News

Fishguard: £5m improvement for ferry terminal scrapped

Published

8 years ago

June 19, 2018

PLANS for a brand new £5m linkspan bridge at Fishguard Harbour have been scrapped, Stena Ports Limited have announced.

In an online planning application to Pembrokeshire County Council, the company listed replacing the linkspan provision, which allows vehicles to disembark and board at various tide heights.

Last year, the company invited tenders for the project which would replace the current single lane linkspan, which was installed in the 1970s.

The new two-way linkspan bridge would comply with modern standards and allow for expansion.

Work was expected to start in February 2019 and could have closed the ferry terminal for up to three months.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Stena Line has been working on development plans for Fishguard Port for some time and as part of that process, went to the market for detailed quotes on replacing the linkspan, the ship to shore connection and roadway.

“After receiving a number of submissions and quotations, Stena Line has decided not to take on the tenders for this particular infrastructure but will continue to look at future options for the port. Currently, Stena Line does not have a timescale for possible future developments.”

Alistair Cameron, Welsh Liberal Democrat Candidate for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire at last year’s General Election said: “We cannot guess what Stena’s future plans will be. But the continuing uncertainty of our border arrangements with Ireland due to Brexit will be a major factor in their investment decisions.

The loss of this £5m upgrade is a blow to the local economy and job opportunities.”

Andrew Lye, Chair of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire Liberal Democrats added: “The Fishguard and Pembroke ferries are important to the local economy, tourism and trade between Wales and Ireland. Together with Holyhead they handled 2.5 million passengers and 530,000 lorries and trailers in 2016. They are threatened by border controls from a hard Brexit through leaving the Customs Union and Single Market. This is yet another example of how the uncertainties over Brexit are damaging our economy.”

Local Government

Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall

Published

4 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE ARMED FORCES flag is flying proudly at County Hall this week ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock were among those who marked the flag raising on Monday morning (June 22).

Also present were the Chairman of Council, Cllr Delme Harries, the Chief Executive, Will Bramble and the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards.

Cllr Hancock said: “It is always a very proud moment to see the Armed Forces Flag flying over County Hall.

“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve, as well as the families and communities who support them.

“Our county has a rich history of connection with the Armed Forces, and we are proud to uphold and strengthen that bond.

“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire receive the recognition and support they truly deserve and we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.”

Crime

Accused Milford Haven rapist to stand trial at Crown Court

Published

4 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates accused of rape and sexual assault.

James Kershaw, 46, is charged with raping a woman in Milford Haven between February 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014.

He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female over the age of 13 by penetration with his finger between December 1 and December 30, 2012.

Kershaw appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23) by video link and denied both charges.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Kershaw is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.

He was released on conditional bail, with the sole condition that he must not contact the complainant.

News

Bus overturns in major incident near Kidwelly

Published

6 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

All passengers rescued as emergency services remain at scene

A BUS overturned on the A484 between Kidwelly and Ferryside on Tuesday (Jun 23), prompting a major emergency response and lengthy road closures.

The incident happened shortly after 12:20pm near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.

Emergency services, including firefighters from Kidwelly, Carmarthen and Tumble, were sent to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving the bus.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all passengers were safely removed from the vehicle.

A spokesperson said: “All passengers have been safely removed from the bus and are receiving appropriate care.”

A rest centre has been established at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly, where welfare arrangements are being made for those involved.

The scale of the incident led Dyfed-Powys Police to declare a major incident earlier in the day, with officers urging members of the public to avoid the area.

The A484 remains closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog while emergency services continue their response and carry out investigations into the cause of the crash.

Police, ambulance and fire crews remain at the scene.

Motorists are being advised to find alternative routes and are warned that the road is expected to remain closed for a considerable time.

Emergency services have also issued advice for drivers caught in congestion during the hot weather, urging people to stay hydrated, keep vehicles ventilated and never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets inside parked vehicles.

The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.