News
Lidl to remove 9p plastic bags from stores in Wales to reduce plastic waste
LIDL has today (Mar 7) announced plans to remove 9p plastic bags from all its stores in Wales by 1st May, after seeing that its 9p reusable bags were increasingly being used as single-use. Through the trial, the supermarket will evaluate the customer response to the move and its environmental impact.
The discounter, which removed all 5p plastic bags from sale in 2018, is now taking further action to help cut down on plastic waste, by removing its next tier, 9p reusable bags, from its 54 Welsh stores. The move, which is thought to be the first of its kind by a supermarket in the UK, is expected to prevent the sale of over 5 million bags and to save over 150 tonnes of plastic waste each year in Wales, increasing to over 80 million bags and approximately 2,500 tonnes of plastic waste if extended across Great Britain.
This announcement builds on Lidl GB’s strong track record on plastic reduction, to which the discounter has long been committed. Since opening the first store in Great Britain, Lidl has charged for plastic carrier bags, and took the additional step to remove all single-use carrier bags from sale in 2017, followed by all 5p reusable bags in 2018. This resulted in 26 million fewer plastic bags being sold annually. This forms part of Lidl’s overall commitment to reducing plastic packaging by 20% by 2022, and to making sure 100% of its own-brand packaging is widely recyclable, reusable, refillable or renewable by 2025.
Christian Härtnagel, CEO of Lidl GB said: “We’re proud of our work at Lidl to reduce plastic across our stores, and particularly the steps we have taken over the years to reduce sales of plastic carrier bags. After seeing that our 9p reusable bag was increasingly being used as a single use option, we wanted to look at how we could mitigate this pattern. Through this trial, we will be able to fully assess the impact that removing our 9p plastic bags has in helping customers shift to a fully reusable option.”
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Wales was the first nation in the UK to bring in a charge on single use carrier bags and we are pleased that Lidl has chosen Wales as the location for an initiative which will help inform understanding of consumer behaviour and bag use. We will watch with close interest the effect of Lidl’s innovation and how this will encourage reuse.”
The supermarket will introduce new cotton and jute alternative bags into its range this summer and will still offer customers in Wales its 38p heavy duty bag and 65p freezer bag.
News
Hotel was hit during a Luftwaffe bombing raid
THE COMMEMORATION, held on Tuesday (May 12), marked the anniversary of the wartime attack, with members of the community gathering beside a newly installed plaque.
The plaque remembers those who lost their lives when the Pier Hotel suffered a direct hit during an air raid on Pembroke Dock.

A blessing was given by Rev Alex Grace, and the names of those who died were remembered by those in attendance.
The plaque was supplied by the Pembroke Dock Bicentenary Committee and installed as a permanent reminder of the town’s wartime sacrifice.
Pembroke Dock Town Council said it had been “an honour” to be part of the service.
The event brought together civic representatives, clergy, residents and members of the local community, with flowers laid in memory of those killed.

The new plaque reads: “This plaque commemorates those who died when the Pier Hotel suffered a direct hit during a Luftwaffe bombing raid on Pembroke Dock.”
Caption: Remembered: The service in Pembroke Dock marked the anniversary of the bombing of the Pier Hotel, with a new plaque supplied by the Bicentenary Committee.
Crime
Former bishop jailed for child sex offences as police appeal for more victims
POLICE are appealing for further victim-survivors to come forward after a former Bishop of Swansea and Brecon was jailed for multiple child sex offences.
Anthony Pierce, 85, of Swansea Vale, pleaded guilty at Swansea Crown Court to five counts of indecent assault on a child under the age of 16.
He was sentenced to four years and one month in prison.
Pierce will be placed on the sex offenders register for life and will be made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order on his release.

South Wales Police said that, since his sentencing, three further reports of offences dating back to the 1970s and 1980s have been received and are now under investigation.
Detective Inspector Tom Richardson, of Swansea CID, said officers believed there may be other people who were subjected to Pierce’s offending.
He said: “We know how difficult it must be for anyone to have suffered abuse in the past to come forward now.
“It was the bravery of the victim who reported Pierce’s actions which was instrumental in bringing him to justice.
“Since the conviction and sentencing of Pierce we have received reports from three people who have taken that first step in coming forward.
“We believe that there may be others who have been subject to Pierce’s crimes and we want to provide reassurance that any reports will be fully investigated and dealt with sensitively and with compassion.
“We recognise that coming forward can be daunting but would encourage victim-survivors to speak with us so they can get the support and help they deserve.”
Anyone with information, or anyone who believes they may have been a victim, is asked to contact South Wales Police on 101 quoting occurrence number 2600140999.
Support and information about reporting sexual offences is available through South Wales Police.
Crime
Jealous Milford Haven man smashed ex-partner’s phone and family photos
A MILFORD HAVEN man who smashed his girlfriend’s phone and damaged framed family photographs after wrongly accusing her of being unfaithful has been sentenced by Swansea Crown Court.
Adam Davies, 34, of Meyler Crescent, Milford Haven, was found guilty by a jury of two counts of criminal damage following a trial.
He had denied the offences and was cleared of intentional strangulation and assault by beating.
The court heard that Davies’ relationship with the complainant had begun to break down in June 2024, when he believed she was having an affair. The allegation was denied by the woman.
Recorder Simon Hughes, sentencing, said Davies confronted her at around 6:00pm on June 12 last year. During the argument, he threw her work mobile phone across the room, causing it to smash and creating significant inconvenience for her.
The following morning, at around 8:00am, Davies ripped down a curtain pole, damaging the wall behind it. He also picked up picture frames and threw them against a wall, causing them to break.
The court was told the couple later resumed their relationship, but it ended in September.
Matthew Murphy, mitigating, said Davies had no previous convictions.
Recorder Hughes told Davies he had been “arrogant and condescending” during the trial and said he continued to minimise the seriousness of his behaviour.
He added that the victim had been left considerably distressed by his conduct.
Davies was sentenced to a 12-month community order. He must complete 80 hours of unpaid work and a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
A five-year restraining order was also imposed, banning him from contacting his former partner.
Davies must also pay a statutory victim surcharge.
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