Community

Fishguard natural burial site plans refused by planners

Published

4 weeks ago

April 21, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to extend a Pembrokeshire cemetery to provide a space for eco-friendly natural burials has been refused by county planners.

A natural burial is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial, burying a body in the ground without a coffin or headstone.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, the Trustees of Tabernacle Chapel sought permission for a change of use of agricultural land to extend the existing Tabernacle Cemetery, Fishguard to include a natural burial site.

A supporting statement, through agent Gethin Beynon, said the land has been in the cemetery ownership since 1945, adding: “Based on the development forming a similar use to the adjacent cemetery and being in the same ownership as the Trustees of Tabernacle Chapel, the proposal would be classed as an extension to an existing community facility.

“As the development is not proposing any engineering or physical features with the natural habitat being retained, it is considered the change of use of the land would be in keeping in an area where other cemeteries exist to the north, east and west of the application site.”

It added: “With regard to the operation of the burial ground, when a burial takes place, a plot is allocated, and the turf cut and set aside. The topsoil and subsoil are then heaped alongside the grave. The graves would be dug to the appropriate depth to earth over the coffin to protect it whilst allowing the body to recycle in the active/living layer of the soil.

“After a burial, soil is returned in compacted layers around and on top of the coffin, with topsoil and turf on top. Grave locations are plotted and recorded on plan. It is intended that such administration and management duties of the site would be undertaken by the applicants.

“Due to the development not resulting in marked graves and there being no maintenance requirements from mourners, visits and any associated vehicle movements would be of a low intensity and infrequent.”

The application was supported by Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council, subject to satisfactory outcomes of an archaeological survey in relation to nearby Castell Mwrtach, an Iron Age defended enclosure and possible associated earthworks, along with discussions with the south Wales Trunk Road Agency.

An officer report, recommending refusal, said Natural Resources Wales (NRW) had raised concerns “that cemeteries have the potential to cause pollution to controlled waters, with the level of risk dependent on many factors and to fully assess potential impact of each site an initial Tier 1 assessment which shall define potential pathways and receptors in proximity of the site,” adding: “No such risk assessment has been submitted in support of this application resulting in a development that does not adequately confirm the level of risk to controlled waters the development poses.”

Archaeological advisors Heneb has said a geophysics survey of the site is needed to determine any effect on adjacent to Castell Mwrtach.

“As a geophysics survey has not been submitted in support of the application, it cannot be demonstrated that the development would have an acceptable impact on the historic environment in conflict [with policy].”

The scheme was refused by planning officers on the grounds of the concerns raised.

Community

Loss of rural Pembrokeshire streetlights ‘a great concern’

Published

11 hours ago

May 16, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CHANGES to Pembrokeshire streetlight provision, which has seen their loss in some rural areas, has saved £1.5m a year, councillors heard.

In a question submitted to the May meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Michael John asked: “The loss of streetlights in rural areas is an issue which causes great concern to any members of the public affected, and one which is raised with me regularly.

“I believe it is an issue that a number of other members have raised and continue to raise with the department also. Given the policy was introduced around 2006, nearly 20 years ago, does the Cabinet Member agree it would be a good time for it to be reviewed?”

Responding, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said the changes were introduced following a notice of motion by a former county councillor back in 2008, with the need for lights based on four criteria: the number of night-time injuries, high usage – both for vehicles and pedestrians, night-time crime levels, and the number of residents in properties nearby.

Members heard changes to lighting provision, including updating to more efficient LED types, as well as data-led targeting of new areas for lighting, and decommissioning of lighting in areas not meeting the criteria, saved the council some £1.5m a year, along with a reduction in Carbon emissions.

He said he was more than happy the concerns raised following the changes could be reviewed at an appropriate council scrutiny committee.

Cllr Sinnett said was one of the original supporters of the change in policy, adding that, although not universally popular, the change “has had some quite positive effects in terms of budget savings and carbon reduction”.

He finished: “I commend the administration of the time for having the courage to introduce that.”

Community

Donations in Matt Baker’s memory support local mental health charities

Published

19 hours ago

May 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FAMILY of Matt Baker, affectionately known as “Mr Good Times” of Haverfordwest, has presented donations to three local mental health projects during Mental Health Awareness Week.

Matt passed away in March aged 49, and his funeral in April drew hundreds of mourners. In his memory, the Baker and Oostermeijer families collected donations to support causes close to Matt’s heart.

This week, £700 cheques were presented to two well-known Pembrokeshire organisations: Get The Boys A Lift and The VC Gallery. Both groups work extensively with people experiencing mental health challenges, offering safe spaces, support sessions, and community outreach.

A further donation was made to Bro Cerwyn Hospital, where Matt had spent ten months receiving care. The family gifted a Yamaha electric piano, complete with stool and headphones, in the hope that music can bring comfort and joy to patients.

Phyllis Oostermeijer, Matt’s mother, said: “We as a family would like to thank everyone concerned. Truly amazing – and I trust it will do a lot of good. Perhaps every now and again a pianist can go to the hospital and play for the patients. Matt would like that.”

The gesture comes at a time when mental health support services across Wales continue to be stretched, with charities and community organisations increasingly relied upon to bridge the gap.

Reuben Baker and Aad Oostermeijer, Matt’s brother and stepfather, attended the cheque presentation at The VC Gallery alongside representatives from the supported organisations.

Matt’s legacy of positivity, compassion, and community spirit continues to make an impact – not just on those who knew him, but on the many people these donations will go on to help.

Photo caption:
In memory of Matt: The Baker family present £700 to The VC Gallery during Mental Health Awareness Week (Pic: Supplied)

Community

First Minister joins war graves tour in Milford Haven

Published

20 hours ago

May 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Visit marks 80th anniversary of VE Day

FIRST MINISTER, Eluned Morgan, visited Milford Haven on Saturday (May 10) as part of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) For Evermore Tour, commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

The First Minister was joined by Pembrokeshire County Councillor Guy Woodham and Milford Haven Town Councillor Colin Sharp during a visit to Milford Haven Cemetery, where they paid tribute to local war dead.

Led by CWGC guide Grahame Owen, the tour highlighted the personal stories of those who served and died in the two world wars, including many from Pembrokeshire. The CWGC maintains records of over 1.7 million Commonwealth service personnel who lost their lives in the conflicts.

Reflecting on the event, the First Minister said: “We must never forget the sacrifices of past generations. VE Day was a moment that changed lives, changed Wales, and changed our world. This tour showed how war touches every street, every village, and every family. Over 15,000 Welsh people never came home.”

The For Evermore Tour is part of a nationwide initiative to ensure younger generations learn about the impact of global conflict on local communities.

The CWGC encourages the public to search its free online records to discover stories from their own families and communities, helping to keep the memories of the fallen alive.

The First Minister thanked all those who took part in what she described as a “moving and important” event.

Photo caption:
Remembering the fallen: First Minister Eluned Morgan joins local councillors in Milford Haven Cemetery on Saturday (Pic: MHTC)