Question and answer session on Council’s draft budget

Published

5 years ago

January 19, 2020

A PULIC meeting is being held on Wednesday, (Jan 22) where members of the public can question Pembrokeshire County Council members and officers directly on the Authority’s draft budget for 2020-2021.

The question and answer session will be held in Committee Rooms 1 and 2 at County Hall in Haverfordwest, starting at 2pm.

It is being organised by the County Council as part of its month-long draft budget consultation. Comments made will be taken into account in the setting of the draft budget document.

A second Facebook Live session will also be taking place, on Monday (20th January), starting at 7pm.

Both sessions will feature Bob Kilmister, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, and Jon Haswell, the Authority’s Director of Resources.

The consultation process also allows members of the public to give their view via the online response form at www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/haveyoursay

The consultation ends on Monday, 27th January 2020.

Responses will be compiled into a report which will be presented to Cabinet on 10th February 2020 and to Full Council on 27th February 2020.

“The County Council’s settlement from Welsh Government for the coming financial year is a 4.9 per cent increase on last year” explained Councillor Kilmister.

“Although this is a bigger rise than we anticipated, as a local authority we still face some really tough decisions on how we allocate the money.”

“We want the public to tell us where they would like us to spend the money so that when the time comes, the Council’s Elected Members can make informed decisions.

“I hope this draft budget will be seen by residents as pay a little more and get a lot more in return.

“It does not mark the end of austerity but it is a very positive first step

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.