News
Operation Stack ready for county ports as Brexit day looms
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has confirmed the details of the Authority’s work to prepare for changes to trading relations on January 1.
The Brexit transition period ends on 31st December and in preparation the Council has been working closely with partners including the Welsh Government and the operators of the Ports of Fishguard and Pembroke.
Part of the Council’s work is Operation Stack.
This involves co-ordinating and arranging the provision of lorry parking space away from both local ports.
This is being provided for freight vehicles which arrive at the ports and do not have the required documentation and Movement Reference Number (MRN) to allow them to travel to Ireland.
As a result, some vehicles may be turned away from the ports until such time that they have acquired the necessary documentation and or, MRN.
To ensure this process is carried out safely away from the ports, space for lorry parking will be provided at:
- Fishguard: The Hall Brothers Transport Ltd, Wern Road, Goodwick.
- Pembroke Dock: Bridge Innovation Centre, Overflow Car Park.
Pembrokeshire County Council Leader, Cllr David Simpson, said: “The importance of Pembrokeshire’s ports to the County, Wales and UK as a whole cannot be over-estimated.
“Planning and review work with partners has been underway for some time to mitigate any issues associated with the end of the transition period and identify and secure facilities in appropriate locations for Operation Stack.
“The aim has been to ensure that freight vehicles are able to be parked up safely away from the ports, while documentation issues are worked through.
“This has been part of our wider Brexit planning which continues across the Council.
“Officers will be monitoring the situation closely as the transition period ends.”
Carl Milne, Port Service Manager, Stena Line Fishguard said: “We are working in partnership with Welsh Government, Pembrokeshire County Council and partners to protect Fishguard’s position as a key international gateway and mitigate any potential disruption to the town and its residents during the forthcoming transition period.
“Our priority remains to provide safe and efficient trade and traffic movement through the Port while protecting our local communities.
“The implementation of the Operation Stack protocols will greatly support the Port and the potential impacts.”
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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