Community

Clean water campaigners to run length of Eastern Cleddau

Published

5 months ago

July 9, 2025

Runners highlight pollution crisis in Pembrokeshire rivers

EIGHT runners from Pembrokeshire will take on the challenge of running the full length of the Eastern Cleddau River this Saturday (July 12), in a bid to raise awareness of the deteriorating water quality in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

The group will begin their journey at the river’s source in the Preseli Hills, finishing at the estuary in Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven. Along the way, they will carry out water testing with support from The Cleddau Project — a grassroots volunteer group campaigning for cleaner rivers.

During the run, participants will meet local residents and landowners who have witnessed the visible decline in water quality, biodiversity, and habitat health along the river’s course.

Dr Rose O’Neill, Chief Executive of Campaign for National Parks, said: “It’s shocking that rivers in National Parks like the Cleddau are among the worst in the country for water quality. The right decisions need to be made urgently to clean them up.”

She added: “National Park rivers are often overlooked by water regulators and companies. This ‘designation blindness’ must end — our protected landscapes deserve better.”

A spokesperson for The Cleddau Project commented:
“For decades, our river has been under assault from sewage, agriculture, and industry — and now climate change is making it worse. The whole ecosystem is under pressure. If we don’t act now, the damage could become irreversible.”

A river at risk

The Campaign for National Parks has singled out the Eastern Cleddau as a river at risk, highlighting high levels of agricultural pollution affecting the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) around the Daugleddau Estuary. The charity is calling for tougher water regulations in National Parks and for public bodies, including water companies, to prioritise environmental action.

Figures from the West Wales Rivers Trust reveal that between 2016 and 2022, 72% of pollution incidents in the Eastern Cleddau were linked to agricultural premises, with slurry being the most common pollutant. Only two water bodies in the catchment currently meet the standard of ‘good’ overall health.

The Western Cleddau SAC is also among the worst in Wales for phosphorous concentrations, while the percentage of water bodies achieving good ecological status within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has dropped sharply—from 48.3% in 2017 to just 28% by 2021.

Campaigners say a coordinated approach across the catchment is now urgently needed, with rivers recognised as vital natural assets for both land and sea ecosystems.

Full route and timings

The run will start at Carn Sian in the Preselis and end at Lawrenny Quay, covering 45km in total. Runners will stop at several locations for water testing and refreshments, including Mynachlog-ddu, Gelli Bridge, Minwear Uchaf and Landshipping Quay.

Full route: https://explore.osmaps.com/route/26644831/cleddau-trail-run–cnp

Campaign page: https://www.cnp.org.uk/support/campaigns/end-water-pollution/

Community

Festive creativity shines as Kurtz MS meets card competition winner

Published

46 minutes ago

December 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, visited Pembroke Dock Community School on Friday 12th December to present a prize to the winner of this year’s Christmas Card Competition.

The competition invited pupils to design a festive Christmas card, with entries received from schools across the area. The standard of artwork was exceptionally high, showcasing the creativity, imagination and talent of young people in the community.

During the visit, Samuel Kurtz congratulated the winning pupil and thanked all those who took part, as well as the teachers and staff who supported the competition. Each child who entered also received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and effort.

Speaking after the presentation, Samuel said, “It was a real pleasure to visit Pembroke Dock Community School today and announce the winner of my Christmas Card competition. This year the winner is Mair Moseley, aged 10, and she designed a wonderful Santa image that really stood out. She has won a chocolate selection set and a £20 book token to enjoy over Christmas.”

He added, “ The creativity and enthusiasm shown by all the children was fantastic, and it made choosing a winner extremely difficult. I want to congratulate all the entrants and thank the staff for their ongoing support.”

Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher, Mrs Katie Crockford-Morris, added, “We were delighted to welcome Samuel Kurtz MS to the school to present the prize. The children thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the competition, and they were incredibly proud to receive their certificates.”

The winning design will now be used as Samuel Kurtz’s official Christmas card this year, with one copy already on its way to His Majesty, King Charles.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

20 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.