News

Festival organisers warn of exodus over camping restrictions

Published

1 year ago

February 11, 2025

FESTIVAL organisers in Pembrokeshire have warned they could be forced to move their events to England in 2026 due to new rules restricting temporary campsites.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has backed plans to require landowners to apply for planning permission for pop-up campsites, which can currently operate for up to 28 days a year without formal approval.

Festival faces uncertain future

Amber Lort-Phillips, organiser of The Big Retreat wellbeing festival in Lawrenny, said the new rules threaten the event, which brings an estimated £1 million to the local economy.

“It’s essential. We couldn’t run without our permitted development because it’s how we run our campsite,” she said.

“The impact is we might have to move it. It’s our home for The Big Retreat and it’s not fair. We are potentially having to look at other sites and move the festival outside of Wales.”

She criticised the National Park Authority’s approach, claiming there was “no real evidence” for imposing blanket restrictions and no guarantee that temporary sites would be granted planning permission.

***Amber Lort-Phillips, organiser of The Big Retreat***

Park Authority defends move

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is the only national park in Wales seeking to impose stricter campsite controls, with Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons making no changes to the 28-day rule.

The Authority insists the changes will “create a level playing field” between pop-up and permanent sites, arguing that unregulated camping is causing environmental harm and enforcement challenges.

Chief executive Tegryn Jones said temporary campsites accounted for 12% of the Authority’s enforcement workload and had led to a “stream of complaints.”

“There is currently no control over temporary campsites,” he said. “We are seeking to take a small measure to even the playing field.”

Concerns over consultation

However, critics argue that the consultation process was inadequate. The Authority received 120 responses, equivalent to just 0.5% of the National Park’s 23,000-strong population.

Dai Williams, who has operated Clifftops Camping near Druidston since 2021, said the new restrictions could “shut down” businesses.

“These plans are a knee-jerk reaction to the post-Covid surge in visitors,” he said. “We provide extra income for farmers and accommodation for tourists, but the Park Authority seems intent on making it impossible.”

Music festival also at risk

Joe Worley, organiser of Westival, a music festival in Manorbier that attracts 2,500 visitors each year, said he had not been directly consulted and was shocked by the plans.

“The [2026] event wouldn’t be able to go ahead without the campsite,” he said. “If we couldn’t get planning permission for that particular field, we’d have to find a new site. It feels quite damaging to a lot of businesses.”

The measures have won support from Ben Carden of the Woodlands Champions Club, which runs 16 sites in Pembrokeshire.

“Quite often, there are serious implications with pop-up campsites,” he said. “There can be noise nuisance for local residents. I attended one pop-up campsite that had over 200 pitches with just three toilets and one washbasin. There needs to be a standard of camping.”

Next steps

A further consultation will run until 21 February, with a final decision expected in the spring. If approved, the restrictions will come into force on 1 January 2026.

With festival organisers warning they may be forced to leave Wales, the debate over the future of pop-up campsites looks set to continue.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

8 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

18 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

18 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.