News

Hinkley Point sediment plans approved despite concerns

Published

6 years ago

June 8, 2018

NATURAL RESOURCES WALES (NRW) have approved the monitoring plan for the dredging of sediment from a nuclear power plant site and its disposal in Cardiff Bay.

The Hinkley Point C building site in Somerset needs roughly 300,000 tonnes of sediment dredged, with plans to dispose of this a mile out of Cardiff Bay.

However, there have been protests as many believe the sediment could be contaminated with the nuclear waste from the old Hinkley nuclear stations. Many have also criticised what is deemed inadequate testing and samples, as well as fearing the effect of sea currents, moving the waste once it has been disposed of.

EDF, the developers of the site, were granted a marine licence in 2014 to dump the sediment, yet in response a campaign was launched, resulting in a 7,000-strong petition being handed to the Welsh Government.

The petition called for the licence to be suspended to allow for a full Environmental Impact Assessment, complete radiological analysis and core sampling to be carried out.

In response, the developers have suggested that even if a person were to spend four hours each day on the shores of Cardiff Bay, inhaling sediment and eating locally sourced fish, 90% of the radiation received would be naturally occurring.

A report by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science claims that the impact of radioactivity on people would equivalent to eating 20 bananas each year (which are rich in potassium-40), or 50 times less than the average dose received by a resident of Pembrokeshire, due to the county’s relatively high Radon levels.

Neil McEvoy, Independent AM for South Wales Central, fears the sediment could contain radioactive waste, saying: “I have major concerns about safety. This mud will be washed all around the Welsh coast, so we should thoroughly test the mud.”

Crime

Plea hearing for man accused of assault and strangulation

Published

8 mins ago

April 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST man is appearing at Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, April 26) charged with assaulting and strangling a woman

Oliver Torkington, 38, of Pembroke Road, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with two offences last month, and is in Swansea Crown Court today to make his plea, after the local court declined jurisdiction.

Torkington is alleged to have assaulted a woman in St Clears on March 23 and caused her actual bodily harm.

He is also accused of strangling her.

The case came before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on March 25 and Torkington has been remanded in custody since then.

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Community

Suspected explosive device found on west Wales beach

Published

15 mins ago

April 26, 2024

Luke Sinclair

NEW QUAY Coastguard Rescue Team were tasked at 03:50 this morning following a report of suspected washed up Ordnance on Llanrhystud beach. Following an assessment by the Army Bomb Disposal Team it was discovered the item was not Ordnance. It was reported with good intent and thankfully there was no risk to the public.

Reporting of ordnance – Always be mindful of objects you may discover on our beaches.

Our shores are filled with history, but remnants from the past can still sometimes wash up on our shores today.

If you find something on the beach that’s an unusual size or shape, especially if it’s rusty, it could be an unexploded ordnance.

What should I do if I find something that looks unusual on the beach?

While it is very rare to find unexploded ordnance on a visit to the beach, bad weather and high tides can expose these objects. It’s important to be cautious, as ordnance comes in all shapes and sizes.

If you do come across something on the beach that you’re unsure of or suspect could be unexploded ordnance, please don’t touch it or move it. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard – we will take immediate steps with the relevant partner authorities to keep people safe and ensure the item in question is disposed of correctly.

Farming

E-Tickets now on sale for Pembrokeshire County Show 2024

Published

19 mins ago

April 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

E-TICKETS are now on sale for this summer’s Pembrokeshire County Show, the largest county agricultural show in Wales. Preparations are coming together well for what is set to be a fantastic two days of livestock, competitions, attractions and much more.

General entry tickets for the show, taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, 14 & 15 August, are now available at an ‘early birds’ rate online from the website. Ticket prices have had to increase slightly to cover costs but still remain below 2019 charges. The early bird rate for Adults is £15, children £8 (5-16 years), Carers as well as children four years and under are free. Please visit: www.pembsshow.org to purchase your e-tickets.

Adam Thorne, President of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society said, “At the event in August visitors will be able to tickle their tastebuds in the Castell Howell Food Hall, marvel at the livestock classes, enjoy watching the dog agility, be wowed by the showjumping, explore the horticulture, arts and crafts entries.

Shop ‘til they drop in the Country Market area, which will showcase over 40 quality local and award winning product and craft stalls and much more.”

Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society Membership packages are also available and these include admission to the Show and the Members’ Area. Purchasing membership of the society will support its aim to promote, advance and improve agriculture, horticulture and rural crafts and skills by the improvement of livestock and the demonstration and showing of livestock, machinery, crafts, products, methods and processes connected with agriculture and agricultural education in particular by the holding of an annual show. Full details are available on the website: Become A Member | Pembrokeshire County Show | Pembs Agricultural Society (pembsshow.org)

Putting together this event is hard work and requires an enormous effort by the staff, volunteers and trustees of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society. The Society is indebted to so many for their commitment and support in helping host the event.

A special mention must go to the county show sponsors. Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society is proud to have many local, regular, sponsors who make the event possible.

Sponsorship Director, Richard Cole, said, “Sponsorship and Pembrokeshire County Show have been a successful combination for the last 45 years. Sponsors have enjoyed promoting their businesses through the varied mediums of banners, announcements, show rings, buildings, equine and livestock classes and championships over the years. It isn’t too late. If you’d like to discuss becoming a corporate sponsor please complete the form on our website: www.pembsshow.org.”