News

Llys Meddyg restaurant in Newport fined for falsely describing food

Published

4 years ago

December 22, 2020

LLYS MEDDYG restaurant in Newport has been fined a total of £2,100 for food safety offences, failing to display a food hygiene rating, and for falsely describing food.

Business operators Ed and Louise Sykes were fined £1,050 each.

Llys Meddyg had received a Food Hygiene Rating of ‘1’ following an inspection on 20th February 2019 by an Environmental Health Officer from Pembrokeshire County Council’s Public Protection Division.

But the court heard that on 4th September 2019, the officer visited the premises again, at the owners’ request, to carry out an inspection to ‘re-score’ the business and provide them with a new food hygiene rating.

On arrival, she saw that the current food hygiene rating sticker was hidden on an internal glass door behind a lantern. The company had already received verbal and written warnings, as well as a fine, for failing to display their score properly as required by law.

A subsequent inspection took place on September 30.

Although the standard of cleanliness was observed to be improved, there were still issues outstanding.

The business had a food safety management system in place designed to ensure that chilled food was cold enough and cooked thoroughly, and that cleaning was carried out, but there was inadequate evidence that staff were using it.

Flies were found crawling on equipment, surfaces and tables in all areas of the premises, attracted through an open door by a bin without a lid.

A vac packer had been used for packing both raw and cooked fish (separate vac packers should be used for raw and cooked foods) and a number of food safety controls described in writing had not been implemented.

Other aspects of the food preparation such as vac packing were not covered by the system at all, and access to the garden kitchen wash hand basin was blocked by a bin.

Bacon described as ‘local’ on the breakfast menu was labelled ‘Origin EEC’ and although it had been bought from a local butcher, it actually originated from outside Wales.

Food business operators Ed and Louise Sykes pleaded guilty to all offences, with the exception of falsely describing the bacon on the menu as ‘local’ and the case was heard by the District Judge Chris James at Llanelli Magistrates Court on Thursday 10th December. Despite the submission of some complex legal arguments by the defence solicitor, District Judge Chris James found both defendants guilty of that charge.

The District Judge accepted mitigation in that the business had taken steps to put things right, that they were of previous good character and commented that it was currently a difficult and unprecedented time for people working in the catering industry. He gave a third credit for the early guilty pleas. However, he said he had to have regard to the deterrent effect.

As well as the fine, costs of £5,000 were also awarded to the County Council.

After the case the Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Public Protection and Welsh Language, Cllr Cris Tomos, said: “This business was provided with several opportunities to rectify most of these matters, but they did not heed our advice or warnings and failed to attend interviews to which they were invited.

“It is hoped that in future they will take their obligations more seriously and act on any guidance or direction that they receive.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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.