News
Date set for opening of Whitand Police Station
The policing base for the Carmarthen Rural Policing Team has moved to Whitland Police Station, which will open on Jul 16. Residents, businesses and stakeholders are invited to the opening day, to speak about the way in which policing is evolving and to ask them to help shape local policing.
The police station will be open between 12pm and 4pm and is located on St Mary Street.
This is an opportunity for residents of Whitland to catch up with the Neighbourhood Policing Team, to learn more about developments in policing locally and, to play their part in shaping policing for the future.
There will also be a consultation on preferred locations for the Mobile Police Station (which will be outside the station to see) and you will also be able to suggest ideas for community meeting points. There will also be a chance to see the technology now available to the officers with the roll-out of the new and improved hand held devices.
Superintendent Claire Parmenter, Policing lead for Carmarthenshire, said:
“Today’s move has been about ensuring the best use of public money. Our stations are very much bases for Officers now, rather than buildings to which they are tied.
“We are actively encouraging policing teams to spend their time within the communities they serve and, with the technology now available to them, there is very little need for Officers and PCSOs to return to a station throughout their shift. The switchboards, systems and paperwork once associated with policing are now available in the palms of our hands.
“We are always looking at innovative ways of engaging with our communities and we are hoping residents will come to us with their own suggestions on meeting points and stop-off spots for the Mobile Police Station. We are also keen to hear from businesses, happy for us to host a community surgery at their premises.”
Community surgeries, where the public and the police can meet, will also be held at The Gate, Pentre Road, St Clears.
The decision to make the move from St. Clears Police Station to Whitland was announced by the Police & Crime Commissioner, Christopher Salmon, in January. Refurbishment costs estimated at around £100k for the policing base at St. Clears meant a move to the then closed station at Whitland would make better use of public money. Whitland Police Station was closed Apr 30 2012. The cost of bringing this building back into service is estimated to be £15k.
Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said:
“It’s great news that the people of Whitland and St Clears now have modern, professional police bases at the heart of their communities.
“This is a positive step which will help Dyfed-Powys Police deliver an effective and efficient service for local residents.
“I look forward to working with – and listening to – the community over the next four years.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
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
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
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.
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