News
Superfast business breakfast is the perfect start to the day
COMPANIES in Pembrokeshire will get the opportunity to find out more about plans to bring superfast fibre broadband to the area at a Superfast Cymru business breakfast meeting to be held at the Bridge Innovation Centre in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday, September 30
The aim of the ‘Fibre for Breakfast’ event, which has been organised with the support of South Wales Chamber of Commerce, is to show businesses how they can benefit from using fast fibre broadband that will shortly become available in the area. Superfast Cymru, the largest partnership of its kind in the UK is working towards ensuring that Welsh Government achieves its target of 96% of premises in Wales having fast fibre broadband access by the end of spring 2016. Speaking before the event Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Skills & Technology, Julie James, emphasised the importance of the Superfast programme. “These days we operate in a global environment where technology transcends any geographical boundaries.
We want to ensure that Wales is ahead of the game and our businesses are given every chance to develop and succeed, especially in an increasingly challenging financial climate. “Superfast Cymru has the potential to transform the broadband landscape in Wales and help us in our aim of promoting economic growth and providing sustainable jobs. Making Wales one of the most broadband capable countries in the world will also make us attractive to new investment. I would encourage all businesses based in Pembrokeshire to attend this event to learn more about how they can maximise the benefits from Superfast Cymru.” BT Programme Director Ed Hunt believes that the programme offers great potential for Welsh businesses.
He said: “Superfast Cymru is a hugely ambitious programme that will place Wales at the forefront of broadband technology. The economic impact of such a programme cannot be underestimated as it will provide an environment allowing businesses to establish and flourish. “On a practical level it has created over 300 BT jobs in Wales and recent Cornish research has highlighted that six out of 10 small businesses are either growing or have increased revenues thanks to high speed fibre broadband.
“Businesses need to start thinking now as to how they could benefit from this technology and these information events will allow them to start talking and planning for the future.” Graham Morgan, South Wales Chamber of commerce said: “A new world awaits as superfast broadband arrives in Pembrokeshire. I really can’t emphasise enough how important it is that businesses ready themselves to take full advantage of this opportunity.” “Superfast has the potential to be a game-changer for businesses, allowing them to be more productive, more costeffective and to compete on a global scale. With fast, reliable access to the international market, businesses can start to think outside their locale.
Those businesses in the tourism sector in particular have an opportunity here to use the faster speeds to upload high-quality video, and really show off what they have to offer to the rest of the world.’ Businesses wishing to attend this event should register their interest with Rebecca Lawson on 02920 434 946. Superfast Cymru, a partnership between Welsh Government and BT, with additional funding from Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) and the European Regional Development Fund, is taking fibre broadband to parts of the country not covered by commercial plans. Fast fibre broadband access is offered to all service providers on an open, wholesale basis, underpinning a competitive market. Further details of the programme, including areas in Wales that are part of the roll-out, are available on the Superfast Cymru website www.superfastcymru. com.
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.
Crime
Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm
THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.
Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.
The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.
“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.
“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.
“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”
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