News

Outcry as telecom tower threatens Park’s picturesque landscape

Published

2 years ago

March 31, 2024

PLANS for a 20-metre-high telecom tower in the heart of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park have sparked a wave of opposition from local residents and conservationists. The proposed development by Cornerstone aims to erect a timber-clad telecoms structure opposite the National Trust Car Park in Trehilyn West, Trefasser, a move that has been met with vehement disapproval by the community.

The contentious site is nestled within the Pen Caer Registered Historic Landscape, an area celebrated for its natural beauty and historical significance. Flanked by the ancient Iron Age hill forts of Garn Fawr Camp and Garn Fechan Camp, both Scheduled Monuments, and within proximity to two Grade II Listed buildings, the proposed tower’s location has been criticised for its potential impact on the landscape’s heritage and visual appeal.

Further concern arises from the tower’s visibility from the vicinity of John Piper’s cottages, where the renowned 20th-century artist found inspiration for his work. One of Piper’s paintings, depicting Garn Fawr, fetched over £37,000 at a Christie’s auction in 2013, highlighting the area’s cultural and aesthetic value.

Designed to host three antennas and two dishes, along with a suite of supporting equipment, the tower’s introduction is argued by the applicant to have a ‘slight’ and ‘minor’ impact on the historic landscape, a sentiment not shared by local heritage and conservation authorities. Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, has not objected to the proposal concerning the nearby scheduled monuments. However, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s Building Conservation Officer, Rob Scourfield, has recommended the application be refused, citing the significant detrimental effect on the setting of nearby listed buildings and the overarching landscape of the National Park.

Residents have also voiced their frustration, citing a lack of consultation and public notice regarding the project. Llandruidion local Jill Rowley lamented the potential visual intrusion in an area famed for its picturesque qualities, pointing out the absence of communication with the community council. Echoing these sentiments, Karen Roden raised concerns over the need for improved mobile coverage versus the sensitivity of Pencaer’s landscape. She highlighted the short window for public objection and the perceived oversight in consulting with the National Park and local populace.

With the planning application now open for comments on the National Park’s planning portal, the clock is ticking for those wishing to express their views. The case underscores the delicate balance between technological advancement and the preservation of natural and historical landscapes, a debate that continues to resonate across the UK’s protected areas.

Community

Port launches waterway safety competition with monthly prizes

Published

1 hour ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has announced the launch of its first Waterway Safety Competition, set to begin in April.

The initiative aims to promote safe and responsible use of the Milford Haven Waterway, one of the busiest and most diverse waterways in Wales. The waterway is used daily by paddleboarders, kayakers, sailors, swimmers, and large commercial vessels, making safety a key priority.

As part of the competition, participants are invited to showcase their own interpretation of the waterway through any creative medium. All art forms are welcome, and entries will be judged monthly.

Each month, winners will receive prizes designed to support water safety, including lifejackets and training sessions.

The Port hopes the competition will encourage greater awareness of safety while celebrating the unique character of the waterway.

For more information or to enter, visit: https://www.mhpa.co.uk/waterway-safety-competition/

News

Reform UK unveils Carmarthenshire Senedd candidates

Published

1 hour ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

REFORM UK Wales has announced its full list of candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin (Carmarthenshire) ahead of the Senedd election on Thursday, May 7.

Leading the list is Gareth Beer, the party’s Carmarthenshire chairman, a local businessman, father of four and Kidwelly town councillor. In the 2024 General Election, he came within around 1,500 votes of winning the Llanelli seat — Reform UK’s strongest result in Wales.

Beer said the party had assembled “a strong team of decent, hard-working people” ready to represent the county.

He said: “We have already started campaigning strongly across the constituency, and the reception we are receiving on the doorstep has been overwhelmingly positive.

“People have had enough of the lies they hear from politicians and want to give a new party a genuine chance to make real changes.”

He added that key issues raised by voters included NHS waiting lists, education standards, the economy and the cost of living.

Full candidate list

The Reform UK candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin are:

Gareth Beer – Businessman, Kidwelly town councillor and Carmarthenshire chairman for Reform UK.

Carmelo Colasanto – County and community councillor with a background in retail, compliance and multinational business operations.

Sarah Edwards – Retired dental professional and smallholder, known for campaigning on rural and environmental issues.

Christopher Brooke – Retired engineer and manager with more than four decades’ experience in manufacturing.

Alan Cole – Former senior corporate leader and business owner who has worked with small businesses across South Wales.

Michelle Beer – Marketing and PR professional and Reform UK county councillor for the Lliedi ward, elected in a 2025 by-election.

The party said the team brings experience from business, engineering, healthcare and public service.

Reform UK Wales said its campaign in Carmarthenshire would focus on reducing NHS waiting times, improving education, supporting small businesses and addressing the rising cost of living.

The party is positioning itself as an alternative to what it describes as the political “status quo” in Cardiff Bay.

News

Police watchdog investigates after gunshot fired inside Milford Haven flats

Published

1 hour ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A POLICE firearm was discharged inside a block of flats in Milford Haven during an incident on Saturday evening (March 28), it has emerged.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed a single shot was fired at around 6:32pm after officers were called to reports of disorder at Bunkers Hill involving a person believed to be carrying a knife.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now confirmed it has been notified. A spokesperson said the force had made a voluntary conduct referral, which will be assessed before any decision is made on further action.

Police have stated that the firearm was not directed at any individual and that no injuries were reported.

A witness close to the matter told The Herald that the shot was fired as an officer entered the flats and moved up the stairs, with the bullet striking a breeze block wall. This account has not yet been officially confirmed.

When Herald reporters attended the scene on Sunday afternoon, a significant police presence remained, with officers seen going in and out of the building and carrying out checks around the rear of the flats.

The precise circumstances leading to the discharge remain under investigation.

More to follow.