News
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park car park charges set to rise
CHARGES in Pembrokeshire’s national park car parks are set to rise by 50 per cent next year following a decision by members today, June 21.
The changes will see the rate for up to one hour increase from £1 to £1.50, two hours to £3, a new up to four hours rate of £4.50, and the day rate increase from £5 to £6, and a coach all-day rate remains the same at £8.
Very short stays of up to 30 minutes remain free.
At the June meeting of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority members backed the in-principle recommendations to make the increases for the 2024-25 season, in line with similar changes at coastal sites run by Pembrokeshire County Council.
Members also agreed to begin the process of amending the current car park charging order and agreed to an annual review of car park charges and a three-yearly review of pricing structure.
A report for members stated the decision to increase charges was discussed by a National Park Task and Finish Group, and would remain seasonal.
“The group discussed charging out of season, but it was agreed that the cost benefit of monitoring this and collecting payment did not make financial sense.
“It was also felt that the ‘free’ provision encouraged out of season tourism, supporting local businesses as well as offering a gesture of ‘good will’ for communities.”
At the meeting, Councillor Simon Hancock said the ere was “a great deal of sense in having a common tariff” with Pembrokeshire County Council, but warned raising tariffs could harm accessibility to the areas served by car parks.
The changes cover single ticket usage of the car parks; at the December meeting of the National Park Authority, a recommendation to double the price of season tickets was approved.
The previous season ticket prices were £25 for a single nominated car park and £70 for all National Park car parks; now increased to £50 and £140 respectively.
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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