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Positive feedback for new Pembrokeshire County Council recycling scheme

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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.

 

Crime

Haverfordwest man found guilty of stalking after repeated unwanted contact

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A HAVERFORDWEST man has been found guilty of stalking following a trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 30).

Steven Delahunty, aged 54, of Upper Market Street, was convicted of pursuing a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking of a woman.

The court heard that between January 17 and February 6, 2026, Delahunty repeatedly contacted Dyfed-Powys Police requesting welfare checks on the victim, attended her address on a number of occasions, and sent unwanted messages.

Magistrates were told that his actions caused harassment and distress, and that he knew, or ought to have known, the impact of his behaviour.

Delahunty had previously entered a not guilty plea at a hearing on February 11, but was found guilty following the trial.

The bench, comprising Mrs A Taylor-Jones, Mr D Fawcett and Mr R John, granted conditional bail ahead of sentencing.

As part of his bail conditions, Delahunty must not contact, directly or indirectly, the victim or another prosecution witness, and is prohibited from entering their addresses.

The case was prosecuted by Sian Vaughan, with Delahunty represented by Peter Tarr of DGJ Solicitors.

He is due to be sentenced at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday, April 20, at 10:00am.

 

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Business

Welsh food showcased in Japan — but Pembrokeshire producers left on the sidelines

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WELSH food and drink has been promoted to thousands of international buyers in Japan — but producers in Pembrokeshire appear to have been left out of the spotlight.

A Welsh Government-backed delegation travelled to Foodex Japan 2026 in Tokyo, one of the largest food and drink exhibitions in Asia, attracting more than 70,000 industry professionals.

The event is designed to open doors to lucrative export markets, with Welsh Lamb, craft spirits and speciality foods presented as premium products for overseas buyers.

But despite Pembrokeshire’s strong agricultural base, seafood industry and growing reputation for artisan produce, no businesses from the county were among those showcased.

Global push — local absence

The delegation included Hybu Cig Cymru and Golden Road Gin, alongside a number of established Welsh brands and Japanese importers already working with Welsh suppliers.

While PGI Welsh Lamb — much of it produced in West Wales — was a central feature, the absence of Pembrokeshire-based producers raises questions about who is actually benefiting from the push into global markets.

For many local farmers, export growth is often presented as essential to the future of the industry. Yet access to those opportunities remains uneven, with smaller producers frequently lacking the scale or support to break into international supply chains.

Big talk, familiar questions

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies MS praised the showcase, saying Wales had an “exceptional food and drink story to tell” and highlighting the importance of building international partnerships.

But on the ground in Pembrokeshire, producers continue to face mounting pressures — from rising costs and labour shortages to ongoing uncertainty around agricultural policy.

The Herald understands that while export events generate headlines, many small and medium-sized businesses struggle to translate that exposure into actual contracts.

Missed opportunity for West Wales?

The Japanese market is known for its demand for high-quality, traceable food — exactly the kind of produce Pembrokeshire is well placed to supply.

From lamb and dairy to seafood landed at Milford Haven, the county has the raw ingredients to compete on the global stage.

However, without stronger support to help local businesses access export networks, there is a growing risk that the benefits of international promotion will remain concentrated among a relatively small group of producers.

The real test

Events like Foodex Japan may boost Wales’ profile overseas — but the real measure of success will be whether that translates into meaningful opportunities for communities at home.

For Pembrokeshire’s farmers and food producers, the question is no longer whether Welsh food can succeed globally.

It is whether they will be given a seat at the table.

 

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Community

Music in the air as record numbers join school festival

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A RECORD number of young musicians from across Pembrokeshire took part in this year’s Valero Primary Music Festival, with nearly 600 pupils showcasing their talents.

The event, organised by Pembrokeshire Music Service, was held at Ysgol Caer Elen on Saturday (March 14), drawing a large and enthusiastic audience.

The festival’s overall winner was Hafan y Môr pupil Carys Meiring, who impressed judges with a standout trombone performance of Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off. She had earlier secured victory in the open brass class.

Young talent shines

The afternoon Spotlight concert opened with an energetic performance from the county’s Second Steps ensembles, bringing together young players from across Pembrokeshire.

Winners from the day’s open classes also took to the stage, highlighting the depth of musical talent across local schools.

Osian Kite, of Roch CP School, won the open woodwind class with a performance of Sentimental Serenade on alto saxophone.

Cadi Marshall-Jones, from Ysgol Bro Preseli, claimed the open piano and harp title with Over the Sea to Skye, while Roch CP School cellist Mari Broomfield won the open strings category with Vamoose.

In percussion, Ysgol Caer Elen’s Aled Hooper secured first place in the open class with a drum kit performance of Are You Gonna Go My Way.

The open ensemble prize went to Tavernspite pupils Finn Hickman and Evelyn James, whose piano duet of Handel’s Passacaglia impressed both judges and audience.

Building confidence through music

Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service, Philippa Roberts said the festival continues to play a vital role in developing young performers.

She said: “Pembrokeshire Music Service is proud to deliver the Valero Music Festival, offering an exciting opportunity to nearly 600 young performers from across the county.

“Providing children with the chance to perform, shine, and receive supportive feedback from professional musicians is incredibly powerful and helps build lasting confidence.

“In line with the Music Plan for Wales, we remain committed to creating meaningful musical experiences for children throughout Pembrokeshire. Our sincere thanks go to Valero for their fantastic support.”

The festival forms part of a wider effort to promote music education across Wales, encouraging participation and nurturing the next generation of performers.

Photo caption:

Talented performers: Overall winner Carys Meiring is pictured with fellow category winners and organisers (Pic: Pembrokeshire Music Service).

 

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