News
A48 to close over weekend as Valero aid in oil spill recovery
WORK has continued this week to recover oil which spilled in Nantycaws, Carmarthenshire, from a Valero pipeline last week. It was confirmed today (Oct 11) by the Welsh Government that the A48 will close in both directions from the Nantycaws turning to Carmarthen from 7pm on Friday (Oct 14) until 6am on Monday (Oct 17).
Traffic will be diverted through Nantycaws and Llangunnor.
A ‘substantial amount’ has already been recovered from Nant Pibwr by Valero’s specialist contractors and they will continue to remove the oil over the next few days.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is working closely with partners to manage the response to the incident, to investigate how the incident happened, and prepare plans to remediate the site.
NRW has also assessed the impact on the local environment. Although the local impact to ecology and fish population is significant, the quick response to contain the spill has resulted in no impact downstream on the River Tywi at the moment.
Aneurin Cox, South Wales Operational Resources Manager for NRW, said: “Our rivers provide a home to rich, diverse and valuable species of plants and animals so it’s important to deal with pollution as quickly as possible.
“As the work continues to recover the oil, we’ll continue to monitor the site and focus on finding out how this happened and will be advising on how to remediate the site.
“This incident has also had a major impact on the local community. We and our partners will continue to speak to local residents, farmers and anglers to keep them updated with the latest situation.
“If anyone sees dead fish or any wildlife in distress, or has any information about the incident please report it by calling 0300 065 3000.”
Welsh Water has confirmed that there is no impact on their drinking water supplies.
Key partners (Dyfed Powys Police, South Wales Trunk Road Agent and Carmarthenshire County Council Highways) continue to review the traffic management plans in place. While the diversion already set up for the closure of the eastbound carriageway of the A48 presents congestion at peak travel times, and adding to the journey times of people using this route, it continues to remain a very necessary action to allow the specialist contractors to continue working on the site.
Chief Inspector Peter Roderick of the Specialist Operations Department of Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Road users should remain confident that the traffic situation for this incident is being closely monitored by the Police and its key partners and that this will be further reviewed throughout the week.”
Charity
Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities
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
THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.
Their 37th 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
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.
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Tomos
October 11, 2016 at 1:54 pm
when the pipeline was proposed and being built there were loads of concerns about leaks, terrorists, explosions and even chain reactions across the welsh countryside but we were told not to be foolish as it will be incredibly safe and sound – not quite so true was it?