CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S Environmental Enforcement Team is investigating a major incident of illegal waste dumping after a large container filled with rubbish was abandoned in a lay-by on the C2704 road leading to Llansaint.

The container was discovered on or before Monday (Jan 27), and officials are urging anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area to come forward.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Your assistance is crucial in identifying those responsible for this environmental crime.”

Members of the public can report information online or via the council’s contact centre at 01267 234567. All reports will be treated confidentially.

Tough penalties for fly-tipping

Fly-tipping is a serious offence in Wales, with fines of up to £50,000 or imprisonment for those caught illegally dumping waste. Householders are reminded that they have a legal duty to ensure their waste is disposed of correctly. If waste is found to have been fly-tipped, the owner could face a £300 fixed penalty notice.

Anyone caught fly-tipping can receive a £400 Fixed Penalty Notice or face an unlimited fine and up to 12 months in prison if convicted in court.

Council vows action

Cllr Edward Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services, said: “Fly-tipping is not only an eyesore but a serious environmental crime that affects our communities, wildlife, and public spaces.

“We are dedicated to tackling this issue and ensuring those responsible are held accountable. I encourage anyone who has seen suspicious activity or has information to come forward.”

A YOUNG café owner in Saundersfoot has been left homeless after a fire destroyed his caravan, leaving him with nothing.

Zac Bull, 25, the owner of Kraken Café in Saundersfoot, lost all of his belongings when his caravan on Narberth Road went up in flames on Monday (Jan 27).

Zac had been living in the caravan for six months as an affordable way to pursue his long-term dream of running his own business. Over the winter, he had been reinvesting all his earnings into the café, preparing for a busy season ahead.

The fire broke out within an hour of Zac leaving to walk the family dog with his girlfriend. A neighbour spotted thick smoke and called the fire service, but by the time Zac returned, his home had been completely destroyed.

Firefighters attended with three engines and used water from a pond on the property to tackle the flames. The fire was so intense that a nearby car, parked several metres away, melted due to the heat. Investigators were unable to determine the exact cause but suspect faulty wiring.

Zac is now staying with family and friends while he works out his next steps. The financial setback has forced him to delay the reopening of Kraken Café, as he will need to replace essential equipment lost in the fire.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help Zac rebuild both his home and business. His story also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of fires in homes and caravans, highlighting the importance of electrical safety checks and working fire alarms.

Anyone wishing to support Zac can donate via: gofund.me/a84df38b

RWE has launched its Hydrogen Education Programme, an initiative aimed at educating schoolchildren about hydrogen’s crucial role in achieving net zero and decarbonising industries.

Developed in partnership with Generation C, the programme offers interactive, curriculum-based activities that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Students of all ages will explore hydrogen’s properties, its production, and its growing role in industries driving the clean energy transition.

Henry Tudor High School in Pembroke has already piloted the programme with secondary school students, while Golden Grove Primary School is set to begin this week. The initiative will demonstrate how hydrogen, as a clean energy source, is integral to reducing emissions in transport, manufacturing, and energy sectors.

Engaging young minds

The programme features real-world case studies highlighting RWE’s hydrogen projects and includes group challenges designed to encourage critical thinking about global climate issues.

Golden Grove Primary School headteacher, Mr A Williams, welcomed the initiative, stating: “As head of a large primary school in Pembrokeshire, which is at the forefront of green energy growth, it is imperative that we build meaningful relationships with companies like RWE. The initial lesson captivated our learners, who now fully understand the importance of green energy and the new hydrogen plant. The flexibility of the New Welsh Curriculum allows us to tailor learning to our community’s needs—building an electrolyser to produce hydrogen is just the beginning of a journey that could lead to future opportunities in collaboration with businesses.”

Williams also highlighted the programme’s potential to shape future career paths, saying: “This project could provide highly skilled jobs in our county, and we need our learners to be at the forefront of that development.”

Building a sustainable future

Louise McDonnell, RWE’s hydrogen development manager, attended the event and emphasised the programme’s impact: “Our Hydrogen Education Programme equips young people with the knowledge and inspiration to make a difference. Hydrogen is a game-changer in the fight against climate change, and through this initiative, we’re helping students see the opportunities in clean energy. Education is key to building the skills and passion needed to achieve net zero and safeguard our planet.”

RWE’s Hydrogen Education Programme is more than just an awareness initiative—it aims to inspire careers in clean energy. By sparking curiosity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the programme encourages students to explore future roles in the expanding hydrogen economy and renewable energy sector.

Hydrogen’s role in decarbonisation

RWE recently secured planning permission for the RWE Pembroke Green Hydrogen Project, a 100MWe electrolysis plant capable of producing approximately two metric tonnes of green hydrogen per hour. By replacing fossil fuels, the plant is expected to cut local CO2 emissions by about 93,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of removing 18,600 cars from the road.

As the UK’s largest power producer and a leading renewable generator, RWE continues to develop hydrogen opportunities nationwide to support industrial decarbonisation and drive the transition to a cleaner energy future.