News
New ferry service brings uncertain future for Pembrokeshire ports
A DIRECT ferry service between Ireland and Spain could have an impact on Pembrokeshire’s ports.
The ferry service, which will sail from Cork to Santander, in two return journeys a week, could result in traffic bypassing the UK.
This highlights the preparations being made by Irish businesses for a hard Brexit, a Liberal Democrats spokesperson has said.
The spokesperson said: “Whilst the establishment of a new service is not explicitly linked to Brexit, the new route does give firms the opportunity to bypass Welsh ports in the event of a hard Brexit.
“Should we get a bad Brexit deal that leads to substantial customs delays at our ports, that opportunity will begin to look very attractive.”
Welsh Liberal Democrat leader, Jane Dodds, commented: “This is yet more evidence of the devastating impact Brexit could have on Welsh ports. These ports make a vital contribution to their local economies and the economy of Wales. Leaving the customs union could lead to lengthy delays at these ports, increased costs for companies and even rotting produce. It is essential the UK stays in the single market and customs union to protect our ports and the Welsh economy.”
Andrew Lye, Chair of Carmarthenshire & Pembrokeshire Liberal Democrats, said: “News that Ireland and Spain will be linked by a direct ferry service for the first time should set the alarm bells ringing. With Brexit negotiations continuing, Ireland is preparing for a hard border with the UK and who can blame them! But the creation of a direct route between Ireland and Spain rightly concerns us here in Pembrokeshire.
“The ports of Pembroke Dock and Fishguard are crucial to their communities and the economy of Pembrokeshire. A hard border after Brexit would have devastating consequences for these ports and the jobs, trade and tourism they support. No-one wants to see Pembrokeshire lose out, but the signs are worrying.”
The Commercial Manager Captain for the Port of Corck, Michael McCarthy, said: “The option for freight carriers to bypass the UK land bridge will be seen as very attractive, as Brexit uncertainty continues.
“We have no doubt that both exporters and importers will make this a viable service.”
The service will start in April.
A Brittany Ferries ship, Connemara, will have the capacity for 500 passengers and 195 cars.
Brittany Ferries Chief Executive, Christophe Mathieu, said: “Green Spain promises visitors a wealth of opportunities, whether they travel with us from the UK or Ireland.
“However, this new route will also present more options to freight companies operating throughout Ireland, Spain, Portugal and southern France.”
News
Three Bank Holiday shouts for Angle RNLI volunteers
THE Angle All-Weather Lifeboat sprang into action once again, answering its third call over the Bank Holiday weekend. The urgent summons came at 10:34 am on Sunday morning, triggered by a distressing 999 call from a dive vessel. The vessel reported an injured diver on board, who had taken a fall while entering the water, resulting in suspected broken ribs.
Responding promptly, the lifeboat set sail, swiftly navigating to the distressed vessel stationed near the Dakotian buoy in Dale, a popular diving locale. Concurrently, the Milford Haven Harbour Patrol vessel and another dive boat mobilised to aid the operation. Fortunately, before the lifeboat’s arrival, reports confirmed that the injured diver had been safely recovered by another dive vessel.
Upon arrival, two skilled crew members with expertise in casualty care were deployed onto the dive vessel to assess and administer aid to the injured diver. Following a thorough assessment, the casualty was provided with oxygen and wrapped in blankets to stave off the chill.
Once stabilised, the casualty was carefully transferred onto the lifeboat and transported to the Port Authority jetty, where the Dale Coastguard Rescue Team and a paramedic awaited their arrival, poised to continue the medical assessment. Subsequently, upon deeming the casualty fit for transfer, the paramedic assumed responsibility and conveyed the individual to the hospital for further treatment.
With the successful completion of the rescue mission, the lifeboat and its crew were stood down and returned to base.
However, as the lifeboat was nearing its station, the crew intercepted a distress call, a Mayday, emanating from a vessel in need. Responding swiftly, the lifeboat diverted its course to assist once more.
Upon reaching the designated area near the outer pontoon at Dale, it was confirmed that a local dive vessel had already rendered assistance, preventing the yacht from drifting into peril. Investigation revealed that the yacht had encountered mechanical issues, including an overheating engine and a malfunctioning electric windlass, prompting the distress call to the coastguard.
Efficiently, a tow was arranged, and the troubled yacht was safely escorted to Milford Marina, where it found refuge alongside the lock pits pontoon approximately an hour later. With the situation resolved, the lifeboat and its crew were stood down and returned to station, ready to respond to any subsequent emergencies.
Early this morning, at 12:24 am, the crew received a direct page from the Coastguard, summoning their assistance for a person in distress in the waters off Haverfordwest. Both the Dale and Broad Haven Coastguard Rescue Teams were also mobilised to aid in the operation.
However, just as the crew was preparing to launch, the mission was called off as the person in distress was successfully rescued from the water.
Business
Expansion for Ashmole & Co with acquisition of Jones Ward Accountants
CHARTERED, Certified Accountants, Ashmole & Co, are delighted to announce their expansion following the acquisition of JonesWard accountancy firm in Carmarthen.
Ashmole & Co Carmarthen has today taken over JonesWard who have closed their office in Lammas Street, Carmarthen. All JonesWard staff, including Ian Jones and James Ward, have transferred over to Ashmole & Co and will be based in the Old School, the Quay, Carmarthen.
JonesWard informed their clients that the administrative burden of running a practice had increased significantly over recent years due to the constant changing money laundering and tax regulations, software requirements and so on. Over the past 12 months it had become more challenging to maintain the level of service they had been used to providing.
Ian Jones said, “We feel Ashmole & Co share the same values as us and have the necessary expertise and resources to ensure we can continue to provide the personal touch and level of service clients have been accustomed to. Myself and James are not retiring but we will be supported by Ashmole & Co’s partners and staff from now on in their Carmarthen office.”
Ashmole & Co partners Sharon George, Carwyn Morgan and Vinal Patel will strive to ensure JonesWard clients will continue to receive the high quality of service they are used to.
Vinal Patel, Partner with Ashmole & Co said, “It is our priority to make the transition as smooth as possible with all employees of JonesWard having already transferred to Ashmole & Co and are now based in our office on the Quay in Carmarthen. We look forward to meeting our new clients and working closely with them to meet their needs in the future.”
Ashmole & Co Chartered and Certified Accountants have been established since 1897 and are one of the largest accountancies and auditing practices in south Wales, now operating from thirteen offices throughout south and west Wales including Swansea, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Ammanford.
Charity
Fundraiser to take on epic 87k steps challenge to raise funds for Withybush
SAM Faulkner is challenging himself to walk 87,000 steps in one day to raise funds for the Cardiac Care Unit at Withybush Hospital in memory of his father.
Sam will be walking along the Brecon and Monmouth Canal from Brecon to Rogerstone in Newport.
Sam said: “Since losing my Dad last year, I made a personal commitment to do something to raise money every year for the Cardiac Care Unit at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest who looked after my Dad so well in his final days.
“I will be challenging myself to complete 87,000 steps in a day on July 20th 2024 – 1,000 steps for every year of my Dad’s life. I’ll be walking around 40 miles in about 10 hours.
“Canal walks were always a firm favourite of mine and my Dad’s, with many days spent walking along the Grand Union in Northamptonshire when I was growing up.
“My family and I, and the unit at the hospital, would be beyond grateful for anything supporters could give. Thank you ever so much in advance.”
Katie Hancock, Pembrokeshire Fundraising Officer, said: “We’d like to say a huge good luck to Sam with his challenge. Thank you so much for dedicating your time to raise more funds for the Cardiac Care Unit.
“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”
You can donate to Sam’s fundraiser here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sam-faulkner-1712508280259?newPage=true&fbclid=IwAR2tyVVQVea0DLQelSsrp7Ie2CKjX0jXGnwndR_tBKL-Av2kv8f5nchEolw
For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk
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