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Carmarthenshire Council criticised for ‘devastating’ budget cuts

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CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL faces intense scrutiny over its latest round of budget cuts, with trade unions and local communities urging the adoption of a no-cuts, needs-led budget to safeguard vital services. This plea comes in light of what critics describe as a “sham” public consultation by the Plaid Cymru-led council, accused of concealing the harsh impacts of its financial decisions.

Since 2010, the council has seen a reduction of approximately £120 million in funding, a situation exacerbated this year by increased demand, inflation, and insufficient budget allocations. Critics argue this shortfall places essential services at risk, attributing part of the blame to the Labour Welsh Government for not resisting the austerity measures imposed by the Conservative government in Westminster.

Amid growing concerns over the sustainability of local services, UNISON has spearheaded calls for the council to resist further cuts. The union advocates for a budget that prioritises community and staff needs, suggesting the use of reserves and borrowing as temporary measures to maintain and improve services. This approach, they argue, could provide the necessary breathing room to mobilise a broader campaign against the cuts, involving both trade unions and the wider community.

The backdrop to these local tensions is a broader national crisis in council funding, with several councils in England reaching technical bankruptcy and others in Wales, including Carmarthenshire, considering similar drastic measures. The implications of these cuts are severe, with rising staff sickness levels due to stress, recruitment challenges, and a reduction in non-statutory services, underscoring the urgent need for a strategic response.

Critics of the council’s current strategy warn of the dire consequences of continued austerity, pointing to the strain on public services and the workforce. They call for a decisive shift towards a needs-led budgeting approach that could stave off the worst impacts of financial cuts while rallying for governmental support.

As part of the pushback against these cuts, a lobby outside the County Hall in Carmarthen is scheduled for the 28th of February, aiming to pressure the council into re-evaluating its financial strategy. This move reflects a growing sentiment that, with a concerted effort, the tide of council budget cuts can be turned, securing the future of local services and the well-being of the community and council employees alike.

For more information or to join the campaign, interested parties are encouraged to contact UNISON at 01267 852013 or via email at [email protected].

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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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)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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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)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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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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