News
Expansion of Enterprise Zone welcomed
The Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone is set to expand, offering help to more local businesses.
The zone, introduced in 2012, will be expanded to include Brunel Quay, Neyland; areas west of Milford Haven; the Martello Quay and Stockwell Road areas of Pembroke Dock; and Trecwn and Goodwick. It offers financial help for small and medium businesses by offering a grant which allows them to offset their business rates for up to two years. It is open to businesses looking to start up in the area, as well as established firms looking to expand or develop. The Maximum grant available is £55,000.
This extra funding was announced by the Minister for the Economy, Edwina Hart AM, on Tuesday (Feb 3) with applications for funding being accepted the following day
It comes as part of the Welsh Government’s response to the closing of Murco oil refinery last year, with the loss of more than 300 jobs.
The extension of the Enterprise Zone was welcomed by politicians.
Speaking to The Herald, Rebecca Evans, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, said: “I back the expansion of this scheme, and I know that many businesses will also welcome this good news.” She added that “I would encourage all small or medium-sized businesses that are either located in the newly extended area of the Enterprise Zone, or anybody who is looking to start a business in these areas to apply.”
Preseli Pembrokeshire Assembly Member Paul Davies said: “I welcome the Minister’s announcement today and I am pleased that action is being taken. Extending the enterprise zone to allow other businesses to benefit is a common sense move. Along with Stephen Crabb MP, I will continue working with all those affected to ensure appropriate support is provided following Murco’s recent announcement.”
Local Labour Councillor Paul Miller also spoke in favour of the scheme: “News that the Enterprise Zone is to be extended in Pembrokeshire is a really welcome step. This scheme can provide business with real cash relief to expand and grow in Pembrokeshire. As I said when talking about this week’s developments with the South Hook LNG CHP project, Pembrokeshire Jobs are disappearing fast right now and we have to have a clear plan and be completely focused on making sure we’ve a viable economy in this county going forward.”
The Enterprise Zone already supports 130 local businesses, and provides £7.5m of funding. Further details, including eligibility criteria and application forms, can be obtained by contacting the business Information Helpline on 03000 603000, or by emailing [email protected]. gov.uk.
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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