Popular route restored after months of safety work following landslides

THE COASTAL footpath between Coppet Hall and Wiseman’s Bridge has officially reopened—just in time for the warm weather and summer visitors.

The scenic route, which is a favourite among walkers and cyclists, had been closed for several months due to a series of landslides that made the path unsafe. Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed on Wednesday (June 19) that the stretch has now reopened following major safety repairs.

The council praised the efforts of its teams and contractors who “worked tirelessly” to make the route safe again. Temporary fencing, slope stabilisation and other remedial work has been completed to ensure the safety of all users.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: “Thanks to everyone for their patience while the important safety work was carried out over the last few months. And a big thank you to the council teams and contractors who’ve worked so hard to get the path open again.”

The reopening has been welcomed by residents, local businesses and tourism operators in the area, who rely on the popular path for footfall during the holiday season.

A full press release and site photographs are expected in due course.

Fears over asbestos, pollution and criminal case against landfill owner spark calls for action

A PEMBROKESHIRE campaigner has submitted a formal objection to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) over a proposed expansion of the Withyhedge landfill site, warning that allowing more waste to be dumped would be “a danger to public health.”

Colin Barnett, a resident of Spittal and a leading member of the ‘Stop the Stink’ campaign, wrote to NRW’s permitting consultations team on Wednesday (June 19), urging them to reject a permit variation application submitted by Resources Management UK Ltd (RML).

The company is seeking to increase the volume of “waste soil” allowed at the controversial site in Rudbaxton, near Haverfordwest — a proposal that has provoked fierce backlash from local residents who say they have suffered over 18 months of ongoing odour and air pollution.

Criminal proceedings pending

In his letter, Mr Barnett points to the criminal proceedings currently pending against RML’s owner, David Neal, who is due in court in September on alleged environmental offences.

He states: “It is highly inappropriate for NRW to consider any permit variation while serious legal proceedings are pending… Doing so risks further undermining public confidence in environmental regulation and due process.”

Mr Barnett says this is not the first time the company has faced prosecution for environmental breaches, calling into question their fitness to operate and expand such a facility.

‘18 months of pollution with no enforcement’

Local residents living near the landfill site have repeatedly complained about noxious gases and foul odours, with some families forced to stay indoors or keep windows shut. NRW has acknowledged receiving complaints and confirmed it is conducting an ongoing investigation.

But campaigners say little action has been taken.

“There has been no criminal enforcement action or meaningful consequences for the operator, despite the scale and duration of the pollution,” Mr Barnett claims. “Allowing increased waste volumes under these circumstances would significantly increase the risk of further environmental harm.”

He adds that the public has lost faith in NRW’s ability to regulate the site, and described the agency’s approach as a “silo system” which allows compliance issues to be assessed in isolation, rather than as part of a broader pattern of misconduct.

Questions over asbestos and contaminated soil

The site is one of only two landfill sites in Wales currently licensed to dispose of asbestos — a fact Mr Barnett says is under-communicated to the public. He warns that NRW’s failure to stop other pollution may mean it cannot be trusted to manage the risks associated with asbestos fibres or contaminated soil.

He also raises concern over the term “waste soil,” saying it is too vague and potentially misleading. “Waste soil can include material contaminated with heavy metals and chemicals,” he says. “It has not been properly explained to the public what is really being dumped at Withyhedge.”

Planning before permitting?

In a further twist, Mr Barnett questions why NRW is consulting on the permit variation before Pembrokeshire County Council has made a planning decision to allow the site’s height — and therefore its capacity — to be increased.

“Are there backroom agreements already in place?” he asks. “Or is it an expectation within NRW that Pembrokeshire County Council will pass anything that is needed to get the permit variation through?”

He accuses NRW of “prioritising a company with a criminal history above the wellbeing of the public” and suggests this could be seen as misconduct in public office.

Campaign gathers support

The ‘Stop the Stink’ campaign now has more than 2,500 members, and pressure is mounting on NRW to either reject the application outright or delay any decision until after the legal case against David Neal concludes.

In closing, Mr Barnett proposes a compromise — reducing the existing waste tonnage rather than increasing it — and calls for an independent audit of the site before any changes are approved.

The Herald has contacted Natural Resources Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council for comment.

Photo caption: Protest sign near Withyhedge Landfill Site, part of the growing public campaign (Pic: Herald)

Family-run firm continues trading as usual during process

CELTIC HOLIDAY PARKS, one of Pembrokeshire’s best-known tourism businesses, has entered administration.

The award-winning company, which operates three luxury holiday parks in the south of the county, continues to trade as normal while administrators seek a buyer for the business and its assets.

Three parks still open

The firm runs Noble Court Holiday Park in Narberth, Meadow House Holiday Park in Amroth, and Croft Country Park near Reynalton. All three remain open, with staff retained and bookings unaffected.

Guests and owners are being assured that holidays will go ahead as planned, and caravan and lodge owners will continue to have access to their properties unless told otherwise.

High Court appointment

The administration was formalised on 27 May 2025 by the High Court’s Business and Property Court under case number 000020 of 2025.

Alistair Wardell and Richard J Lewis of Grant Thornton UK LLP were appointed as joint administrators. Their office is based at 3 Callaghan Square, Cardiff, and they can be contacted via Cardiff on 029 2023 5591 or Bristol on 0117 305 7600.

Significant investment in recent years

The family-run company was founded in 2003 and has been led since its inception by managing director Huw Pendleton. Over the years, more than £6 million has been invested across the group’s three sites.

The parks offer a range of holiday options including static caravans, glamping pods, and luxury lodges with hot tubs. Additional facilities include an indoor pool, gym, restaurant and landscaped grounds at Meadow House, as well as direct access to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

In 2020, Celtic Holiday Parks secured a six-figure loan from HSBC as part of the UK Government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). The money was used to build 54 additional holiday homes.

Recognised for excellence

In 2022, Mr Pendleton received an award for his outstanding contribution to the UK tourism industry. The company has also received accolades such as ‘Best Caravan and Camping Park in Pembrokeshire’ and ‘Luxury Accommodation Provider of the Year – South Wales’.

Buyer invited

The Herald understands the administrators are currently in talks with interested parties and invites serious enquiries from potential buyers.

Anyone wishing to express an interest in purchasing the business or its assets is advised to contact the joint administrators without delay.

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Photos: Luxury lodges and views from Meadow House (Images: Celtic Holiday Parks)