Community

Campaigners threaten legal action as Withyhedge landfill complaints return

Published

11 months ago

May 6, 2025

Residents say they’re “fed up” as council insists odour not linked to site

CAMPAIGNERS have renewed their calls for stronger action against Withyhedge landfill following a fresh wave of odour complaints in Haverfordwest — with some residents now threatening legal proceedings against those they deem responsible for years of inaction.

The latest complaints, made on Wednesday (May 1), prompted local campaigner Colin Barnett to contact Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell, Senedd Member Eluned Morgan, and senior officials at Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

In his letter, Mr Barnett — a long-time critic of the landfill’s operators and the authorities tasked with regulating it — described a “toxic” smell in the area around Wickes and Boots in Haverfordwest, saying the stench was so severe it “sent [him] packing.”

“It isn’t good enough that residents have to put up with this awful smell and toxicity,” he wrote. “You would think businesses there would want something done about it. We aren’t going to go through this again.”

A long-running controversy

The Withyhedge landfill site, located near the village of Dreenhill, has been a source of complaints for several years, with residents of Haverfordwest, Merlins Bridge and surrounding areas reporting episodes of foul odours, eye irritation, nausea and concern about long-term health impacts.

In 2023, following a particularly severe spike in complaints, a multi-agency response was launched involving PCC, NRW, Public Health Wales, and other partners. A formal Incident Management Team and an Air Quality Group were formed to co-ordinate investigations and responses. Air quality monitoring was established at Spittal School to track levels of hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) — a gas known for its “rotten egg” smell and sometimes linked to landfill emissions.

Mitigation measures were later introduced at the site by its operators, and in early 2024 both the Air Quality Group and the Incident Management Team were officially stood down, after authorities said the situation had improved and complaint levels had dropped.

However, many campaigners questioned the decision to scale back oversight, arguing that problems were still being experienced in areas not captured by the Spittal monitoring station.

“We are being failed”

Mr Barnett told The Herald that the events of May 1 show the issue is far from resolved.

“After all this time PCC, NRW and public health should have an action plan in place to respond — and they haven’t,” he said. “Waiting for the monthly results of their monitoring station in Spittal isn’t acceptable, especially when the stench isn’t in Spittal.”

He added: “We are now seriously considering legal action to stop this tip from operating and to go after anyone else we can — PCC, NRW, whoever is accountable for failing to protect us.”

He also criticised what he described as a lack of urgency from elected officials and regulators: “Now that the so-called ‘Incident Management Group’ of PCC and NRW professionals feel their job is done, the only route left to us, again, is the press and our elected members.”

Council: No link to landfill

In a statement issued in response to The Herald’s enquiries, Pembrokeshire County Council defended its current monitoring approach and said the May 1 complaints had been investigated.

“Air quality monitoring of hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) levels continues at Spittal School,” a council spokesperson said. “This is based on advice from Public Health Wales and NRW’s environmental air quality specialists. H₂S was identified as the key parameter, and no other substances are currently being monitored.”

PCC confirmed that it has committed to extending the H₂S monitoring programme at Spittal School for a further 12 months. “If exceedances begin to occur that can be attributed to the site, consideration would then be given to standing back up the multi-agency incident arrangements.”

The council added that officers from its Pollution Control Team responded promptly to the May 1 complaints and “carried out odour assessments at relevant locations. During the course of their investigations, no odours attributable to landfill site emissions were detected.”

PCC said the number of complaints has remained low since the incident teams were stepped down. However, it reminded residents that there is a dedicated email address for odour complaints relating to Withyhedge: [email protected].

MP pressed for answers

Mr Barnett also called on Henry Tufnell MP to clarify whether he is part of a cross-party group of MPs who recently met to discuss landfill problems in their constituencies — and if so, what steps are being taken at Westminster level.

No official response had been received at the time of going to press.

As public frustration mounts, campaigners say they feel let down by a system that appears to “wait for things to go wrong” rather than act proactively.

“The smell might come and go, but the failure to deal with this is constant,” Mr Barnett said.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

6 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”

Community

Kurtz welcomes £4.3m National Lottery boost for local communities

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL Kurtz MS has welcomed more than £4.3 million in National Lottery funding awarded to community projects across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since 2021.

Figures released by The National Lottery Community Fund show that £4,318,484 has been distributed through 122 grants in the constituency since the 2021/22 financial year, the same year Mr Kurtz was elected.

The funding has supported a wide range of grassroots charities, voluntary organisations and community groups through programmes including National Lottery Awards for All, offering grants of up to £20,000, and People and Places, which provides larger awards of up to £500,000.

Projects backed locally include mental health support for young people, environmental and sustainability initiatives, community workshops, outdoor wellbeing activities, support for vulnerable adults, and programmes aimed at building skills and confidence.

Among the organisations to benefit is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which received £343,584 for its Routes to Discovery project, helping improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible outdoor activities.

St Davids Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility was awarded £398,078 to deliver its Plant Dewi: Strengthening our Communities initiative, supporting families and local groups.

Other recipients include The VC Gallery, Redberth Croft CIC, The Tenby Project CIC and Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners, with funding supporting projects ranging from food initiatives and nature-based wellbeing to volunteering and environmental action.

Mr Kurtz said: “Community groups and charities across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire do incredible work supporting people and strengthening local communities.

“It is fantastic to see more than £4.3 million of National Lottery funding invested in projects that are improving wellbeing, tackling isolation and creating opportunities for people of all ages during my time in office.

“The voluntary sector plays a vital role in our area, and this funding is helping organisations deliver projects that bring people together and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in Wales, supporting initiatives that bring communities together, promote environmental sustainability, help children and young people thrive, and improve health and wellbeing.

Organisations across Wales can apply for funding through the Awards for All and People and Places programmes to support projects that matter most to their communities.

Further information is available on The National Lottery Community Fund website.

Community

Former Neyland police officer Louis Knight dies aged 83

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Tributes pour in for former Neyland officer remembered as a “true gentleman” and “local legend”

A FORMER Neyland police officer remembered as a “true gentleman” and “local legend” has died at the age of 83, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across Pembrokeshire.

Louis Knight, of Neyland Hill, Neyland, passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest on Thursday (Mar 5).

Mr Knight, who served as a police officer in the area for many years, was a familiar and respected figure in Neyland and beyond. In the hours following the announcement of his death, hundreds of messages flooded social media, painting a picture of a man whose impact stretched far beyond his time in uniform.

Many described him simply as “one of the best,” while others called him “a proper local legend” and “a tremendous police officer.”

One resident wrote: “A face and name I will never forget from my youth.”

Another said: “He was a tremendous police officer… a kick up the backside and a word was enough. It stayed with you.”

Others remembered his warmth and humour away from policing.

“He always had a story to tell on the way home in the taxi,” one tribute read, while another added: “Every time you asked him how he was, the answer was always ‘bloody marvellous.’”

Many spoke of his kindness and the time he gave to people.

“Louis was one of the most kindest gentlemen around. Always made time to chat,” one message said.

Another added: “Neyland won’t be the same again.”

While some reflected fondly on a different era of policing, what came through most strongly was the respect Mr Knight earned within his community — something repeatedly highlighted in tributes from those who knew him as children, neighbours, and later as adults.

Mr Knight was the beloved husband of the late Angela, devoted father of Andrew and Alison, and adored father-in-law of Frank. He was also a loving grandfather to Michelle and Laura, and a cherished brother of Jennifer, Charles and Richard.

His family said he was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday (Apr 1) at 11:30am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Louis, if desired, are for Ward 8 at Withybush Hospital and may be sent directly to the ward at SA61 2PZ.

All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd, Funeral Directors, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven (01646 693180).

Photo caption:

PC Louis Knight pictured during a Royal Visit, engaging with local children — a familiar sight in Neyland for many years (Pic: Supplied).