News

Lock gate project nears completion

Published

10 years ago

February 24, 2015

WORK on the new lock gates in Milford Dock has entered the final phase. The £6m project is set to improve access to the Marina

Almost completed: £6m projec

for pleasure and commercial boats as well as encouraging new visitors.

More than a year after the original estimated completion date, the gates are now undergoing final tests and adjustments before being commissioned.

Plans for the new gate were announced in 2011 to coincide with the twentieth anniversary of the Marina. The project was designed by Atkins, the official engineering designers for the 2012 Olympic Games, and civil engineering work began in the summer of 2013.

However, a number of factors, including the need to strengthen the existing dock wall, caused long delays. The new 90 tonne gates, made by Dutch firm Ravestein, were delivered by barge at the start of December last year. Since then, the company has been working with Port of Milford Haven Engineers on a commissioning phase.

The new gates will allow 24 hour access to the Marina, instead of the more limited service currently available. It will also allow more locks in a twenty four hour period, making it one of the most accessible locked marinas in the country.

Tim Bownes, the Engineering Director at the Port of Milford Haven, is confident that the work will be finished before the busy season. He said: “From an engineering point of view this has been a technically challenging but exciting project, since the introduction of a completely new set of lock gates is a rare occurrence in British Docks. During commissioning and final surveys we have identified that the manufacturers need to make some small adjustments in order to ensure that the gates are a tight fit. However, this should only take a short period of time.”

He added: ”We want to say a huge thank you to all the dock and marina users and local residents who continue to patiently wait for works to be completed.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

5 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

13 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.