News

Next round of funding announced for innovative drainage projects

Published

8 months ago

April 7, 2025

Natural Resources Wales opens applications for sustainable retrofit schemes

NATURAL RESOURCES WALES (NRW) has today (April 7) opened applications for the latest round of grant funding to support small-scale, retro-fit sustainable drainage projects across Wales.

Building on the success of the previous funding round in June 2023, where grants of between £25,000 and £40,000 were awarded to five recipients to develop feasibility studies, this latest phase offers a total of up to £300,000. The new funding will enable successful applicants to undertake concept design studies for sustainable drainage solutions at existing sites. A further competitive round of funding is expected to support the implementation of the most promising schemes.

Sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) offer a natural approach to managing surface water. By incorporating features such as permeable pavements, wetlands, soakaways, and rain gardens, SuDS help reduce flooding in built-up areas, limit runoff into rivers and streams, and improve water quality in rural settings.

Storm overflows, which release diluted sewage into watercourses when the sewer network becomes overwhelmed by rainwater, are a growing concern. SuDS help reduce the pressure on these systems by intercepting and managing surface water more effectively.

Helen Haider, Lead Specialist Advisor for the Water Capital Programme at NRW, said: “Sustainable urban drainage solutions have a key role to play in how we respond to the climate and nature emergencies.

“With intense rainfall events becoming more common, our towns and cities—where natural drainage is often limited—are increasingly at risk of flooding. Combined with an aging sewerage network and a growing population, there is an urgent need for innovative ways to reduce surface water entering our drainage systems.

“These schemes not only tackle urban drainage challenges but can also help reduce flooding, improve water quality, and create valuable aquatic habitats in rural communities.”

Applicants will be expected to demonstrate how their proposals use innovation to improve existing practices. Projects should also aim to reduce carbon emissions, enhance biodiversity, and deliver health and wellbeing benefits for local communities.

The grant programme is funded by the Welsh Government. The deadline for applications is midnight on 30 June 2025.

Full details on the scheme and how to apply can be found on the Natural Resources Wales website. NRW will also host two webinars for prospective applicants. Those interested can register their interest via the grant programme web page.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.