News

New car park meter for Martins Haven

Published

8 years ago

August 11, 2016

A PAY and display meter is to be installed in the car park at Martins Haven after plans were approved by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

The Park’s Development Management Committee met on Wednesday (Jul 20) and approved the plans with 13 voting for and three voting against.

The application was reported to the committee because of an objection from Marloes and St Brides Community Council.

Councillor Reg Owens had asked for the application to be deferred so that the Community Council could attend and put across their views, but that was not supported.

The agent for the application, Mr Andrew Tuddenham, said: “We put forward the scheme with a lot of consideration for design and siting. We had various options as to where the machine would go in the car park but for the least visual impact, it is tucked up against the wall of the car park hut.

“We looked at whether it needed a sign next to it for the tariff and terms and conditions but felt that was not necessary, as they can be put on the side of the machine, minimising the visual intrusion.

“We’re satisfied that it meets and complies with policy and National Park requirements.

“We also considered security in that this is a scheme which is widely used throughout Pembrokeshire car parks.

“Our model of operating car parks is that we intend to have an attendant there most of the time as we do at the moment. This machine then gives the opportunity to generate revenue at the times when there are not many cars around.”

Councillor Peter Morgan asked if the machine would take cards and Mr Tuddenham responded saying they would be adding a scanning mechanism to the machine for National Trust members to scan their cards.

Cllr Reg Owens said: “This may seem a trivial application but my friends at the Marloes and St Brides Community Council strongly oppose this pay and display machine coming into this car park.

“It’s a very isolated car park and they feel it is the unnecessary urbanisation of a very beautiful area.

“When we deal with car parks, they do attract, at night time, anti-social behaviour with mostly young people coming there with their cars and the Community Council feel that, with a pay and display machine, it is going to attract more of this sort of behaviour.

“They also feel that it is not in-keeping. This is the entrance to Skomer Island and they have made it quite clear to the National Trust that they don’t want this pay and display machine.

“The National Trust and Marloes do work very closely and the National Trust gives a concession for parking to local residents.

“There should have been a representative here from Marloes and St Brides to speak to us but unfortunately they fell foul of the time limit and that is very unusual for them.

“In the interests of democracy and fair play, I would like to propose that we defer the decision so that Marloes and St Brides Community Council have one more chance to come here and speak to us, perhaps more passionately than I have, about the issues.”

Cllr Owens’ suggestion was not supported by other members.

Cllr Morgan asked when the pay and display meters would be erected and it was pointed out that they would be up by the end of the current season.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day 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.