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Hundreds link arms on Newgale beach to oppose US radar plan

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Local opposition to DARC proposal grows as campaigners warn of health risks and military escalation

A MASS protest took place on Newgale beach over the weekend, as residents formed a human chain stretching the length of the famous pebble bank, voicing their opposition to the Ministry of Defence’s controversial Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) proposal.

The radar array, earmarked for Cawdor Barracks in Brawdy, would include 27 dishes, each as tall as four double-decker buses. Campaigners say the scheme threatens the protected landscape of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, raises serious health concerns, and makes the region a target in future global conflict.

Organised by local action group PARC Against DARC (Pembrokeshire Against Radar Campaign), the demonstration was described by supporters as “the biggest visual statement yet” against the project. Drone footage of the event shows protesters holding hands across the length of the beach while hundreds more gathered near a temporary campsite set up beside the road.

The protest follows a petition nearing 18,000 signatures and comes after 37 politicians from both the Senedd and Westminster declared their opposition in official statements.

Local businesses speak out

Tim Rees, director of Unearthed Festival and several hospitality ventures in the area, told The Herald: “We have a beautiful coastline which the National Park has done a great job preserving, and we’re about to throw that away for something that won’t benefit tourism and won’t benefit local people.”

“We don’t get a say, and the money invested here won’t trickle down,” he added.

Fears of militarisation and bypass ‘ruse’

Campaigners say the Newgale bypass plan—currently undergoing public consultation—is deeply connected to the DARC project. Gordon Main of the STUN campaign warned: “This is a pan-Wales issue. Do we want to become a client state of the USA? The road is clearly about servicing this radar site, and it’s being justified on spurious science.”

Over 90% of responses to the bypass consultation were objections, according to PARC.

Health risks and global instability

Emma Tannahill, a local resident, raised concerns about health impacts: “There’s staggering scientific evidence showing elevated cancer rates among those working at radar stations of similar type. These weren’t people on the dishes—they were in the vicinity.”

Brian Jones of CND Cymru added: “How much longer can we walk the tightrope of nuclear confrontation? One misreading or false alarm could end in disaster.”

Accusations of silence and complicity

Jim Scott of PARC said: “This is not just a radar. It’s part of a US-led plan for space dominance, potentially linked to Trump’s proposed ‘Golden Dome’ strategy to neutralise other nations’ satellites and carry out first-strike attacks without retaliation.”

He continued: “Trump isn’t our president, and he isn’t the world’s president. The people of Pembrokeshire have spoken clearly: we won’t be a target for someone else’s war.”

Scott also criticised the local MP, Henry Tufnell: “He has parroted MOD talking points from day one. He’s not listening to the people of this constituency, and we won’t forget that come election time.”

More pressure to come

The Herald understands that the Ministry of Defence has not yet produced a full Environmental Impact Assessment for the DARC proposal, despite early promises. Campaigners believe separating the radar from plans for the bypass road, the cable landing site, and the power infrastructure could be a breach of planning law.

The protest at Newgale is the latest in a series of escalating demonstrations, with further action expected in the coming months.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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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.

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Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

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