News
Police tackle metal theifs
THE FIGHT against metal theft continues, and Dyfed-Powys Police says that in conjunction with partner agencies, such as the local authorities, Natural Resources Wales and neighbouring police forces, are continuously taking action following information received in relation to this type of crime. In December 2013 the Scrap Metal Dealers Act came into force, which states that all mobile scrap metal dealers have to register with the local authority in which they intend to collect.
They require a licence for each individual local authority area. Recent operations conducted consist of a cross border visit to a scrap yard in South Wales Police area, and an operation at Fishguard and Pembroke Dock Ports. DC Jo Grey, from the Environmental Crime Team said: “The cross border visit to a yard in South Wales revealed 27 Dyfed Powys residents, who were not registered mobile collectors with Carmarthenshire, were taking metal regularly into the South Wales area yard. The metal consisted of cable, copper piping, lead and mixed metals.
The information was passed onto the local neighbourhood policing teams and home visits were conducted to establish if they were registered collectors elsewhere, any environmental protection act offences, and if scrap metal dealers books/transfer notes were being kept correctly. The detective said: “All 27 addresses were visited and advice given to several collectors in terms of registering with the local authority, waste transfer notes and keeping accurate records. It has become evident in subsequent visits at registered collectors that this operation has had an impact within the scrap metal mobile collectors industry, as many of them were surprised that cross border information was acted on, and police were actually visiting home addresses.
It has highlighted the fact that they must be registered with the local authority and that police are acting on any information regarding the movement of metal by unregistered collectors. DC Grey added: “The aim of the multi-agency operation at Fishguard and Pembroke Dock ports was to inspect all outgoing and incoming freight to establish the import and export of stolen metal or scrapped metal. Over 100 containers were inspected. Scrapped batteries were found within some, which did not have the necessary relevant paperwork. This was an excellent proactive operation which gave Dyfed –Powys officers, and those of partner agencies, the opportunity to increase their knowledge and understanding of metal theft and transfer of waste offences, whilst also sending a clear message to freight carriers that these matters are being pro-actively targeted.”
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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Flashbang
November 13, 2014 at 12:21 am
Is the headline about thieves or thefts? Thieves is the plural of thief. Both are spelled with the i before the e and not the other way around. Just being pedantic as journalists and sub editors should know how to spell.