News

Council’s discharge response

Published

11 years ago

December 19, 2013

AN INVESTIGATION into a suspected pollution incident at Hobbs Point, Pembroke Dock, has cleared the local authority of wrongdoing.

Last month, the Pembrokeshire Herald published a photo of a County Council gully tanker which appeared to be emptying its load into the Haven.

Following a complaint by a member of the public, Natural Resources Wales launched an investigation to establish what had been discharged into the Cleddau. That investigation has now concluded.

In response a spokesman from the County Council said:

“A report of a discharge from one of the County Council tankers into the estuary area at Hobbs Point, Pier Road, Pembroke Dock, was received on the afternoon of November 13. The operative has confirmed that he had undertaken a cleansing operation of a gully and that he had followed the normal operating procedure. Having enquired into the matter the Manager was satisfied that the person reporting the issue had seen a discharge of muddy/ discoloured water from a surface water discharge very close to the gully being cleaned and that it was a direct result of the operation that was being undertaken and regarded it as understandable that it may have appeared to a member of the public as a deliberate discharge from the tanker.

“The driver has confirmed that he completed some paper work whilst parked up at Hobbs Point and that he also undertook a phone conversation. This appears to be confirmed from zooming into one of the photos taken by the complainant, where the driver can be observed in the side mirror, and does appear to be on the phone. The driver cannot be sure how long he was parked up for but has conceded that it probably was in excess of 20 minutes.”

Local photographer, Mike Hillen, who captured the images of the tanker at Pembroke Dock, still believes that there was something wrong.

He said: “There was far too much dirty black water being discharged into the Haven, for it to be a simple cleaning exercise.

This week, we witnessed the same lorry cleaning a gully in Milford Haven. The time taken was about 5minutes to do that job, compared to 20- 30 minutes at Hobbs Point. When the lorry went, the discharge stopped”.

A spokesperson from Natural Resources Wales said:

“We investigated these reports fully with Pembrokeshire County Council who were fully co-operative throughout. We found that the material discharged was the content of the surface water drain and contained no additional polluting matter.

“Although unsightly, it is not an offence to discharge material already lying within the drain and it has little or no impact on the environment.

“However, we are grateful for this matter being brought to our attention and encourage people who see pollution or possible dumping of waste to contact us on 0800 80 70 60.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

3 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

4 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

5 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.