News

It’s official! Pembrokeshire is best at recycling in Wales

Published

5 years ago

November 27, 2020

PEMBROKESHIRE residents are the top recyclers in the country, it’s been announced.

The Welsh Government has named Pembrokeshire as the best-performing local authority area for recycling from April 2019 to April 2020.

A total of 72% of all household waste was recycled during the period – the highest figure Pembrokeshire has ever seen.

Cllr Cris Tomos, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said he could not thank local residents enough.

“This could not have been achieved without their efforts,” he said. “We are sincerely grateful.

“Pembrokeshire is number 1 for recycling in Wales. And Wales itself has the 2nd highest recycling rate in Europe and the 3rd highest in the world, so this achievement is incredibly impressive.”

But, he said, it was about more than figures.

“This is about providing a better future for our children. As so many people have said, there is no Planet B. All of us must do our bit to protect our environment for future generations.

“I am so encouraged by this progress in Pembrokeshire and hope very much that it will continue.”

One of the major factors behind the boost in figures is Pembrokeshire’s new waste and recycling kerbside collection scheme, launched in November 2019.

“The scheme has enabled people to recycle a wider range of items from home than before,” said Cllr Tomos.

“However, it was a big change. Not only were there new bags and boxes, but in some cases, new collection dates to get our heads around.

“I want to say thank you to everyone who persevered and made it work for them and their household. Their efforts to embrace it have led directly to these fantastic figures.

“And as always, I would also like to thank our collection crews, Waste and Recycling Centre operatives and the staff behind the scenes who have helped to make this all possible. They’ve been working incredibly hard this year and are a credit to the Council.”

Sarah Edwards, Strategic Project Manager for Waste and Recycling, echoed his sentiments and said the Council was also grateful to the Welsh Government’s Collaborative Change Programme, delivered by WRAP Cymru.

“Their support through our Waste Service review and the implementation of the new service was invaluable,” she said.

Environment Minister Lesley Griffiths said: “I would like to congratulate Pembrokeshire on becoming the top recycling authority in Wales in 2019/20.

“This is testament to the hard work of the Council and households across the county in moving over to a new kerbside collection scheme – thank you for your mighty efforts.

“I’m really pleased that the Welsh Government’s collaborative change programme, delivered by WRAP, has helped Pembrokeshire to achieve today’s results – congratulations.

“Wales is already a recycling nation and we can be very proud of our achievements.”

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.