News
Positive feedback for new Pembrokeshire County Council recycling scheme
A SIGNIFICANT amount of recyclable material has been diverted from landfill in Pembrokeshire thanks to a new recycling scheme, it’s been revealed.
Since the beginning of June, residents bringing general waste bags to the Pembrokeshire’s six waste and recycling centres have been asked to open them to see if any of the items inside are recyclable.
The results of the scheme – which aims to boost Pembrokeshire’s recycling rate – have been very positive, says Cllr Cris Tomos, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment.
“The amount of recyclable material coming out of the black bags is high,” he said.
“In fact, so much extra recyclable material had been collected at Winsel, Waterloo and Hermon that additional collections have been organised.”
And Cris praised the hard work of the staff. “They’ve been working very sympathetically with householders to sort out their waste and advise them on what can be recycled,” he said.
“We have had a small amount of negative comments, which is to be expected. On these occasions upon opening the bags we found diabetic needles and asbestos, which we do not accept at WRCs.
“However, the overwhelming amount of feedback from people visiting all centres has been fantastic.”
Cllr Josh Beynon and Cllr Michelle Bateman, who have also been visiting sites to support the scheme and explain the rationale behind it, echoed Cris’ words.
“A lot of people are very understanding and said they were pleased we were doing it,” said Josh, who visited the Waterloo site in Pembroke Dock.
Michelle, who visited Manorowen, said: “Most residents were really supportive of the changes and were keen to hear about the extra types of plastic that they can now recycle at our WRCs.
“One couple have since met with Mark Bond, the Eco Champions coordinator, to talk about ways they recycle on their campsite.”
Michael Harries from the Waste and Recycling team, said the team have been surprised with the contents which people are placing in their black bags.
“We expected a lot of plastics but there were also a lot of clothes and electrical items in the bags – lamps, irons, kettles, toasters, and so on,” he said.
“All electrical items can be recycled at our centres, and all clothes – even rags.”
Cllr Cris Tomos advised that householders could help by sorting out their waste before arriving at the centres.
“If you’re not sure what can be recycled, then simply place the items loose in your vehicle, or if you prefer, in open containers, and our staff can advise you and let you know where the suitable recycling facilities are on the site,” he said.
The bag-sorting scheme is the first of three major changes to waste and recycling services in Pembrokeshire.
The second stage is the launch of free fortnightly Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHP) collection starting in September, with subscriptions opening in July.
Charity
Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities
ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.
The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.
This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.
For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.
Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.
Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.
Charity
£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital
THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.
Their 37th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.
They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.
The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.
Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.
“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”
Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.
Community
Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success
NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.
Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.
The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.
The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.
A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.
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