News
Llanelli split as asylum seekers take shelter in Stradey Park Hotel
WITH echoes of Pembrokeshire’s Penally Camp saga, the controversial government decision to house asylum seekers has sparked tensions in a tranquil Welsh town, leading to an outpouring of both compassion and confrontation.
Previously heralded as a beacon of Welsh culture, Llanelli finds itself at the crossroads of a national debate. Many regard the Stradey Park Hotel as “the jewel in Llanelli’s crown,” a stunning cream-coloured Edwardian mansion with magnificent views of the Gower coastline. Yet, its transformation to accommodate approximately 250 asylum seekers, overseen by the Home Secretary Suella Braverman, has led to uproar.
The Home Office’s choice to use the Stradey Park Hotel stems from a backlog of asylum requests. This has made the Home Secretary, perhaps surprisingly, one of the largest hotel proprietors in the UK. But the commercial side of this venture has not gone unnoticed. The Stradey Park Hotel, acquired by Sterling Woodrow in 2020, has made considerable profits by partnering with Clearsprings Ready Homes, one of three firms that provide accommodation for the Home Office’s asylum seekers.
However, beneath this tapestry of politics and commerce lies the heart of Llanelli, and it is pulsating with mixed emotions. The initial wave of opposition came in the form of court cases and formal letters. But things took a turn between 14 and 16 August, when significant damage was inflicted upon the hotel and its surrounding property.
Following these events, 17 individuals have been arrested in relation to the protest. Most of the arrests were a result of the concerning behaviour displayed by some protestors, causing substantial damage to the hotel grounds and property. Superintendent Ross Evans, Commander for Carmarthenshire, weighed in on the matter, affirming the force’s dedication to preserving public safety whilst recognising the concerns of the protestors.
“Public safety remains our priority and we will continue to listen to and work with all parties. In particular, it is our intention to work with any protest groups in advance of any events so that we can facilitate peaceful demonstration,” Superintendent Evans remarked.
Of the 21 arrests made since July, most of those apprehended are now bound by bail conditions restricting them from entering the vicinity of the hotel or even Llanelli. Notably, on 18 August, Emmanuel Agius was found guilty of possessing offensive weapons and a class B drug. He received a 16-week suspended sentence and a curfew requirement.
The situation in Llanelli serves as a testament to how national policies can ripple into the heart of local communities. The town, once bustling with the anthracite coal, tin, and steel industries, now finds itself grappling with new challenges, echoing larger discussions surrounding migration and identity.
But amid the commotion and contention, Llanelli’s true strength may lie in its ability to navigate these tumultuous waters, hopefully finding a path that not only respects its heritage but also upholds the principles of compassion and unity.
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.
-
News2 days ago
Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route
-
Top News6 days ago
Pembrokeshire man jailed after repeatedly punching pregnant wife
-
Top News5 days ago
Police investigate dogs seen persistently chasing sheep on Pembrokeshire airfield
-
Education3 days ago
Home Education: Delays and missed opportunities risk further tragedy
-
News7 days ago
Dyfed-Powys Police launches attempted murder investigation
-
News7 days ago
Heroes of the storm: How Council workers rallied during rare red wind warning
-
Top News6 days ago
Milford man dealt ‘persistent’ blows on girlfriend after urinating in flat
-
News6 days ago
Engine room fire caused by loose fuel pipe connection previously flagged