Community

Fish kill at Wallis Pond sparks new concern over pollution in Cleddau

Published

4 months ago

August 16, 2025

A SERIOUS pollution incident at Wallis Pond in Ambleston has killed several large fish, prompted urgent calls for action, and reignited concerns over the wider health of the Cleddau river system.

The Cleddau Project (TCP) says the incident – at a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) only recently restored to improve biodiversity and public access – was first reported to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) on Saturday (Aug 9) by a volunteer. Despite photographic evidence and visible contamination, locals say there was no sign of action from NRW for four days.

By Wednesday (Aug 13), at least six dead fish were spotted floating in the pond. Volunteers who carried out their own testing on Thursday (Aug 14) recorded ammonia levels “off the scale” – levels that are likely to be toxic to fish.

During the days between the first report and the arrival of NRW, a paddleboarder was seen using the pond, apparently unaware of any potential health risk.

Restoration work at risk

Wallis Pond holds a special place in the community. It was reopened in 1978 by King Charles III, then Prince of Wales, and was only recently restored in a collaborative project involving Pembrokeshire County Council, NRW, Ambleston Community Council, Nestlé Waters UK, and Heavyside Landscapes.

The aim of the restoration was to enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and provide safe public access. Campaigners fear the ongoing pollution could undermine this work entirely if the source is not identified and stopped quickly.

Questions over NRW response

TCP says the incident highlights serious shortcomings in NRW’s revised pollution response criteria, which mean officers now attend only when incidents are deemed “significant” by their internal measures. The group argues this leaves communities unprotected, wildlife at risk, and public trust in environmental regulation damaged.

“We’ve done the leg work to expose this serious pollution incident,” a spokesperson said. “But if polluters are allowed to carry on and NRW doesn’t get a grip quickly, the restoration work means nothing.”

TCP is demanding:

An urgent investigation to identify and stop the source of the pollution.
Accountability for any parties responsible.
A public explanation from NRW for the delay in containment and lack of public warning.
A review of NRW’s response policy to ensure incidents like this are treated with urgency.

Video evidence, photographs, and ammonia test results have been supplied to NRW, with the BBC and ITV also alerted.

Wider concerns about the Cleddau

Environmental campaigners say Wallis Pond is just one example of the ongoing threat to the Cleddau river system, which faces regular pollution from agricultural run-off, sewage discharges and industrial activity.

The Cleddau Project, a community-led group of around 100 volunteers, regularly monitors water and soil quality from the river’s source to the sea, holding polluters to account and campaigning for change at government level.

Natural Resources Wales has been asked for comment.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

9 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

1 day 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.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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)