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Valero ordered to shut down two pipelines following oil spill

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NATURAL RESOURCES WALES (NRW) has issued an enforcement notice to suspend the use of two fuel pipelines on the Valero Refinery jetty in Milford Haven.

The notice was issued after pollution incidents affected water, land and wildlife along the coast in December and the first week of January.

It means that the two pipelines believed to be behind the pollution are shut down until NRW is satisfied that they can be used without threatening the environment.

A multi-agency response including clean-up work continues on the affected section of coastline following the most recent oil spill.

Valero and its contractors are working on cleaning the coastline at Milford Haven while NRW, Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority monitor and advise.

Since the initial report of pollution, efforts have focused on minimising the impact of the oil on the area and its wide range of wildlife.

The affected sites have continued to be cleaned and the oil from the leak has been contained.

Andrea Winterton, Operations Manager from Natural Resources Wales said: “Protecting Wales’ waters is a huge part of our job and we have acted to make sure that the estuary and its wildlife is protected.

“A quick, multi-agency response to this incident has helped reduce the impact of the oil spill in the area.

“Beach surveys continue and as a precautionary measure booms remain in place to protect the salt marshes around Sandy Haven and the Gann Estuary.

“Valero has already implemented additional measures to minimise any further impact and is co-operating as our investigations continue.

“We ask people to remain vigilant, avoid any oil if they discover it, particularly if they have dogs, and contact the NRW incident hotline on 03000 65 3000 if they become aware of any pollution.”

A spokesman from Valero said: “Following an enforcement notice by NRW to suspend the use of two fuel oil lines at Pembroke Refinery, Valero continues to assist the multi-agency response on the Haven. Valero’s other pipelines and infrastructure remain unaffected and operational capacity remains unaltered.

“In co-operation with Milford Haven Port Authority, NRW and Pembrokeshire County Council, booms were deployed and remain in place to protect sensitive locations and specialist personnel have been deployed to beaches to minimise impact.

“We are continuing to work with agencies to monitor and protect the environment. Valero’s top priority remains the safety and the well-being of our employees, contractors and communities at all times.”

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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Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

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THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.

Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.

The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.

“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.

“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”

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