Community

Carmarthenshire residents call for united front against energy parks and pylons

Published

3 months ago

September 18, 2025

A MEETING in Pumsaint has heard fresh calls for communities to unite against major energy park and pylon developments proposed across Carmarthenshire.

More than 100 people attended the gathering on Saturday (Sept 13), organised by Havard Hughes of the Carmarthenshire Residents Action Group (CRAiG Sir Gâr). Concerns were raised over the spread of wind, solar and pylon schemes in the north of the county, which residents say will surround villages and carve through historic landscapes.

Campaigners warned that pylons and access roads could cut across scheduled ancient monuments including the Roman fort at Pumsaint, while the unique Dolaucothi Roman Gold Mines would be “changed irrevocably.” Consultation on the Bryn Cadwgan Energy Park closes on October 1.

The scale of development was also highlighted. Up to 90 turbines, each reaching 250 metres in height, could be built, along with aviation warning lights affecting dark skies and quarrying to produce aggregate for foundations. Battery storage sites proposed in Carmarthenshire’s woodlands were described as a fire risk and a threat to the environment, including near the Llyn Brianne reservoir.

Local MP Ann Davies sent apologies for being unable to attend.

Havard Hughes, CRAiG Sir Gâr spokesman, said: “Residents are shocked by the sheer scale of these developments. Yet the proposals at Bryn Cadwgan, Brechfa (Glyn Cothi) and Bute Energy’s Nant Ceiment are an utterly predictable industrialisation. Welsh Government has designated a third of Carmarthenshire as an industrial wind zone in Future Wales 2040, with a further solar zone in the south of our county.

“Many communities face being surrounded by energy infrastructure with a decade of disruption as roads are carved through countryside, bridges built for massive machines and quarries blasted out of hillsides. People are looking for support from their political representatives but feel ignored by local politicians and by their own government in Cardiff.”

Mari Mitchell told the meeting: “We should be leaving the planet for future generations in a better state than we found it. Yet these proposals directly contradict the Future Generations Act. Sympathetic woodland management should be the way forward for Brechfa, preserving ancient woodland and improving biodiversity, not industrialisation.”

One Brechfa resident of 52 years added: “The more I learn about these plans to harness wind power for the benefit of foreign companies, the more I despair. This isn’t green energy, it’s greed energy. A government that supports tourism, health and wellbeing should realise this is not the route to take.”

Carmarthenshire Reform leader Gareth Beer said: “It was fantastic to speak to a packed Pumsaint Coronation Hall. Residents feel totally let down by their political representatives. Reform will put a stop to these outrageous plans which will destroy the countryside, wreck Welsh businesses and put pylons and turbines ahead of our vital farming and tourism sectors.”

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

18 hours 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

18 hours 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)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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).