News
Police Commissioner: Can you support our volunteering schemes?
WITH national volunteering week having started on June 1, Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn is encouraging residents from Powys, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion to become involved in aspects of his scrutiny work as Commissioner.
Volunteer groups will work with Commissioners on a number of schemes to help support vulnerable people; ensure professionalism within Police forces; give confidence that high standards are upheld; protect people’s rights; and enable challenge if things are not as what is expected.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said; “My volunteers play an important part in helping me deliver my vision set out in the Police and Crime plan and I am very grateful to every single person who volunteers with me to deliver these vital schemes.
“I want to ensure that my volunteer schemes are representative of our local communities, and who can provide diverse views and perspectives in our scrutiny of police services here in Dyfed Powys, and I encourage anyone who might be interested in any of our volunteering schemes to get in touch with my Office for more information.”
The Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office currently hosts four volunteer schemes, which include;
- Independent Custody Visiting
- Animal Welfare visitors
- Quality Assurance Panel
- Youth Forum
Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are volunteers from the local community who visit police custody suites in pairs, unannounced, to check on the welfare of detainees and to ensure that their rights are upheld.
With the Animal Welfare Scheme, volunteers are members of the local community with experience of working dogs and professionals from animal welfare organisations. Volunteers in the Animal Welfare Scheme observe, comment and report upon the welfare and condition under which police dogs are housed, trained, transported and deployed.
The Quality Assurance Panel was established in December 2016 to review the quality of police contact with the public, in a transparent and independent manner, on behalf of local communities.
The Panel are increasingly invited by the Force to review additional areas of police contact, which is testimony to the value of their feedback in supporting customer focussed service improvements. This work is vital to ensure the highest of standards in Dyfed-Powys.
The Police and Crime Commissioner has a Youth Forum whom he meets with regularly to have their views on policing matters, and to ensure that young people’s voices are heard. In recent months, the Youth Forum have been working with the PCC on the Y Sgwrs Consultation, running focus groups and promoting an online survey for young people to get their views and experiences of mental health issues, substance mis-use and youth offending.
Mr Llywelyn said; “Alongside the individuals who volunteer to help me in my role, volunteers also play a vital part in the work of Dyfed-Powys Police, including cadets, specials, chaplains, victim support and volunteers who volunteer in a wide range of roles in order to support the work of Police staff and Officers.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers both within my office and the force. We greatly appreciate all the time and commitment you give to both the work of the force and my office.”
Anyone who is interested in any of the PCC’s Volunteer Scheme’s are asked to contact the office for further information on 01267 226440 or by email: [email protected].
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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