News

‘Every damn service at threat’

Published

10 years ago

May 28, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Council leader: Jamie Adams

THE COUNCIL’s leader has cast doubt on the future of every service in Pembrokeshire saying they are all at threat.
Cllr Jamie Adams was asked which services would be under threat from future budget cuts at yesterday’s (May 14) Full Council meeting to which he replied: “Every damn one.”
That claim will not come as welcome news to businesses in an already struggling economy.
Cllr Bob Kilmister had asked the council’s cabinet to draw up a list of services threatened by cuts in his notice of motion but it was recommended that the motion should not be adopted.
It was moved that the council should adopt the motion but in a recorded vote the motion was defeated by 35 votes to 22.
Cllr Bob Kilmister said his motion was all about promoting ‘openness and transparency’ among the council.
His motion had previously been knocked back by Cabinet and the matter was brought before full council for discussion.
The Council Leader said: “Cabinet gave careful consideration to this but we have been accused of not being honest with the public. At a time when we are facing up to a 37% reduction over the next six years, over a third of our budget, every damn one.”
The leader went on to highlight a number of consultation periods that are currently ongoing and also added: “If the honesty isn’t there, I don’t know where it is. We will give the opportunity to the service users to continue that service but something will have to change. We have to do something pro-active and I give every assurance that all members would be involved. The public will be informed of changes as we go forward.”
Many in the chamber echoed the view that all councillors should be kept up to date with what was going on in their areas.
Cllr Paul Miller said: “Everything should be on the table. This is all about building resilience within the community. We have to make sure there is a level playing field across our communities. We have to be resilient in the face of cuts that are coming and this needs to be a priority for this council.”
Other members highlighted the role that town and community councils could also play within the communities.
Cllr Peter Stock added: “Services are so important to this county. Our main aim should be to provide quality services.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

6 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

14 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

14 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.