News

Broke local authority drops legal action against Withyhedge Landfill

Published

1 year ago

February 11, 2025

Decision made due to financial constraints

CASH-STRAPPED Pembrokeshire County Council has announced it will not proceed with legal action against the operators of Withyhedge Landfill, citing financial considerations.

In October last year, the council sought an interim injunction against Resource Management Ltd (RML), the company managing the site, following months of complaints from residents about foul odours and potentially harmful gases. The case was presented before a circuit judge, who acknowledged the landfill was causing a nuisance but ruled that the council had taken the incorrect legal approach by failing to first serve a notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Despite legal counsel recommending an appeal, the council has opted against further legal proceedings due to the associated costs and what it describes as a “marked improvement” in conditions at the site.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “While we strongly believe that the court’s decision was wrong, the authority is in a difficult position when considering the costs of appealing and the financial outlays already incurred. This includes independent air quality monitoring and the significant officer time spent addressing this issue.”

The council also stated that its legal efforts had influenced the pace of remedial work undertaken by RML, which had been issued enforcement notices by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to address the odour concerns.

Local campaigners ‘extremely disappointed’

Residents have expressed frustration at the council’s decision, with Colin Barnett, of the campaign group Stop The Stink, describing it as “extremely disappointing.”

“There’s been no attempt to put any sanction on this company whatsoever,” said Mr Barnett. “Now they’ve [the council] dumped it and left us high and dry. Our only future route is to take legal action ourselves against the company and possibly against public services for failing to protect our statutory rights.”

The campaign group is now considering launching its own legal challenge against RML and local authorities.

The Withyhedge Landfill site, located near Haverfordwest, has long been a source of controversy, with residents likening the odours to a “stink bomb on steroids.” The council maintains that the situation has significantly improved following enforcement action by NRW, but local campaigners remain unconvinced and are calling for stricter accountability measures.

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

1 hour ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

20 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.