News

We are investing for the future, says Port boss

Published

11 years ago

March 7, 2015

Tom Sinclair

MHPA boss: Alec Don

MILFORD HAVEN PORT AUTHORITY’S move to diversify operations has come at a critical time, as a drop in cargo throughput for 2014 due to the suspension of refining at Murco delivered fewer ship movements, the organisation has said.

According to the Port, 34 million tonnes of cargo were handled in the last 12 months, a reduction of almost 7 million tonnes compared with 2013. However, whilst Murco refinery’s closure led to fewer ship movements, the Port’s principle business of safely handling around a quarter of the UK’s seaborne energy requirements continued to perform well.

MHPA has told The Herald that progress in developing short sea operations is beginning to yield results, too, with Pembroke Port enjoying a busier year handling ferry, aggregates and animal feed traffic. The announcement of a deal to ship waste-to-energy products from Pembroke Port out to Sweden, and the development of two new wave and tidal energy projects on the dockside indicate that the diversification strategy is beginning to pay off.

The Port of Milford Haven also owns and operates the Milford Dock, base of Wales’ largest fishing port where planning approval was secured on the £70m Dock redevelopment last month.

Chief Executive at the Port, Alec Don, said that despite the loss of trade from Murco and lower LNG volumes over the last three years, the Port remains busy and has been successful in attracting new business to the area.

“We are at the start of a new chapter in the life of this Port. While we continue to invest in order to competitively and safely handle a major part of the UK’s energy needs, global demands affect us deeply. So, the Port is evolving: the rise of marine renewable energy as a viable source of power has the potential to have a great impact on the local economy, and that is why we are investing to attract marine renewable companies to Pembroke Port,” said Alec.

“Our Milford Dock Master Plan, which will see new retail and other visitor attractions around the marina, will also generate jobs and inward investment. Our strategy to invest in the growth of fish handling, processing and retail will also be a catalyst for further business activity here,” he added.

“We are investing for the future. However none of this can be achieved without collaboration with partners and a business environment which makes it easy to invest, operate and employ.”

port

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

17 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

18 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

19 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.