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Community leaders talk to NatWest

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COMMUNITY leaders have spelled out to NatWest the devastating effects that their bank’s closures will have on Narberth and Pembroke.

Traders, councillors and concerned customers were invited to the meeting organised by Simon Hart MP and which took place in Narberth.

Kirsten Jenkins, regional director of branches, and Kevin Morgan, regional director for business banking, listened to the concerns that were raised.

“We do appreciate that people are moving to on-line and phone banking and that banks are not as busy as they once were,” said Mr Hart.

“But I think NatWest has failed to grasp that we have two unique factors in south Pembrokeshire because of our seaside nature; we have an older population who do not trust on-line banking and we have a lot of tourism businesses who still rely on cash day to day.

“It’s all well and good saying that you can now stay at home and take a photo of your cheque and pay it in to your account on your banking app – but what if you don’t have smart phone and what if it’s cash that you want to pay in?”

Butcher Andrew Rees, chairman of the Narberth Chamber of Trade, said: “I think it’s very short-sighted, it is driving people away from the High Street, your customers won’t be coming into town to shop with us.”

A strong plea was made for the cashpoint to be retained in Narberth as it is the only outdoor one left on the High Street.

“The only other outdoor cashpoint in Narberth is at the Nisa supermarket which is about 300 yards away, uphill and in an unlit carpark and on the outskirts of town,” added Mr Hart.

“I fear that not having easily accessible cash available on the High Street will hit local shops and cafes.”

Also in attendance were Stephen Thornton from Pembroke Chamber of Trade, Narberth Town Councillor Liz Rogers, Narberth County Councillor Vic Dennis, Pembroke St Michael County Councillor Aaron Carey and Callum Goldthorpe from the Queen’s Hall.

NatWest is closing both the Narberth and Pembroke branches on June 28. As well as retaining the Narberth cashpoint, the bank was also asked to work with the community to find the most central and convenient location for the mobile banking vans which will visit the towns once a week.

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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