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RSPCA Cymru urges public to ‘Help Quieten the Noise’ this fireworks season

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Charity highlights impact of loud displays on pets, livestock and wildlife

RSPCA Cymru has made an urgent plea for people across Wales to be a ‘Kind Spark’ this fireworks season — by thinking of animals before lighting up the sky.

The charity is asking the public to talk with neighbours about any planned fireworks and to consider how noise can affect animals ranging from pets to livestock and wildlife.

Six million households to light fireworks

Recent polling suggests an estimated 6.16 million households across Wales and England plan to set off fireworks this season. The figures have prompted renewed calls from RSPCA Cymru for responsible use and community cooperation.

Fifteen local authorities in Wales have already taken proactive steps to mitigate the negative impact of fireworks, including publicising displays in advance and promoting quieter alternatives.

The charity wants more councils to adopt motions urging the UK Government to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks that can be sold, and to support greater local control.

‘Thousands of animals suffer’

Billie-Jade Thomas, Senior Public Affairs Manager at RSPCA Cymru, said: “Thousands of animals suffer every year due to fireworks, sometimes with devastating consequences. With more than six million households set to let off fireworks this season, animals face a really tough time again.

“We are delighted to see a majority of councils doing what they can to increase awareness — but everyone can do their bit this fireworks season.”

She added: “We want to see a restriction of fireworks sales to licensed venues only, and a limit to a set number of days when people can let them off, enabling owners to plan ahead to protect their animals.

“We’d also like to see manufacturers reduce noise levels, clearly label packaging, and include warnings that fireworks may cause huge distress to animals.”

Backyard fireworks a growing concern

Despite the popularity of garden displays, RSPCA polling shows that two-thirds of pet owners are deeply concerned about them.

Billie added: “We know 66% of pet owners say that backyard firework displays are a major concern. This highlights the anxiety so many owners feel as we approach fireworks season — especially when it’s impossible to know when someone nearby might set them off.”

Petition for stronger firework laws

The RSPCA is calling on the public to sign its petition for legislative change and to contact their MP in support of stronger firework laws.

The charity’s key recommendations include:

  • Reducing the noise level of fireworks from 120dB to 90dB.
  • Limiting sales to Category F1 and F2 fireworks, only through licensed retailers.
  • Creating designated ‘firework-free zones’ to protect animals, the environment, and vulnerable people.
  • Encouraging councils to host alternative community displays in firework-free areas.
  • Reviewing the use of drones and laser shows as wildlife-friendly alternatives.

Advice for pet owners

The RSPCA has shared practical tips for owners to help pets cope:

  • Bring pets indoors early and get them used to being inside.
  • Soundproof the home by closing windows and curtains.
  • Tune in to calming music, such as Classic FM’s ‘Pet Classics’ shows on Saturday 2 and Wednesday 5 November (5:00pm–9:00pm).
  • Stay home with pets during fireworks to offer comfort.
  • Use pheromone diffusers or calming collars if recommended by a vet.
  • Provide extra bedding for small animals, or cover outdoor hutches with a blanket.
  • Engage pets in play or use puzzle feeders as a distraction.
  • Never take pets to displays, and ensure horses and livestock are safely enclosed.
  • Exercise pets earlier in the day to help reduce stress at night.
  • Reward calm behaviour with treats and reassurance to build positive associations.

Classic FM partnership returns

Once again, the RSPCA is partnering with Classic FM for its annual Pet Classics broadcasts — designed to calm pets during firework nights. Presenter Charlotte Hawkins will also host a new Friday night mini-series at 9:00pm each week until 31 October.

For more advice, visit rspca.org.uk/fireworks or sign the petition via the charity’s website.

 

Community

Tenby sailing club works approved by national park

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PLANS for works at Tenby’s historic sailing club building, part of the ‘iconic view’ of the town’s harbour have been given the go-ahead by the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Tenby Sailing Club, through agent David J P Morgan RIBA Architect sought permission for the two openings in second floor gable wall along with two new windows at Tenby Sailing Club, Penniless Cove Hill, along with a related listed building consent.

The application was supported by Tenby Town Council and Tenby Civic Society, the latter saying it will “add value to the use of the building and maintain the character and value of the listed building and the conservation area”.

Supporting documents for the application said: “The proposal is to form two new openings in the stonework and install two windows. These will replicate the existing windows at first floor level below. The openings will have red brick head as on existing original openings on the building. The proposal will have very little adverse impact on the listed building.”

They added: “The proposed new windows will improve observation of the harbour and bay from the second-floor level. This is where yacht racing is monitored and observed by officials and safety personnel.”

An officer report, recommending approval said: “The sailing club was built as a warehouse c. 1825, abutting the C17 sluice. Originally wine stores, it was later used by the local fishermen for stores and is now the home to Tenby Sailing Club, established in 1936. The rubble-built building is of three storeys and four bays, the glazing all later C20 with a slated roof and a modernised interior. There is a large steel stair to north (seaward) elevation.”

It added: “The building forms part of a group picturesquely clustered around the sluice, in turn forming part of the iconic view of Tenby Harbour. The proposal is to insert two windows at second floor level to the north (seaward) elevation, flanking the existing door,” adding: “The area retains its mercantile character not just in appearance, but also through its character due to ongoing use as fishing boat stores and winter moorings.

“The sailing club has occupied the building for many years and remains very active. The proposal is intended to improve the amenity of the building to provide better viewing at elevation and seeks to copy the detail and proportions of the windows at first floor stage.”

The application, and the related listed building consent, was conditionally approved by park planners.

 

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Community

Pembrokeshire students speak at national Holocaust Memorial Day event

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TWO Haverfordwest High School pupils addressed senior political and religious figures and a Holocaust survivor at Wales’ main commemoration in Cardiff

Holocaust Memorial Day was marked in Cardiff this week with a powerful contribution from two Pembrokeshire students, who were invited to speak at Wales’ national commemoration event.

Awel Jones and Olivia Beal, both Year 13 pupils at Haverfordwest High School, attended the ceremony at the Temple of Peace on Monday (Jan 27) in their roles as ambassadors for the Holocaust Educational Trust.

The pair were asked to deliver speeches reflecting on their work with the Trust and their involvement in the “Lessons from Auschwitz” project, which educates young people about the Holocaust and the dangers of prejudice, discrimination and hatred.

They spoke in front of a distinguished audience that included the First Minister for Wales, Eluned Morgan, the Archbishop of Wales, senior civic leaders and Holocaust survivor Peter Lantos.

The national event formed part of Holocaust Memorial Day 2026, which was held under the theme “bridging generations”, highlighting the responsibility of younger generations to carry forward the lessons of the past as the number of living survivors declines.

Awel Jones and Olivia Beal were the only young Holocaust Educational Trust ambassadors representing Wales at the national ceremony, a distinction described as a significant honour for both the students and Pembrokeshire.

A parent said the occasion was “profoundly emotive and important”, adding that being invited to speak at such a high-profile event was an accolade for the students and a reflection of the strength of Holocaust education work taking place locally.

Holocaust Memorial Day is observed annually on January 27, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945.

 

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Business

Final wind turbine deliveries completed after months of disruption

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Last major component reaches site as Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy thank communities for patience

DRAGON LNG and Dragon Energy have confirmed that the final large component for a new wind turbine project has now been successfully delivered, bringing months of complex abnormal load movements on Pembrokeshire roads to an end.

The companies said the final turbine blade was delivered to the site on Wednesday (Jan 28, 2026), marking the completion of all major component deliveries associated with the project.

In a statement, Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy thanked the local community for its patience and cooperation throughout the delivery programme, acknowledging that the operation caused disruption on local roads.

Residents across parts of the county have previously experienced temporary road closures, traffic delays and police escorts as oversized turbine components were transported from the Port of Milford Haven to the site under tightly controlled conditions.

The abnormal load movements required months of detailed planning and coordination, involving route surveys, traffic management, police support and liaison with local authorities to ensure deliveries were carried out safely and with minimal disruption wherever possible.

The companies also apologised for the inconvenience caused during the delivery phase, saying the support and understanding shown by residents had been “invaluable” in allowing the project to reach this milestone.

A number of organisations were involved in supporting the operation, including Pembrokeshire County Council, Dyfed-Powys Police, haulage specialists Collett & Sons Ltd and Green Light Traffic Management.

Local media outlets, including The Pembrokeshire Herald, provided advance notice and updates during the delivery process to help keep residents informed.

With the final major deliveries now complete, Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy said the project would continue to progress to the next phase of construction on site.

 

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