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Call for support for flood victims

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flood victimsIN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, William Powell AM has called on both the First Minister and the Natural Resources Minister to apply for aid from the EU’s Solidarity Fund and the European Investment Bank to help rebuild communities devastated by flooding in recent weeks.

The EU’s Solidarity Fund, which has a budget of up to £414 million for 2014, was set up to provide financial assistance to EU countries struck by major national disasters. William Powell recently visited the European Investment Bank, based in Luxemburg, and learnt how the Bank can also be an avenue that can be explored for extra resources for longer term coastal flood defence projects.

William Powell, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales and Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Natural Resources Minister, said:

“I’ve seen first-hand the devastation that has been caused by the recent weather in my region. I’m immensely proud of the resilience local people have shown in this crisis.

“However, we need extra resources made available to support these local communities. The EU Solidarity Fund was created in 2002 for just these types of events and the European Investment Bank is also an option too. I believe we have a strong case for extra help and the Welsh Labour Government needs to look closely at making an application while there is still time. The money is there and we need a Government that is willing to go and get it.

“The recent floods have been devastating for many homes and businesses. People need all the support they can get at the moment. I therefore urge the Welsh Government to work with the UK Government to ensure that we can access all the support that is available.

“I will be raising these points again during a debate on the recent floods in the National Assembly next week.”

Alec Dauncey, Welsh Liberal Democrat European candidate and resident of Aberystwyth, said:

“This fund is a Europe-wide insurance. It’s all about member countries working together to deal with large scale natural disasters which might hit one of them. All countries pay into it and the money goes to a country or region which needs extra help.

“Elected MEP’s have to authorise these payments. I hope a case can be made for help that will reach Wales.”

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Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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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)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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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)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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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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