News
Council ‘disappointed’ as court refuses injunction against Withyhedge operators
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has expressed disappointment following a court decision that denied its request for an injunction against Resources Management UK Ltd (RML), operators of the Withyhedge Landfill site.
The case, held on October 21 at the Swansea Civil Justice Centre, was brought by the Council in response to ongoing complaints from residents about severe odours emanating from the landfill.
The judge acknowledged that the odour from Withyhedge constituted a public nuisance, accepting evidence presented by the Council, which included multiple witness statements from affected residents. Despite the ruling, the judge cited precedents from higher Court of Appeal cases, noting that alternative actions, rather than a public nuisance injunction, should be pursued.
The Council had previously sought legal advice from King’s Counsel, who supported taking action under common law public nuisance instead of relying solely on Environmental Protection Act provisions. However, the court’s decision suggested that different legal remedies should be explored to address the issues at Withyhedge.
Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, commented on the ruling: “While we are disappointed with the ultimate decision, the Authority is pleased that the judgment emphasised that Resources Management UK Ltd (RML) caused a significant nuisance to the community surrounding Withyhedge as a result of landfill activities.”
Sinnett also noted steps taken by RML to mitigate the odour, including substantial investment at the landfill and halting waste acceptance since May. “We continue to liaise with Natural Resources Wales, Public Health Wales, and RML and remain committed to achieving a satisfactory outcome for all local residents and businesses,” he added.
Pembrokeshire County Council is now reviewing the court ruling to determine its next steps.
The Council says remains resolute in finding a solution that alleviates the impact of the landfill on the surrounding community.
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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