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Milford Haven Port Authority waste permit granted

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NATURAL RESOURCES WALES (NRW) has confirmed on Thursday (Jan 9) has granted an environmental permit to Milford Haven Port Authority for a waste storage and transfer station at Pembroke Dock.

The decision follows a thorough assessment of the company’s plans, which has included consultations with local people, businesses and professional bodies such as Public Health Wales and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The company has demonstrated that it can meet all the legal, environmental and health requirements of UK, Welsh and European law to receive a permit and operate the waste site.

A copy of NRW’s decision document, and the company’s permit is available to view online on NRW’s public register. The permit contains strict conditions covering how much waste can be stored on the site, which types of waste and where it can be stored. It also requires a phased approach to operations.

Gavin Bown, Operations Manager from Natural Resources Wales said: “We have closely scrutinised Milford Haven Port Authority’s plans, and taken on board all relevant information that has been provided to us through our consultations. The company has demonstrated that they have the right plans and procedures in place to run this site safely.

“We want to reassure people that the conditions we have placed in the permit are there to safeguard people and the environment.

“Before they can start accepting waste they will need to secure planning permission, and other permissions from organisations such as Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. Once they start running the site, they will need to abide by our permit conditions to run their site legally. The site will also be closely regulated by our officers to make sure it operates within the conditions of its environmental permit.”

During the consultations, concerns such as the suitability of the location, increased traffic congestion and noise were also raised by the community. These issues are outside the scope of the environment permit, but can be considered as part of a planning application.

The Port Authority plans to temporarily store non-hazardous baled waste and loose wood waste on its yard before it is shipped offsite. It is waste which is intended for use as fuel in offsite energy from waste facilities.

Another waste site is located on the same dockyard, operated by Pembrokeshire County Council. It recently applied to change its environmental permit to expand the area of land on which it stores waste, and to increase the types of waste it accepts in line with its new recycling regime. NRW’s assessment of this is ongoing and a decision will be announced in due course.

Local Councillor, Paul Dowson told The Herald in a statement: “This was a done deal from day one, it beggars belief that NRW have granted this licence.

He added: “MHPA could have put this facility to much better and more profitable use. This clearly demonstrates the disregard they have for the town in which they conduct their business. This fight is far from over and I call on the people of Pembroke Dock to join me in ensuring this licence is not used to turn our town into the rubbish bin of Wales. This requires everyone to act and not simply talk about it any longer. Without actions we will be lumbered with England’s waste sitting on our quayside for weeks at a time.”

Crime

Goodwick man jailed for stealing prescription tablets from partner

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A 47-year-old man from Goodwick has been sentenced to jail after admitting to stealing his partner’s prescription medication.

Andrew Gibbs, of Allt Y Carne, appeared at Swansea Crown Court where he admitted taking four Pregabalin tablets from his long-term girlfriend on February 14.

Prosecuting, Alycia Carpanini told the court that Gibbs had taken the tablets while drinking in the living room earlier that day. He was arrested later that evening on unrelated matters, and officers found the medication in his possession.

During his arrest, Gibbs admitted aloud to police that he had stolen the tablets. He later confirmed the theft in a prepared statement during interview.

The court heard that Gibbs has a lengthy criminal history, with 35 previous convictions covering 68 offences. He had previously faced a series of serious allegations, including actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation against his partner, as well as two further assaults. However, those charges were dropped after the complainants chose not to support the prosecution.

In mitigation, defence barrister Dan Griffiths said his client had been cooperative with police from the outset and had already spent time in custody since his arrest.

Judge Paul Thomas KC imposed a 14-day custodial sentence for the theft, acknowledging the time Gibbs had already spent on remand. He will be released shortly under supervision.

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Community

PCSOs and pupils join forces for Pembroke Dock litter pick

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DYFED-POWYS POLICE Community Support Officers (PCSOs) 8042 and 8020 joined staff at McDonald’s and Year 5 and 6 pupils from Cosheston VC School for a community litter pick around Pembroke Dock.

As part of the school’s ongoing environmental project, the pupils helped collect seven bags of rubbish while keeping a detailed log of the types of litter found.

PCSOs are uniformed civilian members of police staff who work to support regular police officers and engage with the community. Their involvement helped promote positive relationships between local police and young people.

The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of looking after the local environment and encouraged children to take pride in their community.

Members of the public are reminded to dispose of their waste responsibly and use the bins provided.

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Community

Joyce Watson meets apprentices at Haverfordwest transport hub

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A VISIT to the site of the new Haverfordwest public transport interchange has highlighted the role of apprentices and skilled workers in delivering the major infrastructure project.

Joyce Watson MS, who represents Mid and West Wales in the Senedd, toured the construction site on Friday (Mar 21), meeting with workers and hearing how the scheme is creating opportunities for local people.

Mrs Watson, who chairs the Senedd cross-party group on construction and co-chairs the cross-party group on apprenticeships, was briefed on progress by Kier Construction’s project manager Dean Williams and Sheila Holmes, engagement adviser for the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Speaking following the visit, Mrs Watson said: “The Haverfordwest public transport interchange will transform the town’s transportation infrastructure and boost the local economy.
“With around a year’s work still to go, it’s already offering high-quality job opportunities, and I was delighted to meet the talented apprentices working on-site.”

Among those she met was Matthew Thomas, a local trainee working on the project.
Mrs Watson added: “It was a pleasure to meet Matthew, and I believe he has a great future ahead of him.”

Dean Williams, from Kier Construction, said: “It was great to welcome Joyce Watson MS for a tour of our Haverfordwest public transport interchange project. This scheme for Pembrokeshire County Council will deliver a modern transport hub for the local community, improving connectivity and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.”

CITB’s Sheila Holmes added: “We are pleased to be supporting Kier Construction in developing their supply chain for this infrastructure scheme. By doing so, we can invest in local skills, which are vital to the sector and to the regional economy. Projects like this help ensure we meet future skills demands.”

The interchange is part of the Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro programme and has so far received nearly £17 million from the Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund.

Once completed, the new facility will include improved pedestrian and cycle access, a more efficient bus station with seven bays and upgraded passenger facilities, and a modern multi-storey car park.

The scheme is commissioned by Pembrokeshire County Council as part of its town centre regeneration strategy.

The visit was organised as part of Open Doors, a national initiative by Build UK that takes visitors behind the scenes at live construction sites to showcase the range of careers in the industry.

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