News
£6.2 million for Pembrokeshire wastewater treatment works

KEESTON and Clarbeston wastewater treatment works in Pembrokeshire are set to get a multi-million pound upgrade which will help protect the environment, reduce flooding and improve river and bathing water quality in the area for decades to come.
The major project by not-for-profit company Welsh Water will see the decommission of the existing wastewater treatment works in Keeston and replace it with a brand new works on the existing site. At Clarbeston Road over £2.3 million will be spent on improving the treatment works which will improve the quality of local river and bathing water.
Paris Koronias, Welsh Water’s Capital Delivery Project Manager, said, “Our work at both sites represents a major investment to enhance the existing waste water treatment process and deliver an environmental boost to the local area. These essential schemes reflect our continued commitment to investing in our wastewater network in Pembrokeshire for the benefit of our customers and the environment.
“It is anticipated that both scheme will take around a year to complete and the work will not impact on the wastewater service to all of our customers in the area”.
Preseli Pembrokeshire Assembly Member Paul Davies welcomed the investment: “It is encouraging that Welsh Water are continuing to invest heavily in the wastewater network in Pembrokeshire. These latest schemes in Keeston and Clarbeston Road build on the existing work taking place in Hook and Johnston giving peace of mind to local residents and a much needed boost to the local environment.”
Welsh Water started work on its £8.5million investment in Hook and Johnston, Haverfordwest in September 2016. The work will see the decommission of the wastewater treatment works in Johnston; replacing it with a new pumping station and underground pipeline to Hook; and constructing a new treatment works and access road on the existing site at Hook. Capacity of the network will also be increased on several section to reduce the risk of potential bursts and flooding which in turn will improve the quality of local bathing water.
Welsh Water is committed to delivering a first class wastewater network to our customers; improving our services to protect the environment and our investment in Keeston and Clarbeston Road reflects this.
Business
Tenby Stores wins £5,000 award for community support

TENBY STORES has been recognised as a Local Retail Champion, earning a £5,000 prize from Allwyn’s National Lottery Social Value Fund for its outstanding community support.
The shop has been praised for its commitment to helping the local area, providing free fruit to schools, assisting with the community fridge, and ensuring elderly residents receive their groceries with care.
Henry Tufnell MP expressed his delight at the recognition, stating: “Small businesses like Tenby Stores are the backbone of our communities, and I couldn’t be prouder to see them celebrated.”
The award highlights the important role independent retailers play in supporting local people.
News
Welsh Government’s £789m investment package approved by Senedd

THE WELSH GOVERMENT’S Second Supplementary Budget 2024-25 has today been approved by the Senedd.
The £789m funding package, which was published in February, received final approval today. It includes substantial investments which have been delivered throughout the year, including:
- £264m for public sector pay rises announced in September.
- £108m for NHS improvements, including £50m to reduce the longest waiting times by the end of March 2025.
- £63.5m to improve school standards and support education at all levels.
- £53.5m for school and college infrastructure repairs and digital improvements.
- £10m to increase social housing through the Social Housing Grant.
Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “We welcome the Senedd’s approval of this crucial budget. This investment strengthens the services that matter most to the people of Wales. The extra funding is supporting improvements in the NHS and schools; has provided pay increases for public sector workers and is helping to build more affordable homes for Welsh families.”
The Second Supplementary Budget also includes £166.7m for rail improvements and sustainable travel, £33.5m for road network safety, and £10m in emergency support for local authorities to repair damage caused by the winter storms.
The budget provides the essential foundation for the Welsh Government’s financial planning for 2025-26.
Crime
Domestic violence offender jailed after breaching court order

A LONG-STANDING Pembrokeshire domestic violence offender has been sent back to prison after breaching a domestic violence protection order.
Paul Webber was arrested on March 18 after being seen kissing his victim outside probation offices in Haverfordwest, despite a court order preventing contact.
A court order imposed by Llanelli magistrates earlier this month prevented him from making any contact with the female after being convicted of threatening to kill her, strangle her, and sexually assault her.
“On March 12, a report was made to police that he’d attended a probation appointment with the female, who remained standing outside the offices,” a spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
“Police officers viewed the CCTV footage and recognised the female as the victim.
“This was clearly a breach of the domestic violence protection order towards a vulnerable woman, and there’s also concern that she minimises incidents. He’s known as a domestic violence instigator with previous partners.”
Webber, of Winch Lane, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to breaching the domestic violence protection order.
He was sentenced to 28 days in custody.
“You were aware of the terms of the order but you deliberately breached it,” said the presiding magistrate when passing sentence.
“You showed a complete disregard for it.”
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