News
Haverfordwest: New food park could create 1,000 jobs
MAJOR plans have been unveiled for a new food park in the county which could create up to 1,000 jobs.
The Pembrokeshire Food Park would provide one million square foot of food production and cold storage facilities, a shared distribution network, and transport hub. It would be located at Withybush Industrial Estate, just outside Haverfordwest.
The food park would be targeted at both large-scale vegetable producers, food processing, and dairy product suppliers as well as specialist smaller scale outlets and start-up businesses.
The company behind the project is Hacer Developments. Managing Director Carwyn Davies said: “Tourism and food production are two industries synonymous with Pembrokeshire.
“It therefore a really exciting project to be working on, that has the potential to create 1,000 jobs whilst at the same time strengthening and supporting the food industry in this part of Wales.
“The impact on the economy of the region will be significant, and we are working closely with the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone Board, Pembrokeshire County Council, and the region to promote this as a very real and deliverable project.”
The plans for the food park were announced at the Autumn Producer Evening at County Hall in Haverfordwest on Thursday (Nov 17).
Local producers heard that the food park would not only provide companies with the world-class resources they need to expand but also support new start-up businesses, thanks to a mix of different-sized incubator units with the flexibility for growth.
Cllr Keith Lewis, Cabinet Member for Economy and Communities, described it as a very exciting development, saying: “A Pembrokeshire food park would provide a considerable boost for local agricultural sector and food and drink industry – as well as further economic benefits in terms of added value.
“We are working very hard with Hacer Developments and the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone on the project, and are extremely hopeful of support from the Welsh Government.”
The Autumn Producer Evening also included a presentation on the Welsh Government’s Food Business Investment Scheme from Andrew Thomas, Business Development Manager.
There was an update on LEADER programmes from Steven Bradley of Planed, and a discussion was opened on the possibility of plans to introduce a dedicated local produce section at the County Show’s food hall.
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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