News
Welsh Government Minister ‘refuses to listen to Pembrokeshire’
IN THE WAKE of the decision by the Hywel Dda Health Board last month to recommend the closure of Withybush A&E, local MP Stephen Crabb invited Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething AM to come to Pembrokehsire to meet local representatives and hear the impact these proposals would have on Pembrokeshire.
Mr Gething has declined the invitation stating that “The proposals remain a matter for the health board to determine, using well-established procedures.” Adding: “I am unable to meet with you to discuss this matter or comment on the proposals. Doing so may prejudice any future role I might have to play in the process.”
Mr Crabb said: “The Health Board expect Pembrokeshire people to agree to the downgrading of Withybush with a promise of a new hospital to be built somewhere between Narberth and St Clears. There has been no announcement about the funding or where precisely it will be built – decisions which will be taken by the Welsh Government.”
“The previous Health Minister Mark Drakeford refused to meet Pembrokeshire campaigners when maternity services were being downgraded and now Vaughan Gething has done the same. There is a pattern of contempt here for the people of Pembrokeshire by Welsh Labour. It seems that Mr Gething is not prepared to offer any reassurances about funding for any new facilities or even listen to us.”
“Pembrokeshire people should be under no illusion – the Welsh Labour Government in Cardiff have been pushing plans for the last ten years to reduce and centralise services further east. They continue to hide behind the Health Board and its consultation process to avoid getting their own hands dirty. Together with Paul Davies I will continue to oppose these plans which will strip vital health services out of Preseli.”
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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