THE MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIETY’S latest report has revealed a troubling rise in litter on Welsh beaches, with drinks-related waste present on 99% of those surveyed.

The charity’s annual State of Our Beaches 2024 report highlights that glass bottles were found on almost half (49%) of the surveyed beaches in Wales. The findings have prompted calls for the Welsh Government to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) that includes glass, aligning with the rest of the UK.

Growing problem of beach pollution

In 2024, volunteers conducted 119 surveys across Wales, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. A total of 1,073 volunteers participated in the Marine Conservation Society’s beach clean programme, recording all litter found along 100-metre sections of coastline. The data, collected over 30 years, helps the charity identify pollution trends and advocate for cleaner seas.

On average, 120 litter items were recorded per 100-metre stretch—an increase of 4% from 2023—suggesting the problem of beach pollution is far from solved.

Call for urgent action on deposit scheme

The report found an average of 10 drinks-related litter items—including cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles—per 100-metre section. With drinks-related waste appearing on nearly every surveyed beach, the Marine Conservation Society is urging the Welsh Government to implement a DRS that includes glass.

Elise Lavender, Parliamentary Affairs Officer for Wales at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “We support the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme in Wales that includes glass and allows reuse. We are calling on the Welsh Government to implement this as close as possible to the UK-wide scheme launch in October 2027. Bringing this forward will help ensure a smoother transition, improve recycling efforts, and contribute to a more sustainable future for Wales.”

Glass bottles pose a growing threat

A total of 175 glass bottles were collected by volunteers, with glass litter recorded on almost half of the beach cleans. The Marine Conservation Society’s data indicates that glass waste on beaches is increasing, with 2024 ranking as the ninth highest year for glass litter since records began 31 years ago. Broken glass poses a serious threat to both marine life and beachgoers, with sharp edges causing potential injuries.

With the presence of drinks-related litter so widespread, the Marine Conservation Society says its data highlights the urgent need for a DRS in Wales to reduce waste and encourage a culture of reuse and recycling.

Success of deposit schemes in other countries

Under the proposed DRS, consumers would pay a small deposit when purchasing drinks, which they would receive back upon returning the empty container to a collection point. Similar schemes have seen success in countries such as Finland, Lithuania, and Sweden. Ireland’s recent introduction of a DRS has led to an 80% reduction in drinks-related litter per kilometre of beach, demonstrating the potential impact of such a system in Wales.

While England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are set to roll out a UK-wide DRS in October 2027, Wales has chosen to develop its own version, which will include glass containers.

Lottery funding supports clean-up efforts

For the past decade, players of the People’s Postcode Lottery have helped fund the Marine Conservation Society’s beach cleaning initiatives.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at the People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Beach cleans are about more than just removing litter. The information collected by Marine Conservation Society volunteers contributes to valuable datasets identifying pollution sources and trends over time so we can all take action to reduce marine pollution and protect our seas.

“I’m delighted funding raised by players of Postcode Lottery is supporting beach cleans, where every piece of litter collected and recorded brings us a step closer to healthier oceans.”

How to get involved

Those interested in joining a beach clean or organising their own event can find more details on the Marine Conservation Society’s website.

SIX residents from the Furzy Park area of Haverfordwest have written to housing association ATEB, demanding action over persistent antisocial behaviour at an address in Caradoc Place.

Following a disturbance on Tuesday evening (Mar 11), police attended the property and arrested the woman living there. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with all the neighbours coming out of their homes as the incident unfolded. Footage of the arrest shows the woman shouting and swearing as officers placed her in a police van.

At a meeting with a Herald reporter on Wednesday (Mar 12), several residents expressed their frustration, with emotions running high.

Yana Gencheva, who lives close by in Delapoer Drive, was visibly distressed as she spoke about the impact on her family. She explained that her daughter, who has autism, struggles to cope with the frequent disturbances.

“I don’t know where to turn,” she said. “I am living in a nightmare.”

Ms. Gencheva, a former door supervisor, said she considered herself a strong person but admitted she was at her wits’ end. “I am tough, but I cannot deal with this—especially as I am worried for my daughter.”

The concerns extend beyond immediate neighbours. Jan Davies, who also lives in Caradoc Place, described the toll the ongoing situation has taken on her.

“I have had ten years of abuse from those living next door. Its currently impossible to live in Caradoc Place,” she wrote in a letter to ATEB. “They have had to have police protection and victim support.”

Ms. Davies said she is now suffering from serious health issues due to stress caused by the disturbances.

“This street was once a lovely and happy neighbourhood, with young people feeling safe to go out and play. This is no longer the case due to so many incidents in regards to the adults who live in that house,” she said.

She also alleged that she and her husband had been threatened, and that the occupants of the property in question had made threats to kill their dog.

“We should be enjoying retirement, not living in fear in their own home,” she added.

Residents say they have repeatedly reported issues to ATEB and the police, but claim the situation is only getting worse.

Partner of arrested woman facing serious charges

It has now emerged that the woman’s partner is currently in custody facing multiple charges.

The 37-year-old man was remanded following a hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 10), where he was charged with several serious offences, including assault, intentional strangulation, and controlling or coercive behaviour.

He is accused of assaulting his partner, causing actual bodily harm, on March 8 in Haverfordwest. He also faces charges of intentional strangulation under the Serious Crime Act 2015, alleged to have taken place on February 8 and February 22. Additionally, the defendant is charged with engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour between December 1, 2023, and March 9, 2025, allegedly restricting the victim’s social life, controlling money and property, and making threats.

A further charge relates to the male allegedly sending a communication on March 8 that conveyed a threat of death, contrary to Section 181 of the Online Safety Act 2023.

Magistrates determined that the case was too serious to be dealt with at their level and sent Vaughan to Swansea Crown Court for trial. He was remanded in custody due to concerns he may commit further offences or interfere with witnesses.

The case will be heard at Swansea Crown Court on April 11 at 9:00am for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The custody time limit expires on September 8, 2025.

The Herald has contacted ATEB for comment on the ongoing chaos in what would otherwise be a nice part of Haverfordwest to live in.

TENBY STORES has been recognised as a Local Retail Champion, earning a £5,000 prize from Allwyn’s National Lottery Social Value Fund for its outstanding community support.

The shop has been praised for its commitment to helping the local area, providing free fruit to schools, assisting with the community fridge, and ensuring elderly residents receive their groceries with care.

Henry Tufnell MP expressed his delight at the recognition, stating: “Small businesses like Tenby Stores are the backbone of our communities, and I couldn’t be prouder to see them celebrated.”

The award highlights the important role independent retailers play in supporting local people.