News

Traffic chaos in Johnston

Published

10 years ago

March 13, 2015

CONTINUING road works on the A4076 between Milford Haven and Haverfordwest are causing traffic chaos during the morning and evening rush hours. Long queues of traffic are building up at peak times for traffic flow. On Wednesday February 18, the queue of traffic heading towards Milford Haven stretched from the traffic lights at the road works near the new junction layout to the entrance of Brookfield Close.

Problems with traffic are compounded by the fact that the major residential areas of Johnston feed into the main road through the village via a series of junctions at right angles to the main road. One resident told us: “Getting out from Langford Road is difficult, even without the traffic lights there. It is almost impossible to get out and head towards Haverfordwest if there is a queue waiting to go through the lights further down the road.” The use of Church Road to get around the traffic lights is also causing concern. Roger Phillips told us: “The number of cars going along Church Road has really gone up. Cars are turning left off the main road and heading down past the Doctor’s Surgery, Institute and Fairfield. You can see them bouncing over the speed humps as they go.”

County Councillor Ken Rowlands, whose ward includes Johnston, told The Herald: “There have been problems. I have approached Atkins and Griffiths, the companies carrying out the works, to see what can be done to try and sort out the problems. They have told me that the issue is one of logistics and that moving the traffic lights to some of the alternative locations that have been suggested would make the situation worse, not better. Both companies are, however, looking at other ways to solve the immediate problems. What we must not forget is that, although there will be delays for a while longer, the outcome for the community will be first class.”

The Herald approached the County Council for a comment. A spokesperson told us: “We are sorry about the disruption caused by the road works which are necessary to facilitate the construction of the Bulford Road. Some complaints were received when the lights first went up. Since then the lights are controlled manually during all busy periods to try and prioritise flows at such times. It is unfortunate that any vehicles might be ‘ratrunning’ on Church Road but there are substantial traffic calming measures in place to ensure that motorists using that section drive slowly.

We have also committed to keeping the matter under review and, if necessary, instigate additional measures. That said, there was a specific problem last Friday which arose when several emergency service vehicles were allowed clear access through the junction at speed. This unfortunately ‘tripped’ the lights and they had to be reset which added to the delays. These arrangements will be in place until July.”

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

3 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

3 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.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

4 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.”