News
Pembroke: Mayor’s Parade criticised as homeless issues arise
THE TIMING of Pembroke’s Mayor Parade on Saturday (May 12) was seen by many users on social media as controversial this weekend, as the event, which is paid for by the taxpayer, coincided with the appearance of a homeless man on The Green in the town.
The event marked Linda Brown becoming the new Mayor of the town, a role previously held by Dai Boswell.
Many locals felt it was inappropriate for the event, which included a parade through the town and a meal, to be using public money when the issue of homelessness was front and centre in the town.
Christopher Lawton, a member of the Facebook group Pembrokeshire Council Watch, posted a letter to Pembroke Town Council which read: “Today, Saturday 12th May 2018 you have a homeless man sleeping in a tent in the town, he is currently opposite the Green Garage.
“As I know today is ‘Mayor Making Day’ and there is a council tax payer funded event to hand out free lunches I think it fitting that a Councillor should go and invite this man to have lunch with you all, maybe the incoming Mayor could drive by and invite him? I am sure the council tax payers of Pembroke would happily give him a free lunch rather than the Town Councillors and incoming Mayor.
“I hope this act of human compassion can be carried out, please let me know if it can.”
Comments on the post included sentiments such as ‘I’d rather pay to feed a person in need than some shiny arsed bureaucrat’ and ‘you’ve more chance of flying’.
However, the Mayor of St David, Bethan Thomas Price, hit back at claims that nothing was being done about the man, claiming that she and several others brought him food and water after the event.
She said: “I am Mayor Of St Davids not Pembroke and had no idea about this until towards the end of the event and then on my way home I stopped and took him food and water so did many others.”
Amanda Evans from Homeless Pembrokeshire added that the man has turned down accommodation: “We were made aware of this gentleman yesterday and he was offered a room for the night but he sadly declined. He did, however, take a tent and sleeping bag including a list of contact details that he may find useful.
“We do have an emergency pack which includes a small stove, food items, toiletries and new underwear to make his life a little more comfortable in the short term.
“He has also been offered further accommodation today if he wishes for the remainder of the weekend and food from a local bakery.
“We do have to remember to respect his wishes and if he would rather use the tent he can or take up the option of accommodation. We are all here in one way or another to offer support if he so wishes.”
As of this morning (May 14) the man remains on The Green.
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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