News

Council ignores the public over sixth form provision in Haverfordwest

Published

9 years ago

May 6, 2016

Tom Sinclair

County Hall

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has published its consultation report into sixth form provision in Haverfordwest.

The response, due to be debated by Full Council on May 12, is to press ahead with plans to compel all of Haverfordwest’s post-16 learners to attend a new sixth form centre co-located at the Pembrokeshire College site.

The recommendation effectively ignores or plays down the responses of over 70% of people who replied to the consultation. In,line with a recent high-handed response given by Council Leader Jamie Adams to Peter Lewis JP, the Council’s attitude is that it knows best.

However, deeply buried in the Council’s response is a brief admission that it cannot identify a single other Welsh local authority which has followed the plan it has adopted for the children of Pembrokeshire.

Schools protest at County Hall last year

That admission appears to jar with a bald assertion that the Council’s evidence for proceeding with the intention to remove post-16 education from Haverfordwest’s schools is supported by a robust evidence base.

When The Herald asked for information about other Welsh councils’ provision, a Council spokesperson said: ‘Similar proposals by other Welsh local authorities – eg Powys – are still to be confirmed through the political process.

‘Merthyr and Neath Port Talbot have adopted tertiary college post-16 education which has coincided with improved Key Stage 4 results in their 11-16 schools. In Pembrokeshire the proposal is to deliver post-16 education at a sixth form centre – not through the college.

‘However, evidence was collated world-wide on the performance of post-16 education in 6th form college-type facilities: for example, Sweden’.

A further meeting is scheduled between the Trustees of the Tasker-Milward and Picton Charity and the Council. The Charity owns the land upon which the Tasker-Milward School is located. A fact the Council failed to establish before it launched its original – and consequently doomed – consultation.

The Council will be hoping that third (or maybe fourth) time’s the charm.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.