POLICE appeal for witnesses after man reportedly attacked by group of eight men near Llanddarog junction

Local officers are investigating an alleged assault that took place on the A48 westbound at the Llanddarog junction, before the Nantycaws turn-off, at around 2:30pm on Saturday (Mar 7).

The incident is reported to have involved eight men who had parked Harley-Davidson motorcycles in a lay-by. The group allegedly assaulted a man who was travelling in a car.

The victim sustained moderate injuries and their vehicle was also damaged during the incident.

Anyone with information, or with private CCTV or dashcam footage showing suspicious activity in the area at the time, is asked to contact police in one of the following ways:

Online: https://orlo.uk/KRjzb
Email: [email protected]
Call: 101

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Please quote reference: DP-20260307-227.

Countryside charity welcomes decision but warns over cumulative impact of dozens of schemes across Wales

THE WELSH countryside charity CPRW has welcomed the decision by energy developer Bute Energy to withdraw its planning application for the proposed Nant Ceiment Energy Park in Carmarthenshire.

The scheme would have seen up to thirteen large wind turbines constructed in the Teifi Valley landscape.

Bute Energy confirmed the withdrawal following what it described as a detailed review of environmental, land and commercial factors, concluding that the project was not viable in its current form.

Local residents and campaigners had raised concerns about the potential impact of the turbines and the wider cumulative effect of multiple large wind developments being proposed across rural Wales.

CPRW chairman Jonty Colchester said the decision demonstrated the importance of scrutiny and public engagement during the planning process.

He said: “We welcome the withdrawal of the Nant Ceiment proposal. It shows that careful scrutiny and community engagement matter.

“Wales does need renewable energy, but it must be delivered through a strategic and coordinated approach that fully respects our landscapes, biodiversity and rural communities.”

The charity says it is currently monitoring more than seventy wind energy proposals progressing through the planning system across Wales.

These include major schemes such as Lan Fawr, Banc y Celyn, Gaerwen, Nant Mithil, Mynydd Maen and projects being promoted by the publicly owned developer Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru.

CPRW warned that several developments in south Wales highlight growing concerns about cumulative impact.

Planning decisions are still pending for schemes including Mynydd Maen, proposed by RES, and Trecelyn, promoted by Pennant Walters. Both developments are linked to the recently approved 92-acre Cil-lonydd solar farm.

Further proposals include four turbines at Rhyswg, while hearings are due to consider the Mynydd Llanhilleth scheme, which would involve seven turbines standing up to 180 metres high.

Campaigners say that when these projects are considered together, they raise concerns about the gradual expansion of large-scale energy infrastructure and the potential industrialisation of wide areas of upland Wales.

While supporting the transition to renewable energy, CPRW says it wants to see a more strategic approach to development that balances the need for green power with protection for landscapes, biodiversity and tourism.

The organisation is calling for a national renewables strategy that takes cumulative impacts into account, with greater emphasis placed on offshore wind projects. It is also urging improved transparency and stronger community involvement earlier in the planning process, alongside robust environmental standards to prevent unsuitable developments going ahead.

Further information on onshore wind proposals across Wales is available on the CPRW website.

Campaigners say Reform policies could risk future investment in Haven energy projects

A WEST WALES climate campaign group has urged voters in Milford Haven and Hakin to consider the future of green energy jobs before casting their ballots in the upcoming local election on Monday (Mar 17).

The intervention from the West Wales Climate Coalition (WWCC), which describes itself as a network of environmental and social justice organisations operating across the region, comes as campaigning intensifies ahead of the vote.

In a statement issued this week, the group warned that electing councillors opposed to green transition policies could undermine investment linked to the emerging Celtic Freeport and floating offshore wind projects in the Celtic Sea.

The coalition previously organised a petition in September 2025 questioning the work of a Pembrokeshire County Council review group examining the authority’s Net Zero strategy.

Following the petition, a representative of the group addressed a full council meeting on Wednesday (Oct 9), where councillors were urged not to abandon climate planning commitments.

During that meeting, Cllr Marc Tierney, Cabinet Member for the Well-being of Future Generations, said Pembrokeshire “does not want to be left behind” when it comes to supporting green transition policies.

The issue has become closely linked to the future of the Celtic Freeport centred on Milford Haven, where major port upgrades and new manufacturing facilities are expected to support the rollout of floating offshore wind (FLOW) technology in the Celtic Sea.

Supporters say the projects could bring significant investment and new skilled jobs to the Haven Waterway.

The UK Government has identified Pembrokeshire as a key location for funding to develop port infrastructure and train workers needed to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

However, the WWCC claims that policies proposed by Reform UK in Wales could slow or reverse progress towards renewable energy development.

The group argues that voters should consider how the election result could affect long-term investment and employment opportunities linked to the green energy sector.

In its statement, the coalition said Milford Haven is “in an enviable position” to benefit from investment associated with the green transition, but warned that failing to continue preparing for the shift to low-carbon energy could see jobs and infrastructure projects move elsewhere.

The Milford & Hakin ward election will take place on Monday (Mar 17).