Community

Landfill row escalates as campaigners urge NRW to reject Withyhedge permit expansion

Published

4 weeks ago

June 19, 2025

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.

***Withyhedge PR site visit in April 2025 (Image: Supplied)***

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)

Community

Puffin found 110 miles inland released back into the wild in Pembrokeshire

Published

12 hours ago

July 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Rare rescue sees seabird named Oona nursed back to health after landing in Herefordshire garden

A PUFFIN that somehow found its way more than 100 miles inland has been returned to the sea in Pembrokeshire after being rescued in a Herefordshire garden.

The bird, affectionately named Oona after a children’s book character, was discovered in June in the landlocked county — some 110 miles from the coast — and taken to Vets for Pets in Hereford. At just 218g, around half the normal weight for an adult puffin, she was underweight but otherwise alert.

Wildlife vet David Couper from the RSPCA provided guidance on her initial care, and once stabilised, Oona was transferred to the charity’s specialist West Hatch Wildlife Centre in Somerset. Staff there say puffin patients are extremely rare — only six have been treated at the centre in the past ten years.

Ryan Walker, Wildlife Supervisor at West Hatch, said: “Finding a puffin that far inland is extraordinary. She quickly became a bit of a star here. Our team gave her a good clean-up, helped her regain strength, and she did really well during her stay with us.”

Following her rehabilitation, which included nutritious fish meals and time in a recovery pool, Oona was returned to the sea off the coast of Pembrokeshire — home to Wales’ best-known puffin colonies, particularly on Skomer Island.

Puffins typically breed in coastal colonies, raising their chicks in burrows during spring and summer before spending the rest of the year out at sea. It’s rare for them to be found inland unless blown off course or affected by illness or exhaustion.

Oona’s story is just one of thousands seen by the RSPCA each year. In 2024, the charity took in over 10,000 wild animals across its four dedicated wildlife centres, with many found injured, orphaned or sick in people’s gardens.

The RSPCA is urging the public to act quickly if they find an animal in distress. Where safe, they should take the animal directly to a vet or consult advice on the charity’s website: www.rspca.org.uk/reportcruelty

Community

Wales tops global table for Green Flag awards

Published

3 days ago

July 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

More community green spaces than any other country in the world

WALES is once again leading the world in celebrating high-quality green spaces, with 315 sites across the country awarded Green Flag and Green Flag Community status for 2025/26.

Keep Wales Tidy has confirmed that Wales has broken its own record for the number of Green Flags flying—more than any other nation taking part in the international Green Flag scheme.

The awards recognise outstanding green spaces that meet the highest environmental and management standards. In Wales, they include parks, university campuses, community woodlands, cemeteries, allotments and housing estates.

New sites and growing community impact

Newly awarded sites this year include Llandegfedd Lake in Monmouthshire, Bronllys Hospital in Powys, Tredegar Park Sports and Recreation Ground in Newport, and Llandaff Fields in Cardiff.

A record-breaking 223 community sites in Wales have achieved Green Flag Community Awards—more than any other country in the world for the second year running.

Among the 35 first-time community winners are some unique new additions, including Wales’ first Women’s Institute garden in Llanafan, Ceredigion, and the first radio station garden at BGfm in Blaenau Gwent.

A shared effort to green the nation

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:
“I am very proud that Wales continues to lead the world in community-awarded Green Flag sites.

“Our local green spaces play a vital role in connecting us to nature, supporting biodiversity, and providing opportunities for healthy recreation. It is particularly pleasing to see people not only using these spaces but also actively helping to maintain and improve them.

“The standards required to achieve Green Flag status are exceptionally high, so I want to congratulate everyone involved for providing outstanding facilities that benefit both local communities and visitors alike.”

Recognition for community dedication

Owen Derbyshire, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy, added: “We’re delighted to see 315 green spaces across Wales awarded Green Flag and Green Flag Community status this year—a real testament to the hard work and dedication of those who care for these special places.

“We’re especially proud that Wales has broken the record for community award winners for the second year running. This achievement highlights the vital role these spaces play in supporting the health and wellbeing of communities across Wales.”

Community

Ogi backs Pembrokeshire community groups to switch off and connect

Published

3 days ago

July 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Grants fund projects helping people ditch screens and enjoy real-world connection

COMMUNITY groups across Pembrokeshire are among those receiving a boost from telecoms company Ogi, which is helping people across Wales “get offline” this summer.

The initiative, supported by £5,000 in local grants from Ogi’s community fund Cefnogi, will support wellbeing-focused events and inclusive activities – encouraging people to step away from screens and come together in person.

Among the recipients is the Pembrokeshire Vikings, a mixed-ability rugby team led by former Scarlets and Ospreys prop Simon Gardiner. The team will use the funding to host an inclusive sports day in west Wales, giving children of all abilities the opportunity to try adapted sports for the first time.

Other funded activities across south Wales include Scout camping trips, social breakfasts, BBQs for veterans, puzzle libraries and nature-based wellbeing sessions – all aimed at reducing loneliness, boosting confidence, and creating real-world connections.

Ogi’s Brand Marketing Director Sarah Vining said: “We set up Cefnogi to support the brilliant things already happening in our communities – and this round of projects shows off the creativity and spirit we have in abundance right across Wales.

“Whether it’s sport, getting together for breakfast, puzzle swaps or outdoor therapy, all of these projects are about people – and making space for the kind of moments that really matter.”

The “getting offline” theme launched earlier this year as part of Ogi’s long-term commitment to community wellbeing and aligns with the goals of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, supporting a healthier, more equal and more connected Wales.

Ogi has already brought full fibre broadband to thousands of homes and businesses in Pembrokeshire, including in Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Johnston, Neyland, and Tenby – helping to modernise digital infrastructure while supporting offline connection through community investment.