News

Charges for Welsh river water

Published

10 years ago

April 23, 2015

THE RENEWABLE energy sector in Wales is set to benefit as Natural Resources Wales (NRW) introduce a new tiered charging system for hydropower licence applications this week. This will mean that licence application fees for the smallest hydropower schemes will start at £375 per application with the larger, commercial schemes, paying £1,500.

The new scheme has been developed as part of NRW’s wider Fees and Charges Scheme following an extensive consultation with stakeholders including those from the hydropower industry, farming unions and conservation bodies. Ceri Davies, Director for Knowledge, Strategy and Planning, Natural Resources Wales, said: “Hydropower schemes can help farmers, landowners and community groups be more economically and environmentally sustainable. We make sure that these schemes can be developed without damaging rivers, the wildlife that lives there or from aff ecting others who rely on the water. By keeping our charges as low as we can, especially for the smaller schemes, this should encourage more people and groups to see if harnessing the power of nature can work for them.”

As well as the changes to charges for hydropower, other changes include: • 2.5% rise to permitting charges for waste sites and installations like power stations • 10.4% reduction to the standard unit charge for water abstractions • a new £350 charge for reassessment of waste recovery plans • a capped permit subsistence charge of £3190 for sites in preconstruction • New annual charge of £2,065 for recycling facilities. Natural Resources Wales has reviewed the fees it has to charge for environmental permits and is duty bound to recover the costs of regulation from business and industry rather than the taxpayer footing the bill. Welsh Government is providing fi nancial support that reduces the impact on Wales’ growing hydropower industry.

Minister for Natural Resources, Carl Sargeant said:“We need to ensure that we use our natural resources in ways that protect them in order so they can provide for future generations, and investing in hydropower generation is a great example of this. I am pleased we have been able to support Natural Resources Wales to implement these changes in the charging regime, and hope this can lead to more schemes, particularly those smaller in scale, harnessing the power of Welsh waterways.” Ceri Davies added:“Applications for hydropower schemes are on the rise in Wales. We have seen a 10- fold increase in the last 5 years with water abstraction licences for 87 new schemes issued last year.

The efficiencies and improvements we have made to the application system has halved the amount of time we take to assess a licence and we will continue to work with the industry to improve this further.” This is NRW’s fi rst Fees and Charges Scheme and it will be in place for the next financial year. Future changes will be determined by NRW continuing to drive efficiencies throughout the business and by the wider fi nancial picture.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

19 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

20 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

21 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.