Community

Cleddau at heart of major water reforms as ministers promise ‘fundamental reset’

Published

2 months ago

February 3, 2026

New regulation plan aims to tackle pollution, sewage spills and ageing infrastructure

COMMUNITIES along the River Cleddau could see tighter controls on pollution and stronger oversight of water companies after ministers unveiled what they describe as a once-in-a-generation shake-up of how Wales’ water system is run.

The Welsh Government this week published a Green Paper promising cleaner rivers, tougher enforcement and a new Welsh economic regulator dedicated solely to the water sector.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said it was time for a “fundamental reset” to rebuild public trust, warning that ageing infrastructure, climate pressures and growing concern about water quality meant the current system was no longer fit for purpose.

For Pembrokeshire residents, those words land close to home.

***A First Milk discharge pipe into the Western Cleddau at a spot known as Fortune’s Frolic on 16 June 2023 (Pic: Supplied)***

Local frustration growing

From Haverfordwest down to Milford Haven, the Cleddau is both a working waterway and a natural asset, supporting wildlife, leisure users, anglers and tourism businesses.

But in recent years there have been repeated complaints about sewage overflows, murky water after heavy rain and nutrient pollution washing in from across the catchment.

Storm discharges and wastewater treatment are the responsibility of Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, while environmental enforcement sits with national regulators. Many locals say neither has acted quickly enough when problems arise.

***Brown froth can be seen on the banks of the Western Cleddau*** **(Pic: Supplied)**

Residents and river users have told The Herald they feel the estuary is “worse than it used to be”, particularly after periods of wet weather when combined sewer overflows can activate.

Concerns range from the impact on fish stocks and birds to whether the water is safe for paddleboarding, sailing and wild swimming.

What ministers are proposing

The consultation sets out plans to:

create a new Welsh regulator focused on water
strengthen monitoring and enforcement
drive investment in ageing pipes and treatment works
improve transparency and accountability
support long-term environmental protection

Since 2022, the government says it has invested more than £56 million tackling water quality through enforcement, monitoring and nature-based solutions. A further £5 million has been earmarked next year specifically for river and coastal improvements.

Ministers say the changes should make it easier to fine or sanction poor performance and force faster upgrades where infrastructure is failing.

Why the Cleddau matters

The Cleddau catchment is one of west Wales’ most important waterways.

It feeds into the Milford Haven Waterway, a key centre for industry, energy, fishing and recreation, while also providing habitat for protected wildlife and drawing thousands of visitors each year.

Any decline in water quality has knock-on effects not just for nature but for jobs and the local economy.

Campaigners argue that without tougher oversight and sustained investment, the river risks long-term damage.

Consultation open

The Green Paper is now out for public consultation, with ministers inviting views from residents, businesses and community groups.

For many in Pembrokeshire, this may be a rare chance to push for specific improvements on their doorstep — from fewer sewage discharges to better monitoring of agricultural runoff and clearer reporting when incidents occur.

If the promised “reset” is to mean anything locally, it will be judged on one thing: whether the Cleddau actually gets cleaner.

The consultation is open on the Welsh Government website, and submissions can be made by individuals as well as organisations.

Community

Loose horse sparks police response in Pembroke

Published

5 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Animal seen galloping through residential streets and towards main road

POLICE are reportedly tracking a loose horse which strayed into a residential area of Pembroke.

The animal was first spotted in Gatehouse View before making its way onto a nearby main road.

A post on the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Citizens’ Forum said the horse had left Gatehouse View and was seen heading towards the road by Pembroke Leisure Centre.

The resident wrote: “Anyone recognise it? Police following it.”

The horse was later reported to be galloping down Buttermilk Lane in the direction of Martha’s.

Stray horses are not uncommon in the area. In January, several animals were reported loose around Pembroke and along the A477, particularly near Buttermilk Close and the Cleddau Bridge.

Those incidents created a hazard for motorists, prompting Pembrokeshire County Council to step in and return the animals. Drivers were advised to take extra care and avoid startling them.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

13 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

22 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”