News
Milford Haven couple found guilty in waste disposal case
AT A RECENT hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Youth Court reached a verdict in a case involving Mr. Gavin James and Ms. Marie Danielle James, residents of Vicary Crescent in Milford Haven. The couple faced charges of failing to comply with a community protection notice issued to them by Pembrokeshire County Council.
On February 17, it was alleged that both Mr. and Ms. James failed to remove refuse and household waste from their property in Vicary Crescent, subsequently neglecting to dispose of the accumulated waste.
This behaviour, the court heard, violated the provisions set forth in sections 48(1), (2)(a), and 52 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime, and Policing Act 2014.
Despite their absence from the proceedings, the court found both defendants guilty of the charges.
Mr. Gavin James, aged 43, was fined £180.
Additionally, he was ordered to pay a surcharge of £72 to fund victim services and costs amounting to £739.98. A collection order was made, and the court granted him until 29th June 2023 to settle the total amount of £991.98.
Similarly, Ms. Marie Danielle James, aged 44, received the same penalties as her co-defendant.
She was fined £180 and instructed to pay a surcharge of £72 to support victim services. Additionally, she was ordered to pay costs totalling £739.98. Like Mr. James, she was given until 29th June 2023 to fulfil her financial obligations, amounting to £991.98.
The court emphasised the seriousness of failing to comply with community protection notices and the importance of maintaining clean and safe environments.
The verdict serves as a reminder that all residents must take responsibility for proper waste disposal and uphold community standards.
As the defendants were not present during the trial, they were unable to challenge the evidence or provide any statements in their defence. The court made its decision based on the evidence presented and concluded that the charges against both defendants were proven.
The bench’s ruling in this case sends a clear message about the responsibility of individuals to adhere to community protection notices and maintain a clean and safe environment for everyone.
Failure to comply with such notices can result in significant fines and associated costs.
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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