Community

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

Published

3 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

Firefighter experience days planned in Haverfordwest and Newtown

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hands-on sessions will give potential recruits a taste of life in the fire service

PEOPLE interested in becoming firefighters are being invited to take part in special Firefighter Experience Days being held by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service this June.

The events will take place at Haverfordwest Fire Station on Wednesday, June 3, and at Newtown Fire Station on Friday, June 5. Both sessions will run from 10:00am until 1:00pm.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, which covers almost two-thirds of Wales, says the days are designed to give people a practical introduction to life in the fire service in a relaxed and informal setting.

Around 75 per cent of the service’s fire stations are crewed entirely by on-call firefighters, who play a vital role in protecting communities across the region.

Visitors attending the experience days will have the opportunity to try on firefighting kit, learn how equipment is assembled, and take part in practical exercises alongside serving crews.

Firefighters from both stations will also be on hand to explain the realities of the role, answer questions, and offer guidance on the recruitment process.

Topics covered during the sessions will include the modern role of a firefighter, fitness requirements, personal protective equipment, career pathways within the service, and what applicants can expect during recruitment.

Booking is essential for anyone wishing to attend.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Lily Evans, Digital Marketing Officer for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, by emailing [email protected].

Community

Fire service sets out new flood response plan for Mid and West Wales

Published

22 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

AROUND 31,000 properties across Mid and West Wales are at risk of flooding, according to figures released as part of a new fire service response strategy.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has completed a major engagement process to shape how it deals with future flooding incidents.

The work brought together operational crews, partner agencies and community representatives through a series of “Flooding Balanced Room” workshops.

The service said the aim was to make sure all voices were heard equally while developing practical options for prevention, response and recovery.

Nearly 24,000 properties in the service area are at risk from river flooding, while more than 7,000 are at risk from tidal flooding.

The service attends around 300 water rescue and weather-related flooding incidents each year.

Officials say flooding is becoming more frequent and more serious because of climate change, including heavier rainfall and prolonged weather events.

Recent data also shows a clear seasonal pattern, with the highest number of flooding incidents taking place between October and February.

The third quarter of 2025/26 was the busiest for flooding incidents since 2017/18, while February 2020 and November 2025 recorded the highest monthly levels of flooding activity.

The workshops produced four key priorities: prevention first, collaboration and partnership, enhanced specialist capability, and learning and continuous improvement.

Eleven initial options were narrowed down to five main areas.

These include better public education, community flood groups, improved flood messaging with partner agencies, more staff training, improved welfare and PPE for firefighters, better vehicles and technology, and stronger post-incident support for communities.

Proposals include using flood awareness in home fire safety checks, improving training scenarios, increasing the number of qualified water incident managers, expanding drone use, and using climate data to plan future fleet and equipment needs.

The options have now been assessed, with recommendations presented to the service’s Executive Leadership Team.

The plans will feed into the service’s future flooding strategy and its Community Risk Management Plan 2040.

Iwan Cray, Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The Flooding Balanced Room process has highlighted the importance of collaboration.

“By listening to our staff, partners, and communities, we’ve created practical, forward-thinking solutions that will strengthen our ability to prevent and manage flooding in Mid and West Wales.

“Together, we can build a safer, more resilient Wales.”

Community

Vintage tractor tour sets off from Pembroke Dock for Ireland

Published

1 day ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIFTY-three vintage tractors left Pembroke Dock Ferry Port on Saturday (May 2) as part of a long-running tractor tour to Ireland.

The group boarded the ferry for the latest stage of an exchange which has been running since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

Organiser Alun Mason said: “The Tour of Ireland has been ongoing since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

“A large contingent travelled from Ireland and continue to do so every other year, with our visit this weekend and the Irish tractors due to visit in 2027.”

Some of the tractors taking part travelled from as far as Burry Port, Bridgend, Llandrindod Wells, Llandovery and Ceredigion before gathering at the ferry port.

The event brought together vintage tractor enthusiasts from across Wales ahead of the crossing to Ireland.

Pictured are organisers Jo Richards and Alun Mason, and the group waiting to embark at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port.