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Egnedol ‘confident’ that jobs will be delivered

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Hi-tech: Proposed power plant could produce up to 350MWe of electricity

THE COMMERCIAL manager of a scheme to bring a pyrolysis power station, a cheese factory and prawn and algae farm to Milford Haven has told a prominent county councillor that he should ‘watch this space’ if he thinks that the plans will not come to fruition.

Phil Johns told The Herald: “The Egnedol project is fully funded with an insurance wrap guaranteeing all stages of the process. We are confident in our ability to deliver – all I can say to Cllr Mike Stoddart is: Watch this space it will happen.”

In an attempt to dampen rumours that the plans were all pie in the sky, Mr Johns confirmed that the project was fully financed with “offshore funding” and that the project was “guaranteed at every stage of the process”. He said that when one stage of the build was completed that the next stage of financing would “follow through”.

He was speaking following comments from Cllr Stoddart that he was sceptical that the plans for the energy £685m project were sound. The scheme would make Pembrokeshire an international standard-bearer for cutting-edge clean energy technology, the company has said.

Speaking to Herald TV last week immediately after Egnedol’s open day in Hazlebeach, Cllr Mike Stoddart said: “It was a very scanty presentation, a few drawings and that was it.

“They seemed very vague about the material they are going to pyrolise. Obviously if it brings hundreds of jobs to Milford Haven then it will be a fantastic asset but I am extremely dubious myself.”

On Wednesday (Jan 20) Cllr Stoddart added to his comments: “I cannot see how they are going to make it pay. I think I saw a figure of 142 staff working at the fish packing facility, along with a figure of 100 tons of fish per year – if this is true they will have very high staff costs.”

“Also the number of people they say will be employed by the new power station will make it a bigger employer than Pembroke Power Station, but it is a much, much smaller facility with one sixth of the output.”

Pembroke Power Station is the largest gas-fired power station in Europe which can generate enough power to supply 3.5 million homes and businesses but only employs around 100 people.

Cllr Stoddart added: “I am baffled as to how this project will work financially. The numbers don’t seem to stack up.”

The Herald caught up with Phil Johns this week outside the Dragon LNG plant on Tuesday (Jan 19).

Asked by our reporter James Hemingrey if the company had any experience in projects like this Mr Johns said: “This is a unique site. The company did have a demonstration unit running in south Wales. The units had been proven with several thousands of hours of running in South Africa.”

He added: “We intend to get our planning application in [to the council] in February this year. Once we have the planning consent in place we are looking at a build time of around twelve months.

“We will be using the jetty to import wood-chip biomass from our own plantations. That biomass will be gasified – superheated in an oxygen free environment. The biogas will then be put through a catalyst that will allow us to produce a clean gas capable of being injected into the national grid, and also used to generate electricity though the use of gas turbines.

“We do have a bi-product in the form of hydrogen and liquid fuels as well which will be exported from the site.

“We have secured our own plantations in Morocco and Greece which basically gives us a good base-load supply”

The 450 jobs which will come to the area for the first part of the development, rising to 550 jobs.

“The project is fully funded with an insurance wrap guaranteeing all stages of the process. We are confident in our ability to deliver – all I can say to Cllr Stoddart is watch this space it will happen.”

According to the company’s website Egnedol Limited was formed to bring together a suite of existing technologies and business partners with a broad range of related expertise.

A statement posted online says: “Our aim is to create an environmentally sustainable centre of excellence at the Waterston and Blackbridge sites in Milford Haven.

“The Milford Haven project will create around 560 permanent jobs and will support and sustain many other positions within existing businesses in the area. A full range of job types will be created, ranging from senior management to part time operative and administrative positions.

“The business model for the project is robust, well funded and the industrial activities created by the project will act as a catalyst that will support businesses in the area.

“Project partners have been secured and will provide inward investment into the project.”

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Crime

Crown Court backlog at a record high, Victims’ Commissioner warns

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THE VICTIMS’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, has voiced profound concern over the escalating backlog of cases in the Crown Court, which has surged to a record 67,573 outstanding cases. This latest figure not only signifies a 1% increase from the previous quarter but also marks a staggering 65% rise from pre-pandemic levels and a near double increase since June 2019.

Baroness Newlove, reflecting on the dire statistics, emphasized the intolerable delays victims are facing, often stretching to years, before their cases are heard in court. With 27% of all outstanding cases now pending for over a year, the situation has reached a critical point, resulting in unprecedented strain on victims and the frontline services supporting them.

The duration from the receipt to the completion of cases at the Crown Court remains significantly above pre-pandemic figures, showcasing an 82% increase from the end of March 2020 and an 84% rise from the end of June 2019. Specifically troubling is the average completion time for rape cases, which now stands at 393 days, surpassing all previous records and highlighting a 52% increase from before the pandemic.

The Victims’ Commissioner pointed out the growing burden on victim services and the potential for increasing numbers of victims to withdraw from the process due to prolonged wait times. The statistics reveal a 14% victim withdrawal rate post-charge in the latest quarter, coupled with 26% of cases being adjourned on the day of trial, further exacerbating the challenges faced by those seeking justice.

Baroness Newlove criticized the apparent systemic issues within the judicial process, noting that despite a 4% decrease in new case volumes, the backlog continues to rise, with completed cases also experiencing a decline. This situation underscores the critical need for systemic reforms to address the inefficiencies plaguing the court system, ensuring that victims do not continue to suffer from prolonged delays in obtaining justice.

As the Crown Court backlog hits another record high, the call for urgent action to alleviate the pressure on victims and the judicial system has never been more pressing, with justice delayed increasingly equating to justice denied.

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Entertainment

Easter Extravaganza: ‘Into The Woods’ takes the stage in Pembs

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THE FISHGUARD and District Drama Society (FADDS) is set to dazzle audiences with its latest production, “Into The Woods”. Theatre enthusiasts across Pembrokeshire are in for a treat as the show embarks on a captivating three-day run at Theatre Gwaun starting Thursday, April 4th.

The production, which premieres at 7:00pm on Thursday, promises an exciting journey through a modern twist on beloved fairy tales, with additional performances scheduled for the following dates and times:

  • Thursday, April 4th at 7:00pm
  • Friday, April 5th at 7:00pm
  • Saturday, April 6th at 2:00pm and again at 7:00pm

Tickets are swiftly selling out, urging potential spectators to secure their seats promptly by booking through Theatre Gwaun’s official website.

For over three decades, FADDS has been a cornerstone of the local theatre scene, bringing a plethora of productions to life at Theatre Gwaun. Their adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into The Woods” marks yet another milestone, enriching Pembrokeshire’s cultural tapestry. Since its Broadway debut in 1987 and subsequent West End premiere in 1990, “Into The Woods” has been a fixture in the theatre community, even inspiring a Walt Disney film adaptation in 2014.

The story weaves a tapestry of fairy tale quests, exploring the intertwined fates of beloved characters as they venture into the woods, each harboring their own desires and secrets. Questions abound: What binds a cow as white as milk to hair as yellow as corn? Can Cinderella attend the King’s Festival? Will Rapunzel escape her tower? And who is the mysterious figure obsessed with greens?

FADDS promises a show brimming with intrigue, laughter, and the timeless music of Sondheim, delivering a “fast-paced, super fun” interpretation of these classic tales. This amateur production, orchestrated in collaboration with Music Theatre International (MTI), guarantees a magical night out for families and theatre aficionados alike, blending nostalgia with the thrill of live performance.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this vibrant take on “Into The Woods” – a theatrical journey where fairy tales and reality collide, revealing the heart and humour of these age-old stories.

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Education

Second Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament celebrates youth and skill

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THE SECOND Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament drew participants from 21 schools across the region, culminating in a day of intense competition and camaraderie.

The tournament, reported by Vicky Brown, saw young chess enthusiasts gather for a day marked by strategic gameplay and exceptional talent. Henry Burton from Redhill emerged victorious, claiming the top spot in a closely contested field. The duo of Steffan Hughes and Huw Holliday, also from Redhill, followed closely in second place, while Osian Griffiths (Ysgol Caer Elen), Bryn Williams (Milford Haven Community School), and Iolo Hughes (Redhill) shared the third place, showcasing the depth of talent present among the participants.

In recognition of outstanding sportsmanship, Carys Callan from Redhill was honoured with the ‘David Pinch Award’, embodying the spirit of fair play and respect that marked the tournament. A special mention was given to Tyler Davison-Hall from Johnston CP School for participating in the Game of the Tournament, further highlighting the event’s competitive yet friendly atmosphere.

The tournament benefitted significantly from the expertise of Ian Eustis from the Welsh Chess Union, who served as Arbiter, ensuring the smooth running of the games. The event was also supported by Martin Jones and Scott Hammett, who took on the roles of stewards, and the Friends of Redhill (FOR), who managed the refreshments, contributing to the day’s success.

The local chess community, including participants and spectators, expressed their appreciation for the organisational efforts that made the event possible. For those interested in furthering their chess skills, the Pembrokeshire Chess Club extends an invitation to meet on Tuesday evenings in Steynton. Martin Jones, contactable at 07884384131, is available for further details regarding membership and participation.

Looking ahead, Redhill is poised to host its next chess tournament on Saturday, 8th June, promising another opportunity for young chess players to demonstrate their skills and passion for the game. The success of this event not only highlights the thriving chess scene in Pembrokeshire but also sets the stage for future tournaments that continue to inspire and engage the youth in the noble game of chess.

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