Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Pembrokeshire farmers’ fears over WG scheme

Published

on

River Cleddau: 2,000 farms affected

River Cleddau: 2,000 farms affected

WELSH GOVERNMENT plans to introduce restrictions on the activities that farmers can carry out on their land and designated times of the year has been met with scepticism and concern by Pembrokeshire’s farmers.

The Welsh Government has introduced a consultation on its scheme to designate the Haven Waterway and two Cleddaus as a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ). Farmers claim that the move will increase the costs of production, threaten farms’ viability, and have an adverse effect on the Pembrokeshire Early crop.

WHAT IS AN NVZ?

An NVZ designation places a series of restrictions on farmers’ ability to use certain types of fertiliser on their land at prescribed times of the year. The aim is to reduce the effect that run off from agricultural land has on the environment.

The effects of nitrate pollution on the aquatic environment can be significant. High nitrate concentrations can cause a deterioration in water quality and disturb the ecosystems of rivers and other watercourses. Over enrichment of water can lead to a depletion of oxygen levels leading to a loss of marine life and causes increased toxic and non-toxic algal blooms, which make the situation worse by reducing water transparency. Nitrate pollution can reduce not only the diversity of plant life but also damage fish and shellfish stocks, as the algae consume the available oxygen suffocating other life.

In the worst case scenario, anaerobic (oxygen-starved) conditions cause toxic bacteria to thrive and can create ‘dead zones’.

In order to tackle the threat posed by nitrate pollution, in 1991 the European Union adopted rules governing nitrate pollution and sought to regulate the extent of nitrate pollution entering the environment.

UKIP OPPOSES MOVE

Speaking to The Herald in August, UKIP Wales leader Neil Hamilton told us: “With the imminence of Brexit, it is absurd for the Welsh Government to go ahead with consultations on potential NVZs under the EU Nitrates Directive.

“If implemented, these new zones will adversely affect about 25% of the Welsh dairy herd and 50% of the Welsh potato crop. I will oppose strongly any move by the Welsh Government to impose these zones.

“Farmers don’t need to be dictated to. They know what is best for their land and their crops and they should be allowed to make their own decisions based on personal knowledge of their land and weather conditions.”

Notwithstanding Mr Hamilton’s words, the Welsh Government has decided that now is the time – with Article 50, triggering the UK’s departure/divorce from the EU, due to be activated next March at the latest – to embark upon a round of consultations about the imposition of a regulatory burden based on EU law upon farmers already uncertain about the effect of Brexit upon their incomes.

The rationale underpinning the consultation is based on the environmental principles underpinning the original policy. However, the potential impact of agriculture around the Haven Waterway is significant.

‘EXTREMELY COSTLY’

Pembrokeshire NFU Cymru County Chairman, Walter Simon, said: “Up to 2,000 farmers in in the western and eastern Cleddau river catchments and the Milford Haven estuary could face strict limitations on the use of nitrates on their farms and also face the challenge of a whole host of tough new rules due to potential plans from Welsh Government to extend Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) in Wales.

“The Welsh Government are now consulting on proposals that have the potential to bring in 25% of all the land in Wales which is used for milk production and also half of the area that is used to grow potatoes in Wales under a new NVZ designation.”

Mr Simon explained his members’ concerns: “The potential new rules include strict limitations and restrictions on the amount of livestock manure, slurry and fertiliser farmers can spread on their land, particularly during the autumn and winter months and, in tandem with this, there would be very strict requirements on farmers to keep detailed records.

“Dairy and beef farmers would also be required to have storage facilities for slurry and manure for five months from October to March. This is likely to be extremely costly for farmers to implement at a time when they’re receiving very low prices in the market for their products.”

He concluded by questioning the basis upon which the Welsh Government was advancing the plans at this time: “In the context of the EU Referendum decision, it’s very questionable if the implementation of this EU directive should be taken forward. However, if Welsh Government choose to implement this then NFU Cymru is calling on them to base any new NVZ areas on sound scientific evidence. We will scrutinise the evidence in great detail and we’re willing to challenge government plans unless they are robust and stand up to scrutiny.”

‘LONG TERM DAMAGE’ CLAIM

Responding for the Welsh Conservatives, Paul Davies AM warned that excessive regulations could do ‘long term damage’ to the farming industry.

The Conservatives’ Rural Affairs spokesperson said: “Farmers across Wales will be rightly concerned about the Welsh Government’s proposed new Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) designations.

“The regulatory burden will do nothing to attract people to farming and the costs attached to these proposals will put a heavy burden on Welsh farmers, at a time when the Welsh Government should be doing more to support our rural economy.

“It seems that both options would unnecessarily and unreasonably affect Welsh farmers.

“That’s why it’s important that a strong message is sent to the Welsh Government and I strongly urge farmers from all parts of the country to respond to this consultation and make sure their voices are heard.”

WG APPROACH LACKS EVIDENCE

FUW Senior Policy Officer Dr Hazel Wright, who has been representing the Union in the review process, said: ‘‘The FUW has been involved in the NVZ review and has made successful representations on several designations, which resulted in their removal from the discrete areas option of the consultation.

“However, the number of proposed new designations remain a concern and the FUW continues to reiterate the operational and financial impacts those designations would have upon farms that reside within an NVZ area. Given such costs, there must be full justification for any proposed increases in designation.”

Two options outlined in the consultation include the continuation of the discrete approach to designation or the designation of the whole of Wales as a NVZ. A continuation of the discrete approach would see an increase in the amount of NVZ designations in Wales rise from 2.4% to 8%. This would mean significant changes to NVZ designation in counties such as Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Anglesey.

“The FUW remains resolutely against the option to apply the action programme throughout the whole of Wales as this would require all landowners to comply with the NVZ action programme measures.

“There is a distinct lack of evidence for a whole territory approach and the difficulties and costs associated with regulatory compliance for farms whose land does not drain into nitrate polluted waters, makes this option both unwarranted and unreasonably excessive,” added Dr Wright.

2,000 FARMS COULD BE AFFECTED

Mid and West AM, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Simon Thomas said: “Plaid Cymru understands that up to potentially 2,000 farms that border on the Cleddau tributaries and the Cleddau estuary area would be affected. These farmers would face the need to make huge investments at a difficult time, for example, in slurry storage.

“We have called upon the Welsh Government to provide those farmers with support to meet the requirements without jeopardising their businesses.

“Natural Resources Wales would be tasked with regulating the NVZs. The organisation has faced cuts in the last Assembly Term. We have called upon the Welsh Government to ensure that NRW has the resources it needs to carry out its duties. As much as possible, both NRW and the Labour Welsh Government should work to achieve the aims of the NVZ through voluntary means and must also examine other potential factors outside of farming.”

NFU Cymru is encouraging affected farmers within the county to get involved with the consultation process. A meeting will be held on Thursday (Oct 13) at The Pavilion, Pembrokeshire Showground, Withybush, Haverfordwest, starting at 7:30pm. Access to The Pavilion for the meeting is via Gate 3, which is 200m past the main entrance to the Showground.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Welsh Water has increased sewage discharges into waterways ‘by 40%’

Published

on

NEW figures released by the Environment Agency have shown that Dwr Cymru discharged sewage into waterways for a staggering 23,354 hours last year, a 40% increase on 2022. 

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are now calling for tougher action against sewage dumping in Welsh waterways.

The party has also called for a halt on bonuses for water company bosses whose firms have dumped sewage into waterways.

Conservative MPs have consistently voted against measures which would have helped to tackle the crisis.

The Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said: “It is a complete scandal that filthy sewage is being pumped into our nation’s rivers and waterways without consequence.

“It’s beggars’ belief that both the UK Conservative Government and the Welsh Labour government are allowing water firms to get away with this environmental vandalism.

“We as a party are calling for tougher action to stop sewage being dumped in local waterways. We have also called for a halt on bonuses for water company fat cats whose firms have pumped filth into our waterways.”

Continue Reading

News

New bus services announced by Pembrokeshire County Council

Published

on

A NUMBER of changes to local bus services will be introduced in the coming weeks as a result of a shake up to bus funding. 

From April 2024, the funding which has been provided directly to bus operators by the Welsh Government to keep services going in the wake of the Covid pandemic will cease. 

Additional funding will instead be provided to Local Authorities to support their local bus network.

In total, Pembrokeshire County Council and the Welsh Government will provide over £3million in support for bus services in Pembrokeshire during the coming year.

As part of this process, all Pembrokeshire’s local bus services have been re-tendered. 

A public consultation, receiving over 300 responses, helped to inform decisions about which services should be prioritised. 

Councillor Rhys Sinnett, Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services said: “I am delighted to be able to report that we are able to maintain the whole of Pembrokeshire’s current local bus network in the coming year.

“We have also secured key improvements such as reinstating an hourly service on the 349 route between Haverfordwest and Tenby via Pembroke Dock, and the popular Strumble Shuttle and Puffin Shuttle coastal bus services during the summer.”

The changes will also see two key services, the 302 Haverfordwest to Milford Haven and 349 Haverfordwest to Tenby via Pembroke Dock, brought under Council oversight for the first time. 

This will give the Council greater oversight of service operations and fares.  Pembrokeshire residents will also benefit from a new fare structure on all First Cymru services, due to be introduced from 1 April 2024. 

This will use Tap On Tap Off to allow passengers to pay the cheapest fare depending on the number of journeys they make or distance travelled, and will cap the maximum adult fare at £3 single and £5.40 return. 

More information about these fares can be found on the First Cymru website

A number of additional service changes and improvements are being considered for introduction during the course of the coming year in response to feedback received from the public consultation.  

The following bus service changes have been confirmed:

From 23 March 2024:

  • The Celtic Coaster (403) on the St Davids peninsular will restart for the 2024 season on Saturday 23 March and will run until Sunday 29 September. This is an hourly service, increasing to half-hourly during the whitsun half term and school summer holidays. There will be no service departing Caerfai Road at 13.00 and 13.30.
  • The 351 (Tenby to Pendine via Amroth) will return to its summer timetable.

From 1 April 2024

  • An hourly service will return on the 349 (Haverfordwest to Tenby via Pembroke Dock) service (April to September only).
  • The 356 (Milford Haven to Monkton) service will no longer call at Waterston and Hazelbeach due to operational issues caused by the narrow lanes in this area. The Fflecsi service will still be available.
  • A Saturday service, between 07:30 and 18:30, will be reintroduced in the Fflecsi Mid Pembrokeshire zone (formerly known as Bwcabus). This zone covers the area between Letterston, Crymych, Clunderwen and Wiston.  Passengers can also travel from this zone to Fishguard and Haverfordwest. 
  • The 302 (Haverfordwest to Milford Haven) and 349 (Haverfordwest to Tenby via Pembroke Dock) services operated by First Cymru will come under Pembrokeshire County Council control, giving the Council greater oversight of service operations and fares.
  • The 322 (Haverfordwest to Carmarthen) and 381 (Haverfordwest to Tenby via Narberth) services will be run by First Cymru. The 322 timetable will remain the same. The 381 timetable will remain the same from Haverfordwest to Tenby but journeys from Tenby to Haverfordwest will depart slightly earlier (37 past the hour instead of 45).
  • The X22 and X61 services which provided journeys at the start and end of the day between Pembroke Dock and Kilgetty, and Pembroke Dock and Haverfordwest will be withdrawn.
  • The 410 (Fishguard Town) and T11 (Haverfordwest to Fishguard via St Davids) services will be operated on a commercial (T11 part commercial) basis by Richards Bros. An improved connection with the ferry at Fishguard Harbour will be provided at 12.30.

From 19 May 2024

  • The Tenby Coaster service between Tenby and Saundersfoot will return for the summer season.

From 25 May 2024

  • The 400 Puffin Shuttle and 404 Strumble Shuttle services will return to the coast between Marloes and St Davids, and St Davids and Fishguard. These services will operate 7 days a week until 29 September 2024.  The Fflecsi service is also available in this area throughout the year.
  • The 387/388 Coastal Cruiser service around the Angle Peninsula will also return to its summer timetable, operating 7 days a week until 29th September 2024.

Further information about all Pembrokeshire bus services can be found on the Council’s website.

Continue Reading

Business

Ocky White Travel marks 60th anniversary with luxury cruise giveaway

Published

on

IN a grand gesture commemorating six decades of unparalleled service in the travel industry, Pembrokeshire’s venerated independent travel agency, Ocky White Travel, has announced an extraordinary giveaway—a luxury cruise for two, in partnership with Pure West Radio.

Established 60 years ago, Ocky White Travel has become a staple in the lives of Pembrokeshire residents, offering dream holidays and contributing significantly to the local economy. Despite the fluctuating fortunes of neighbouring businesses and the often harsh realities of the travel sector, Ocky White Travel has stood firm, a testament to its resilience and commitment to customer satisfaction.

This resilience was further demonstrated when, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic—a period that saw many in the industry falter—Ocky White Travel not only survived but thrived by expanding its operations to include Sam Smith Travel in Cowbridge. This expansion has allowed the agency to extend its exceptional service to a broader audience across South Wales.

Celebrating this milestone, Ocky White Travel has engaged in a comprehensive multi-media campaign, underscored by its official sponsorship of the PWR Daytime Show. A central highlight of this celebration is a tiered competition, offering participants a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win a luxury Nordic cruise for two. The competition, which has garnered thousands of entries since its launch on 21st February, underscores the agency’s dedication to rewarding its loyal clientele.

Mark White, Owner and Managing Director of Ocky White Travel, expressed immense pride in reaching this significant milestone. He emphasised the agency’s unique position in the hearts of many families across generations, attributing this success to the personalised service and deep understanding of client needs that have become the hallmark of Ocky White Travel.

Echoing this sentiment, Toby Ellis of Pure West Radio highlighted the positive impact of the partnership on local residents. He praised Ocky White Travel for its hands-on approach and the invaluable advice provided by its seasoned staff. The giveaway, featuring a 7-night cruise to the Norwegian Fjords, stands as the most significant prize offered by the radio station, symbolising a “holiday of a lifetime.”

Entries for this historic giveaway will remain open until 31st March, with the lucky winners to be announced on Pure West Radio’s Daytime Show. This event not only celebrates Ocky White Travel’s 60 years of service but also its enduring commitment to creating unforgettable holiday experiences for its customers.

Continue Reading

News9 hours ago

Police ask motorists to avoid A44 trunk road due to heavy snowfall

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have issued an appeal to motorists to avoid a 25 mile section of the A44 trunk road between...

Crime24 hours ago

Woman will quit the booze after seeing shocking drunken video in court

A HAVERFORDWEST woman this week vowed to undertake ‘a complete alcohol abstinence’ after being shown court video footage of her...

News2 days ago

Family heartbroken by loss of ‘larger than life character’ in M4 crash

THE FAMILY of the man who died in a collision on the M4 motorway say ‘he will be greatly missed...

Business2 days ago

Victory for WASPI women but the fight goes on

A LANDMARK ruling by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman could benefit around 5,000 women in Ceredigion born in the...

Entertainment4 days ago

A night to remember: Symphonica Tywi’s ‘Film Fantastics’ was a triumph

ON SATURDAY (Mar 23), Haverfordwest High School was ablaze with the soaring melodies and dramatic scores of some of cinema’s...

News4 days ago

Memorial for all those affected by Covid-19 unveiled at County Hall

A LASTING tribute for Pembrokeshire loved ones lost during the Covid-19 pandemic and those working on the frontline has been...

Top News5 days ago

Princess of Wales announces cancer diagnosis and treatment

CATHERINE, the Princess of Wales, has shared her recent health struggles with the public, revealing a diagnosis that has sent...

Charity6 days ago

RNLI lifeguards back on patrol in Pembrokeshire for the Easter Holidays

RNLI lifeguards will be on patrol once again in Pembrokeshire ahead of the Easter holidays. This Saturday, 23 March 2024,...

Community6 days ago

Neglected Pembrokeshire poodles find their forever homes 

THIRTY poodle type dogs were in total rescued after they were found in an unsuitable environment where their owner also...

Crime1 week ago

Pembrokeshire’s sniffer dogs locate illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco

IN A MAJOR bust led by Swansea Council’s Trading Standards Officers, a series of raids uncovered a substantial quantity of...

Popular This Week