappy about the proposals to amalgamate STP with Tasker-Milward. Big is not always better. The emails and messages I am getting tell me that the Council have misjudged its approach and needs to listen to and take on board people’s serious concerns.”

A Council spokesperson told The Herald: “The Monitoring Officer has been fulfilling his responsibilities and, ahead of tomorrow’s meeting, has offered advice to Members and reminded them of their obligations under the Code of Conduct specifically under Para 12 (2) (a) (iii) and (iv).

“It is a matter for individual Members if they wish to follow that advice.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

4 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

12 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

12 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.