News

Crippling closure for Milford Docks

Published

10 years ago

May 14, 2015

SURVITEC, formally known as Cosalt, have just announced that they will be closing their shop situated on Milford Haven Docks.

Helping to save lives at sea for over 160 years, the Survitec Group are pioneers in marine technology. They supply marine safety equipment to the operators of ferries, cruise lines, cargo ships, tankers, tugs, work boats, port terminals, fishing vessels, sailors and recreational water enthusiasts.

Selling everyday safety items to products of last resort, Survitec’s equipment and services are respected not only in Milford Haven, but nationally. They are replied upon by all corners of the industry.

The shop has supplied marine equipment in Milford Haven for more around 100 years. Their closure is to be a huge blow to the port at Milford Haven, and raises questions about where boat arrivals will buy much needed supplies at the dock.

It has been confirmed that three jobs will be lost as a result of Survitec’s closure. A spokesman from Milford Haven’s Survitec commented that they would be closing due to new owners taking over the shop. Talking to the public, it was clear that this closure is a huge disappointment to many; “It’s been here for many years, it’s a shame,” one local resident said.

A retired Windjammer Marine worker said: “For many years they supplied the vast majority of safety requirements of not only commercial operators, but for many leisure users. Their work included servicing lifejackets and life rafts, and supplying pyrotechnics like marine distress flares. They also supplied the fishing fraternity with different types of ropes, wires and shackles.

“They are going to be missed. Servicing life-rafts requires specific knowledge – that expertise isn’t commonly available. Because of the strict rules concerning explosives, there is a need for places like Survitec to store certain types of flares. That is now a service we will no longer have locally.”

He added that due to the nature of the work carried out by Survitec, anyone looking to fill the gap in the market would need a big initial investment, as well as a large, specific premises.

At the time of going to press Milford Haven Port Authority had made no comment. Clare Stowell, Estates Manager for Quayside Estates which is part of the Port of Milford Haven, said: “It is regrettable when any business employing local men and women closes down and our thoughts are with those who may lose their jobs. Creating sustainable local jobs is really important and that is why the Port is investing in Milford Marina and Milford Fish Docks. New facilities will provide local businesses with opportunities for growth and diversification and attract additional trades to Pembrokeshire, creating more work for local people.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

4 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

11 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

12 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.