News
Worry over Trecwn plans
THE PEMBROKESHIRE branch of Friends of the Earth is up in arms about proposals to install a power station fuelled by waste wood near Trecwn.
FoE raised objections about the planning application in March, when it was approved by PCC, citing concerns about inefficiency and the risk of increased air pollution.
Valley Ltd, the developer, plans to create a 25MW power station on the site of the old army base. This will generate energy created by burning a mixture of virgin wood-chip and potentially a proportion of waste or recycled woodchip.
According to FoE it is ‘likely’ that the majority of this fuel will be shipped into Pembroke Dock and then transported by road to Trecwn.
It is estimated that there will be 53 two-way lorry journeys per day, and FoE claim that to reduce emissions and impact on the in¬frastructure the site should be situated nearer to the port.
According to estimates released by Val¬ley Ltd, the power station will only run at 26% efficiency. FoE claim that this will re¬sult in high CO2 emissions, and that for every tonne of wood burned in a power station 1.8 tons of CO2 is released into the atmosphere.
Last year, 60 eminent US scientists wrote a letter to the UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change warning him that, “burning trees to produce electricity ac¬tually increases carbon emissions compared with fossil fuels for many decades and con-tributes to other air pollution problems”.
A spokesperson for the society told us that as well as releasing greenhouse gas emis¬sions, burning wood produces other pollut¬ants, including particulates, nitrogen oxides, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which pose a threat to human health and eco-systems. “It is likely to exacerbate the prob¬lems for people with asthma and breathing difficulties – as well as increasing the risks of heart disease and stroke,” they added. “The problems are even worse when waste wood is used as it may contain chemicals including dioxins, arsenic, lead and mercury. Burning waste wood also diverts it from recycling by the wood panel industry.”
Valley Ltd has stated that there is the pos¬sibility of rebuilding the old railway line from Fishguard to improve the transport set-up. If this happens it is possible that the company may be able to attract more industry to this area to make use of the waste heat produced, so making Combined Heat and Power which is much more efficient could be possible in the future.
Local farmers could also grow biomass crops to supply the power station in the fu¬ture, but for now the power station would be importing wood pellets from virgin forests in the United States, Canada or Latvia.
In their petition, available on the Friends of the Earth website, the group say: “The government classes biomass fuel (i.e. wood,energy crops and farming and forestry waste) as a renewable and supports its use through the Renewables Obligation, which provides financial subsidies for burning wood. FoE is calling for the government’s ambitions for bio energy to be scaled down and capped at a level that ensures supplies can be sourced sustainably and domesti¬cally.”
The petition is directed at the Green Investment Bank, which is publicly owned, and should only fund green investment pro-jects. The spokesperson for FoE said that ‘al¬though the company has obtained planning permission, it needs to raise tens of millions of pounds to build the power station. Experi¬ence with similar proposals suggests that they will find this difficult unless the Green Invest¬ment Bank steps in to help’.
Community
Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby
SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.
Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.
The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.
Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.
Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.
As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.
For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.
With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.
Community
Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan
ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.
At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.
The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”
With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.
Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.
Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.
Charity
Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues
ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.
Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.
-
News4 days ago
Police and air ambulances at ‘serious incident’ at West Wales school
-
Business2 days ago
Largest Welsh port appoints communications and marketing director
-
Crime4 days ago
Pembrokeshire pensioner accused of 17 sexual offences against children
-
Crime3 days ago
All three school stabbing victims discharged from hospital, police confirm
-
Community5 days ago
County Hall to offer space for community banking
-
Crime6 days ago
Brian Davis: Wanted on suspicion of commercial burglary
-
Sport5 days ago
Swifts eyes on double.
-
Community2 days ago
Suspected explosive device found on west Wales beach