News

Pyrolysis plant refused

Published

9 years ago

December 30, 2015

PLANS to build a Pyrolysis plant at the Waterloo Industrial Estate in Pembroke Dock were unanimously refused by Pembrokeshire County Council. On Tuesday (Dec 15), the Planning and Rights of Way Committee met to discuss the application from Barcud Energy Ltd, a firm based in Cardiff. The unit would be used to generate syngas by thermally treating feedstock comprised of oily sludge and filter cake that is generated by oil refineries.

However, concerns were raised about the size of the plant and the possible emissions from it. Pembroke Dock Llanion Councillor Sue Perkins said: “Because of the strong feeling the whole town of Pembroke Dock, I feel I must put forward the views of my constituents. “I’m delighted that the application before you is for refusal and I ask you to support the officer’s recommendation. “The fuel oily sludge is a very dirty fuel containing high concentrations of hazardous constituents including heavy metals and naturally occurring radioactive material that may be resilient to combustion. “How could anyone think it’s a particularly good idea to build a pyrolysis incinerator producing oily sludge in an area that floods, in an entry to a town, close to people’s homes, a large council estate along the side of the Cleddau?

“We’ve been told by the applicant there will be no pollution and no odour but we were told this before. Pembroke Dock has had its fair share of both over the years. We all know that we cannot control the weather nor human error and in the high winds experienced on the site of the height of the Cleddau, no one can guarantee that the smog, smoke and pollution will not come to the town nor further up the river in areas like Cosheston and in fact Carew.

“If there is a need for such a facility, as our officers have said, in Pembrokeshire, which I personally doubt, there are already designated areas where there is already a power station and a refinery. If this plant is built close to both of these facilities it would stop the need for transporting this oily sludge in lorries, around Pembroke, on the A477 which is an already busy road. “The application in my mind makes no sense at all and I just want to say that we have an obligation to our towns who speak long and hard about making our towns more important and more accessible to the visitors and Pembroke Dock always seems like a poor relation but Pembroke Dock has a huge amount to offer; it has the Cleddau, it has historical buildings, it has a huge amount of facilities and once again I think as a town we feel that having something like this on our doorstep would absolutely destroy everything that we would like to see in our future.”

Speaking on behalf of Pembroke Dock Town Council, Councillor Alison Lee said: “If you grant this application, this will become the first thing people will see when they drive into Pembroke Dock. They will see two large massive buildings with a 40 metre stack instead of the waterway, boats and the countryside. “This structure will be visible for a much larger area than suggested by the applicant. It is stated by the landscape officer that the visual impact for some people such as the water sports centre is significant.

“The applicant points out that the mass of the building actually screens other areas in the industrial estate, which in my opinion, just highlights how large and obtrusive this structure will be. “The applicant states that there is a need for a pyrolysis unit in Pembroke Dock and refineries in Pembrokeshire and it has been suggested that the unit would secure jobs at the refinery. This is untrue, there is one refinery in Pembrokeshire and it’s been confirmed that refusal of this application would have no impact on the refinery or any jobs there. “Pembroke Dock already has unresolved issues with a waste management site in the town; it really doesn’t need another one.”

John Hubbard, a long term resident in the area, said: “The Waterloo site is inappropriate for a plant of this nature for a number of reasons which include; it’s within the town limits, numerous people live nearby, the wastes are defined as hazardous, emissions from the chimney are at a low level, it’s alongside scenic waterway and the building is so large it will be seen from numerous locations around it. “We are very concerned at the nature and scale of this operation processing hazardous wastes and the emissions it will create on our very doorstep. The visual impact of the proposal is very intrusive on the landscape and is out of keeping with other buildings in the location.”

Cllr Brian Hall moved the recommendation for refusal and added: “If you look at the gate they are proposing and the entrance that is proposed, that will not take a petrol tanker type lorry. “The vehicle movements around the Waterloo roundabout at the end of the trunk road is approximately on a busy day 22,000 vehicle movements and in the last meeting we had the approval for Aldi and the traffic going into the industrial estate is going to be unbelievable when the Aldi opens, on top of the new bus station that has been approved for Silcox. “That will not generate enough work to make that business, in my opinion, viable. Cllr Tony Wilcox added: “It’s all about location, this is the wrong one, it’s not viable and I will gladly second the recommendation.” When it was put to a vote the plans were refused unanimously.

Crime

North Court drug dealer who offered NHS and OAP discounts jailed

Published

2 hours ago

December 9, 2024

Court Reporter

A DRUG dealer who styled himself as a “professional businessman” and offered so-called discounts to NHS workers and the elderly has been sentenced to a total of three years and four months in prison.

Nathan Murdoch, previously of North Court, Haverfordwest was given his custodial sentence at Swansea Crown Court after police dismantled his drug distribution network, which involved cannabis, cocaine, and MDMA.

Police uncover drugs and cash in raid

On June 16 last year, officers visited Murdoch’s property, where he initially admitted to possessing “a small amount” of cannabis. However, a detailed search revealed over £3,000 worth of cannabis and cocaine, £2,800 in cash, and digital weighing scales, according to prosecutor Sian Cutter.

Analysis of Murdoch’s mobile phone exposed text messages detailing his drug dealing, which had been ongoing since at least October 2021. The messages suggested he had also enlisted someone else to distribute drugs, with records of threats and demands for payment.

Targeting NHS workers with deals

The court heard that 35-year-old Murdoch referred to himself as a “businessman” and ran his operation with a veneer of professionalism. He promoted discounts for NHS workers, pensioners, and individuals facing financial hardship.

Defence barrister Dan Griffiths argued that Murdoch had turned to drug dealing after experiencing personal difficulties, describing the venture as “financially motivated.” Griffiths added: “He acknowledges the seriousness of his actions and views his arrest as a turning point.”

Judge: ‘Your choices have consequences’

Judge Paul Thomas KC told Murdoch: “You made a calculated decision to profit from illegal drug sales. You saw it as easy money, but the reality is clear: you gambled, and you lost. Now, you must face the consequences.”

Murdoch, now residing in Swansea, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis, as well as being involved in the supply of cocaine, MDMA, and cannabis. The court heard he had five prior convictions for six offences.

Community

Thousands still without power as storm recovery continues

Published

2 hours ago

December 9, 2024

Sarah-Jane Absalom

THOUSANDS of homes across Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire remain without power as recovery efforts following Storm Darragh face significant challenges. Tree-cutting specialists are working around the clock in some of the toughest conditions seen in decades to clear fallen trees from power lines.

Speaking exclusively to The Pembrokeshire Herald, Jeff Birch, director of Birch Utility Services, detailed the scale of the task his team faces.

“This is one of the most challenging periods we’ve seen in years,” he said. “I can understand people’s frustration as we rely so heavily on electricity, but the devastation is immense. I’ve been in this job for 40 years, and the last time I experienced anything like this was during the hurricane of October 1987.”

Birch Utility Services, established 16 years ago in Pembrokeshire, has grown to become the UK’s largest utilitarian tree-cutting company, with over 300 employees. Their work supports National Grid by clearing trees from power lines, a task made harder by widespread road blockages.

“A lot of the equipment is on the ground, and many power lines are at the end of long private lanes,” explained Birch. “In some cases, we spend an entire day clearing debris before we can even start on the trees. It’s not just about reconnecting wires — the work requires isolation, shutting off power, earthing, and permits. This all takes time, and we’re dealing with thousands of incidents across a vast area.”

Non-stop recovery efforts

Birch’s team has been working 24/7 since the storm hit on Friday night, bringing in additional teams from the Midlands to assist.

“Our staff are rotating shifts to maintain round-the-clock operations,” Birch added. “Their dedication is remarkable. They’re motivated by the knowledge that people out there have no power, no heating, and may be feeling scared. We’re doing everything we can to restore power as quickly as possible.”

National Grid response

National Grid confirmed that 26,959 customers across South Wales are still without power, with teams working tirelessly to restore supplies.

“Our engineers, control rooms, contact centre, and support teams have been working around the clock to maintain power,” said Emma Philpin, National Grid’s director of Customer Excellence.

“We’ve seen extremely high call volumes, and it’s taking longer for customers to get through. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding. Rest assured, we are doing everything possible to restore power across the region as quickly as we can.”

Storm Darragh’s aftermath has left communities grappling with widespread disruption, but recovery teams remain committed to restoring essential services under challenging circumstances.

News

Carmarthenshire issues Storm Darragh update

Published

3 hours ago

December 9, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE AFTERMATH of Storm Darragh continues to disrupt life across Carmarthenshire, with many residents still without power and essential services despite the storm having passed.

Since Friday evening, Carmarthenshire County Council staff, alongside local communities, have been working tirelessly to address the extensive damage caused. Efforts to clear approximately 300 fallen trees have seen significant progress, with most A and B roads now reopened. However, work on minor and unclassified roads is expected to take several more days.

Support centres open late
To assist those affected, Carmarthenshire’s leisure centres in Amman Valley, Carmarthen, Llandovery, Llanelli, Newcastle Emlyn, and St Clears are open as drop-in centres until 10:30pm tonight.

Services available include:

Warm spaces and hot drinks
Charging points for electronic devices
Hot water for filling flasks
Shower facilities

Community effort praised
Council home care staff have been commended for going beyond their usual duties to support vulnerable residents. However, the Council has reported an unprecedented number of property-related issues following the storm. Residents are encouraged to report non-urgent repairs online and to contact the emergency line at 01267 234567 for urgent concerns.

Cllr Darren Price, Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, praised the dedication of staff and residents:

“I am humbled by the efforts of our staff who have gone above and beyond to deliver essential services during this challenging weekend of Red, Amber, and Yellow Weather Warnings. On behalf of the County Council, I want to thank them for their incredible work. You are a credit to Carmarthenshire, and we are deeply proud and grateful. Diolch o waelod calon.”

Stay updated
Residents are urged to follow the Council’s website and social media channels for the latest updates on recovery efforts and available support.