News

Locals propose toll for Lota Park

Published

9 years ago

January 29, 2016

ACCORDING to local residents, drainage issues that surround Lots Park have not been addressed well enough by the County Council.

Locals have taken to social media to complain and comment on the flooding, which is once again effecting Lota Park in Fishguard, and the way in which the Pembrokeshire County Council is dealing with it. So far the council have placed a sign either side of the worst effected area, one local man said: “The flood sign was there before Christmas. yesterday, the water was gushing out from just below the car park. If it ever gets cold enough to freeze, it’s going to be a big problem. Maybe, then something will be done about it.”

To which another Fishguard resident responded: “It was frozen last year and was like a skating rink”. Some Pembrokeshire residents turned to the two month, continuous downpour the county has suffered saying: “it has been raining since October so I’m not a bit surprised”. Others had a more light hearted opinion of the flooding expressing how, in various ways the council is sure to soon move in and make the flood water subject of a toll: “how about a county council run stilt loan service – just needs a little hut either side of the flood and a council worker with a stock of stilts for hire on both sides – 10p a time say – problem solved .”

The original poster, a town council member from Letterston, explained how he initially posted the image in the hopes that one of the group members who is part of Fishguard town council might see it and bring the issue up at their town council meeting. Dani O’Connor who with other volunteers was successful in getting PCC to fund a childs park on Goodwick Parrog in February, last year is has now had plans produced and has been given permission by PCC to raise funds to put a new playground in at Lota Park. Something which would be greatly effected by the flood water if nothing is done to improve the natural drainage.

Speaking to the Herald ,Dani O’Connor said: “We asked the most important people what they would like in the park; local children, who put a zip line at the top of their list, following this I met with Neil McCarthy who has said we are free to use the whole park for the equipment if we wish. We are due to meet 3 suppliers with plans for the park and then put it to public vote”

A spokesman from Pembrokeshire County Council has told The Herald: “We understand that the excess water is the result of a naturally occurring spring which has flooded due to the exceptionally heavy rainfall recently.” “This has occurred in the past. We will monitor the situation but expect the water to disperse naturally.” He added: “If the water does freeze, it will be attended to.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

7 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

15 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.