Community

Henry Tufnell MP demands urgent action on Cleddau river crisis

Published

9 months ago

March 28, 2025

Public meeting draws 150 as MP vows to raise issue in Parliament

HENRY TUFNELL MP chaired a major public meeting last week to address the worsening condition of the Cleddau River, bringing together key stakeholders, environmental experts, and community members in a call for urgent action.

The event, organised by local environmental group The Cleddau Project, took place at Haverfordwest Rugby Club and drew over 150 concerned residents. It followed Natural Resources Wales’ recent classification of the Cleddau as the worst-performing Special Area of Conservation (SAC) river in Wales.

The panel discussion focused on pollution sources, enforcement failures, and practical solutions to restore the river’s health. Panellists included representatives from Afonydd Cymru, Welsh Water, NRW, Cardiff University, and First Milk.

Speaking after the event, Henry Tufnell MP said: “The Cleddau is a vital natural resource, and last night’s discussion highlighted the urgent need for action. The insight shared by our expert panel and members of the community reinforced the importance of tackling pollution at its source and ensuring our regulatory bodies are held accountable.

“I am committed to continuing this fight for cleaner water and a healthier environment for future generations.”

Ric Cooper of The Cleddau Project said: “The Cleddau Project has worked tirelessly to bring attention to the ongoing pollution issues facing the river. It was encouraging to see so many people engaged in this discussion, but we need to ensure that words translate into concrete action.”

During a lively open-floor Q&A, residents voiced deep concerns over the lack of enforcement on illegal discharges, the role of agriculture and industry in pollution, and what they saw as a failure by regulatory bodies to hold offenders accountable.

Concluding the evening, Henry Tufnell MP pledged to bring the matter to Westminster: “This discussion was an important step, but it must be followed by action. I will be raising these issues in Parliament and pushing for stronger regulations and enforcement. The Cleddau deserves better, and I will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure its restoration.”

Notable quotes from the panel:

Jennifer Grubb, Welsh Water: “We can do better. We need to do better.”
Mark Brooking, First Milk: “The Cleddau Project has had a massive influence on First Milk … our attitude has completely changed. How good can we become? It’s not just about passing a test.”
Gail Davies-Walsh, Afonydd Cymru: “Is NRW meeting its role as a regulator in Wales and taking appropriate actions on the organisations that impact our rivers? We need much stronger enforcement against the existing regulations.”
Huwel Manly, NRW: “One of the [Cleddau] waterbodies is the worst failure of all SAC rivers in Wales (out of 330).”
Prof Steve Ormerod, Cardiff University: “There should be investment in helping farmers to farm in a better way that doesn’t have such a large negative downstream effect.”

Community

Festive creativity shines as Kurtz MS meets card competition winner

Published

55 minutes ago

December 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, visited Pembroke Dock Community School on Friday 12th December to present a prize to the winner of this year’s Christmas Card Competition.

The competition invited pupils to design a festive Christmas card, with entries received from schools across the area. The standard of artwork was exceptionally high, showcasing the creativity, imagination and talent of young people in the community.

During the visit, Samuel Kurtz congratulated the winning pupil and thanked all those who took part, as well as the teachers and staff who supported the competition. Each child who entered also received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and effort.

Speaking after the presentation, Samuel said, “It was a real pleasure to visit Pembroke Dock Community School today and announce the winner of my Christmas Card competition. This year the winner is Mair Moseley, aged 10, and she designed a wonderful Santa image that really stood out. She has won a chocolate selection set and a £20 book token to enjoy over Christmas.”

He added, “ The creativity and enthusiasm shown by all the children was fantastic, and it made choosing a winner extremely difficult. I want to congratulate all the entrants and thank the staff for their ongoing support.”

Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher, Mrs Katie Crockford-Morris, added, “We were delighted to welcome Samuel Kurtz MS to the school to present the prize. The children thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the competition, and they were incredibly proud to receive their certificates.”

The winning design will now be used as Samuel Kurtz’s official Christmas card this year, with one copy already on its way to His Majesty, King Charles.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

20 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.