Community

Plaid Cymru unites against DARC radar proposal for Pembrokeshire

Published

3 months ago

October 11, 2024

AT Plaid Cymru’s recent Cardiff conference, the party showed overwhelming support for the local Pembrokeshire campaign opposing the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) project. Delegates unanimously backed a motion committing the party to fight against the proposed radar installation at Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy, amid growing concerns from local communities about its impact on the environment, tourism, and local livelihoods.

***Mabon ap Gwynfor MS introduces PARC Against DARC motion to conference***

The Pembrokeshire Against the Radar Campaign (PARC), which has spearheaded efforts to stop the DARC project, hailed the decision as a “hugely significant moment.” PARC claims the MoD has been largely unresponsive to local concerns, with no substantial engagement from Welsh Labour, despite a petition signed by over 16,000 local residents. The group asserts that Plaid Cymru’s support signals an escalation in political pressure and believes it will become a key issue in the 2026 Senedd elections.

A campaign gathers momentum

PARC’s spokesperson stated, “Plaid Cymru’s decision to support us against DARC radar is a major step forward. Welsh Labour’s silence on the issue has been frustrating, and the local community is growing increasingly impatient. Today’s vote sends a clear message that if Labour continues to ignore the issue, political pressure will increase.”

The campaign, which has also gained backing from the Wales Green Party, is putting additional pressure on the Liberal Democrats to take a stance. With growing cross-party support, the group believes that this will be a defining issue in the upcoming elections, particularly with the expansion of the Senedd to 96 members. PARC hopes that a coalition between Plaid Cymru, the Greens, and potentially the Lib Dems could force Welsh Labour to rethink its stance on DARC.

***Left to Right Jim Scott – PARC against DARC, Sam Bannon – Heddwch Ar Waith, Jill Evans – former Plaid Cymru MEP and CND Cymru Vice Chair. Roy Jones – PARC Against DARC***

The MoD’s perspective

In contrast, the MoD has defended the DARC project, citing its critical importance for national security. The radar, which is part of a broader international collaboration between the UK, Australia, and the US under the AUKUS alliance, is designed to detect and track objects in deep space. The MoD asserts that DARC will play a vital role in protecting essential satellite networks that underpin both civilian and military operations, ranging from navigation systems to climate monitoring.

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, has emphasised that the project will not only enhance the UK’s space awareness but also secure long-term jobs in Pembrokeshire. Up to 100 personnel will be stationed at Cawdor Barracks to operate and maintain the radar system, ensuring the site remains active beyond its previously planned closure in 2028. Healey described the radar as essential for both national defence and daily civilian life, from banking services to mobile phone communications.

Addressing local concerns

The MoD has also acknowledged local concerns regarding the environmental and health impacts of the radar system. To address these, it is conducting a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) alongside a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. The MoD has assured the community that DARC will meet stringent international safety standards set by organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). These evaluations will be key in securing planning consent from Pembrokeshire County Council.

Public engagement has been central to the MoD’s approach. In September 2024, two public information sessions were held in Solva and St Davids, where residents could raise their concerns and seek clarity on the project. The MoD has pledged to continue its dialogue with the local community, emphasising that it wants to work collaboratively on the development of the site.

Opposition remains strong

Despite the MoD’s efforts to reassure the public, opposition to the project remains strong. PARC continues to argue that the radar will have far-reaching negative impacts on the local tourism industry, property values, and the unique natural habitats in the region. The group has staged several protests, including a high-profile demonstration that garnered national attention, and has established an encampment outside Cawdor Barracks.

PARC also highlights the strategic risks of hosting such a large-scale military installation, arguing that the radar could make Pembrokeshire a prime target in the event of global conflicts. The group remains committed to using all available legal and planning mechanisms to halt the project.

“We believe that DARC poses a real threat to our landscape, economy, and health,” said a PARC spokesperson. “This is not just about local opposition—it’s about protecting our region and making sure Wales isn’t unnecessarily drawn into US foreign policy. We will continue to fight this with everything we’ve got.”

As the campaign continues to grow, it seems certain that the debate over DARC will dominate local politics in Pembrokeshire in the coming years. Both the MoD and local opposition are preparing for a protracted battle over the future of Cawdor Barracks and the role of deep-space radar in West Wales.

Community

Landfill odour sparks calls for inquiry and legal action

Published

6 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS near Withyhedge landfill in Haverfordwest are demanding a public inquiry and considering legal action after foul odours returned just weeks after the site reopened on 6 January.

The landfill, closed last May to address odour issues, was declared fit to reopen by operator RML, which claimed its improvements would protect nearby communities. However, Colin Barnett, of campaign group Stop the Stink, said: “People in Crundale, Haverfordwest, and Spittal are being subjected to horrendous smells again.”

Describing the site as a “stink bomb on steroids,” Barnett supported Conservative MS Paul Davies’ calls for a public inquiry. “We’ve been flanneled by NRW, public health, and Pembrokeshire council. It’s disgraceful,” he said, adding that delays in resolving the issue had left litigation as the only option.

RML, part of Dauson Environmental Group, is owned by businessman David Neal, who has previous convictions for environmental crimes in 2013 and 2017. Last year, another of Neal’s companies pleaded guilty to environmental offences.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) reported receiving 34 complaints since 6 January, with a rise in recent days coinciding with the end of a slurry-spreading ban. However, NRW stated no odours attributable to the landfill were detected and plans to inspect the site with Pembrokeshire council on 29 January.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “I’ll keep a very close eye on this, and if concerns persist, we’ll discuss further steps with NRW.”

RML and the Welsh Government declined to comment.

Community

Public transport users urged to ‘check before travelling’ due to storm

Published

7 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TRANSPORT FOR WALES and Network Rail are urging all customers to check before they travel on Friday morning and into the weekend with weather warnings in place across the country.

With Storm Eowyn set to hit Wales and winds reaching 90mph on Friday morning, customers should expect disruptions and are strongly urged to check before they travel.

There will be alterations to rail services, replacement road transport on certain routes and blanket speed restrictions at some locations, meaning journeys could take longer than usual.

Stand by buses are being planned at key locations around the network in preparation for travel disruption.

Across Wales and the Borders, Network Rail have positioned response teams to address any storm related problems to keep disruption to a minimum.

TfW Operations Director Sarah Higgins said: “It’s so important for our customers to plan ahead when looking to travel this Friday.

“While we’ve made a number of changes to our services based on detailed forecasts, storms can still be unpredictable.

“We’ve seen the impact storms can have, with damage to trains and infrastructure sometimes taking weeks or months to repair, so our cross-industry approach will hopefully limit that and keep our colleagues and customers safe. We apologise to customers for any disruption to their journeys as a result.”

Network Rail Wales & Borders Operations Director Rachel Heath added: “Our priority is always keeping safe everyone who travels and works on the railway.

“Unfortunately, there will be some delays and cancellations on Friday, as trains will not run on some lines and there will speed restrictions on other parts of the route.

“We are working closely with our train operator colleagues to ensure we can safely reopen affected lines as quickly as possible and urge passengers to check before they travel.”

Rail service changes:

No services to run on the Conwy Valley Line all day, with replacement road transport in place.
No services to run on the Heart of Wales line all day, with replacement road transport in place.
Speed restrictions at various locations around the network, meaning some journeys will take longer than usual. These include:

  50mph speed restrictions imposed from 0200 to 1500 Friday on the North Wales Coast – Bodorgan to Llandudno Junction.
  50mph restrictions from 0200 to 1200 between Carmarthen to Kidwelly.
  50mph restrictions from 0200 to 1200 between Neath and Swansea.
  50mph restrictions from 0100 – 0800 between Newport and Llanwern.

Customers who have connecting tickets for the following operators who have suspended services due to the adverse weather conditions, we’ll honour tickets dated 24 January on either Thursday 23 January or up to and including Tuesday 28 January.

       London Northeastern Railway
       LUMO
       TransPennine Express
       Northern
       Grand Central
       Avanti

Community

Mid and West Wales Fire Service launches recruitment drive

Published

8 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MID AND WEST WALES FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE has announced it is halfway through its recruitment window for Wholetime Firefighters. The service is actively seeking individuals from diverse backgrounds to join their ranks and contribute to the safety and well-being of communities across Mid and West Wales.

Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas KFSM emphasised the evolving nature of the firefighter’s role, stating, “The role of a Wholetime Firefighter goes far beyond tackling fires, road traffic collisions and water rescues. Modern-day firefighters play a crucial part in educating the public and working to prevent risks to life and the environment.”

The MAWWFRS is keen to attract applicants with a wide range of skills and experiences, recognising the diverse challenges faced by today’s fire service. “We encourage people from a variety of backgrounds to apply, emphasising the diverse skill set needed for this challenging yet rewarding career,” added Thomas.

This recruitment initiative is seen as a vital step in ensuring the service has the necessary personnel to respond effectively to emergencies and maintain safety standards across the region. The MAWWFRS covers a vast area, encompassing nearly two-thirds of Wales, making it the third largest Fire and Rescue Service in the United Kingdom.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the MAWWFRS website for detailed information on fitness requirements, the application process, and how to apply. The online registration window closes at 12pm on Monday, 27th January 2025.

As the service continues its mission to create safer communities, this recruitment drive offers an opportunity for individuals to become part of a team that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

Citations:
[1] http://eastwoodacademy.co.uk/docs/How%20to%20write%20a%20newspaper%20article.pdf
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid_and_West_Wales_Fire_and_Rescue_Service
[3] https://midwestwalesfire.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s5689/HR%20People%20and%20Well-Being%20Update%20Report.pdf
[4] https://nickdale.me/2023/05/31/how-to-write-a-newspaper-article/
[5] https://www.gov.wales/find-your-local-fire-and-rescue-service
[6] https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/join-us/current-vacancies/
[7] https://www.superprof.co.uk/resources/questions/english/broadsheet-articles.html
[8] https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk
[9] https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/join-us/
[10] https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/body/mid_and_west_wales_fire_and_rescue_service