News

Migraine prevented defendant attending noise disturbance case

Published

1 year ago

August 30, 2023

A MILFORD HAVEN resident has been handed a hefty fine of almost £4,000 after consistently failing to adhere to a noise abatement notice issued due to her excessively loud music.

Ms. Gemma Hughes, 27, formerly of 10 Howarth Close, repeatedly disregarded requests from Pembrokeshire County Council to moderate the volume of her music. The nature of her living situation, occupying one unit in a block of four flats, amplified the issue, causing significant disturbance to neighbouring residents.

Alys Williams, legal counsel for Pembrokeshire County Council, noted: “The music often permeated the neighbouring flats, causing considerable inconvenience. Moreover, the music was frequently played during anti-social hours.”

Ms. Hughes was scheduled to present her case before the Haverfordwest magistrates, having contested two charges related to the contravention of the noise abatement notice. However, a last-minute call from her husband informed the court of her inability to attend due to a migraine. The absence of any medical verification led the magistrates to move forward with the proceedings in her absence.

Public health officer, Steve Morbey, recounted the series of complaints received concerning the disruptive noise from Ms. Hughes’ residence. “Over a significant period, we fielded numerous complaints which culminated in the issuance of the abatement notice, urging her to address the noise levels,” Morbey stated. “Regrettably, this seemed to have minimal impact.”

Supporting the claims, police officer Matthew Davies spoke about an incident from May 22, 2022. He recalled, “Upon my arrival around 12.30am, the music was audibly emanating from the flat. Ms. Hughes requested to continue playing a particular song she favoured when asked to reduce the volume. Even from a distance of 15 metres, the music remained distinctly audible.”

A subsequent incident the following month, recounted by police officer Skone from Pembroke Dock, added to the mounting evidence against Ms. Hughes. Skone stated, “Shortly after midnight, we received yet another complaint. The overpowering music from Ms. Hughes’ flat was evident even in the communal hallway.”

Given the weight of the evidence, the magistrates adjudged Ms. Hughes guilty on both counts. The consequent penalties amounted to £3,979.75, including £1,320 in fines, £2,525.75 in prosecution costs payable to Pembrokeshire County Council, and a £132 statutory surcharge.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.