News

Helicopter airlift protects rare habitat during pollution prevention work

Published

3 months ago

April 2, 2026

A HELICOPTER was used to fly in materials to a former lead mine in Carmarthenshire as part of urgent work to stop polluted mining waste being washed into a river.

Natural Resources Wales and the Mining Remediation Authority took the unusual step at Nant y Mwyn Lead Mine near Rhandirmwyn to avoid damaging a rare and protected habitat while carrying out essential riverbank stabilisation.

The site is currently undergoing remediation as part of the Wales Metal Mines Programme, a Welsh Government-funded scheme aimed at reducing pollution from some of the country’s most harmful abandoned metal mines.

Project teams said fast-moving water had been eroding mining waste on the riverbank, with an estimated 300 cubic metres of material at immediate risk of being carried into the river.

Because the area is protected for its rare Calaminarian Grassland, reducing disturbance to the ground was a key concern. To overcome that, a helicopter was brought in to drop 109 bags of material along the riverbank in a single day, with the remaining work then completed by hand.

NRW said severe spoil erosion along the Nant y Bai has been adding several tonnes of metals to the Afon Tywi each year, contributing significantly to pollution linked to Nant y Mwyn Mine. Elevated cadmium and zinc levels have been recorded for up to 25 kilometres downstream.

The work was completed before the lambing and bird-nesting seasons and is expected to reduce the amount of metal-rich sediment entering the stream, improve water quality and help protect nearby habitats and heritage features.

Dave Johnston, Wales Metal Mines Programme Manager at Natural Resources Wales, said: “These works are a vital step at one of our most challenging sites, reducing the risk of several hundred cubic metres of metal-rich mining waste being carried into the Afon Tywi and the wider environment.

“Wales has a long legacy of metal mining, and pollution from abandoned mines contributes to reduced river health in many areas. Through the Wales Metal Mines Programme, we’re targeting the most harmful sites to deliver cleaner rivers for wildlife and for the communities and businesses that rely on them.”

Marika Gates, Project Manager at the Mining Remediation Authority, said: “Abandoned metal mines are a significant part of Wales’ industrial story, and Nant y Mwyn is central to the history of Rhandirmwyn.

“Our aim is to protect the environment while recognising and respecting this unique ecology and heritage. This project shows what is possible when innovation, environmental care and strong community collaboration come together.”

If you want, I can also turn this into a sharper Herald-style splash with a stronger intro and subheading.

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

2 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

4 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

4 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle