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Time for action on fuel inequality

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Mark Garnier: Introduced Road Fuel Pricing Rule to the Commons.

Mark Garnier: Introduced Road
Fuel Pricing Rule to the Commons.

PEMBROKESHIRE drivers are being made to pay high petrol prices by large supermarkets and the competition regulator should be given the power to intervene, says local MP Simon Hart.

Mr Hart is supporting fellow Conservative Mark Garnier in a bid to give the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) power to intervene when large price differences between rural and urban areas cannot be explained by companies.

The big 4 supermarkets – Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons – operate 16% of petrol pumps but sell 44% of Britain’s road fuel.

“This means that in areas like Pembrokeshire where there are not many petrol stations there is less competition,” said Mr Hart.

“By contrast cities and large towns have better public transport and more petrol stations which leads to more competition and prices kept low.”

Mr Hart was a supporter of the Road Fuel Pricing (Equalisation) Ten Minute Rule which Mr Garnier introduced to the Commons last week.

Mr Garnier said: “The question then inevitably comes – is the significant price anomaly between the same brand supermarkets and road fuel prices a healthy outcome of market forces or a cynical attempt by supermarkets to charge premium prices for fuel in areas where competition is weak in order to subsidise their activities where competition is strong?”

Mr Hart agrees that the solution is to give the CMA the power to demand an immediate explanation from petrol-selling companies of any price ‘ anomaly ‘ and if it is not satisfactory, the regulator would be able to intervene to equalise prices.

“Why should people in Pembrokeshire pay more for the same fuel from the same supermarket than people in Swansea or Cardiff pay?” he added.

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Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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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)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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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)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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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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