News
Welsh Water advises customers to use water wisely
WELSH WATER is encouraging its three million customers to continue working with the company by using water wisely – even though it may soon start to rain. After such prolonged dry weather, it will be difficult for any rain to penetrate the ground and help restore reservoir levels.
The company – which provides drinking water to most of Wales, Herefordshire and parts of Deeside – is safeguarding water supplies following the hottest June in Wales since records began in 1910.
It has been proactively taking measures for the last two months to prepare for the hot weather, with 450 colleagues finding and repairing leaks and its 62 water treatment works being manned 24 hours a day to help supply a record 1 billion litres a day.
The company confirmed that a few of its 87 reservoirs are now lower than usual at this time of year but said this is to be expected given the prolonged dry weather. It will take some time for these reservoirs to recover to their normal levels, despite the expected rain over the next week.
Managing Director of Water Services Ian Christie, said: “Over the last few months, we have taken and will continue to take all the necessary actions to ensure there is enough water in our network during this very dry period. We’ve done a lot of groundwork in the background to prepare for this weather and still doing everything we can to safeguard supplies. This includes finding and fixing leaks and putting more water in the network every day than ever before.
“It’s really important that our customers continue to work with us during this period. If they spot a leak, please let us know. We’re also asking them to think about how much water they are using.
We want everyone to stay safe and drink water while it’s hot but we’re reminding everyone of the need to use water wisely and efficiently.
“Customers may notice that some reservoir levels are lower than usual but this isn’t a surprise given this continuing dry weather. We are all using more water and we’re putting 20% more water into the system. This is helping us meet higher demand in particular communities. We are also using our own fleet of over 30 tankers to help.
“Even if the weather starts to turn and it rains, it’s important that customers continue to work with us and use any water efficiently. Customers can get advice on our top ten tips of how to use water efficiently around the home and garden from our website, dwrcymru.com”
Customers can also help by reporting any leaks as soon as they notice them either through our website or by calling our leak line on 0800 052 0130. Our teams are out and about working around the clock fixing leaks on the network to make sure as much water as possible is available for customers to use.
Business
Global green hydrogen pioneers choose Milford Haven as new HQ
HAUSH LTD, a leading green energy and technology company specialising in green hydrogen, has announced Milford Haven as the location for its new UK headquarters. The move marks a significant step toward making the area a global powerhouse for green hydrogen production and innovation.
Pioneering green hydrogen solutions
Haush Ltd aims to be the first company of its kind to provide green hydrogen solutions for decarbonising land, sea, and air transportation, as well as exporting fuel to Europe. The company’s new headquarters will be established at Fleet Surgeons House, where work is set to begin immediately. The project will create local jobs and includes plans for an education centre to promote skills development in the community.
The Welsh Government is backing Haush through the HYBRID SBRI Hydrogen Port Re-Fuelling Project (HyPR). This initiative focuses on fast-tracking hydrogen production and refuelling services for onshore and offshore fleets, including the design of a permanent hydrogen refuelling solution for the Port of Milford Haven.
High-profile visit to Milford Haven
Economy, Energy, and Planning Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Evans toured the new site on Thursday (Dec 12). She was accompanied by Haush CEO Richard Winterbourne, Chief Technology Officer Joanna Oliver, Chief Operating Officer Adam Hill, and Chief Financial Officer Peter Kristensen.
Rebecca Evans said: “Jobs and green growth are a priority for this Welsh Government, so I am delighted Haush has chosen Milford Haven as the base for its new UK head office.
“The company’s ambitious growth plans align with our aspirations to see Wales become a global leader in renewable energy. This investment will benefit both our climate and economy, generating quality, skilled jobs.
“Haush has committed to training local residents to the highest standards and expanding their educational initiatives to benefit the wider community.”
Driving green innovation
Haush CEO Richard Winterbourne expressed excitement about the project:
“Haush is delighted to make this announcement and move forward with this groundbreaking green hydrogen production project. We look forward to working closely with the Welsh Government to maximise training and educational opportunities for the local community, equipping a future workforce with valuable, transferable skills.”
Chief Technology Officer Joanna Oliver emphasi sed the company’s innovative approach:
“Haush is operating at the forefront of green hydrogen technology and aims to play a significant role in advancing the local green energy transition.”
A brighter, greener future
Haush’s decision to base its UK headquarters in Milford Haven underscores the town’s growing importance as a hub for renewable energy innovation. With strong support from the Welsh Government and a focus on local job creation, the project promises to boost the regional economy and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
(Photos by Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Excitement builds for the Art Afoot launch event
A FANTASTIC new accessible art trail connecting Fishguard and Goodwick is officially launching this Sunday (Dec 15). The Art Afoot / Celf ar Droed project brings together exciting new artworks, sculptures, and digital creations, seamlessly blending them with existing arts and heritage features.
Event details
- Date: Sunday, December 15, 2024
- Time: 2:00pm
- Meeting Point: Ocean Lab, Goodwick
- Conclusion: 3:30pm at Ffwrn with refreshments
The launch features a guided walk along the trail where visitors can explore new installations, including Gideon’s seahorse, creative wayfinders, and augmented reality sculptures. This family-friendly event is open to everyone and provides a chance to meet the artists and creators behind the project.
What’s new?
- Fresh public art pieces, including sculptures and AR creations.
- Enhanced trail routes connecting the twin towns of Fishguard and Goodwick.
- Promotion and printed maps supported by Pembrokeshire County Council and Visit Pembrokeshire.
Maps will soon be available at Ocean Lab and Fishguard Town Hall, helping visitors navigate the trails and discover these innovative works of art.
This event promises an afternoon of creativity, community, and connection. Don’t miss this unique celebration of art and heritage.
For more information, visit www.artafoot.co.uk.
See you there!
News
Jail for man with wilful and persistent failure to comply with probation
A MILFORD HAVEN man has been sentenced to 16 weeks in prison after admitting to breaching a restraining order and failing to comply with a community order.
Liam Roberts, 32, of Marble Hall Road, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Dec 12). The court heard that Roberts failed to attend probation office appointments on November 4 and November 8, breaching a community order imposed by Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on August 21, 2024.
The order related to an offence on August 11, 2024, when Roberts came within 100 metres of a prohibited address in Hakin. This incident violated a restraining order issued in 2021 by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
Magistrates revoked the community order, citing Roberts’ “wilful and persistent failure to comply with probation,” and sentenced him to 16 weeks in prison.
In addition to the custodial sentence, Roberts was ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge and £60 in court costs, totaling £214. A collection order was made, with payment due by February 20, 2025.
This case underscores the serious consequences of breaching court orders and failing to engage with rehabilitation programmes.
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