SAMUEL KURTZ MS has renewed calls for stronger action to tackle water pollution in Pembrokeshire after joining local open water swimmers in Saundersfoot.

The Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Senedd Member attended a morning sea swim with groups including the Numb Nuts and the Blue Tits on Friday (Mar 13), where concerns were raised about sewage discharges into Welsh waterways.

He said public frustration over water quality was continuing to grow.

“Pembrokeshire is blessed with some of the most beautiful coastline and waterways in the UK, and they should be protected for everyone who lives here and enjoys them,” said Mr Kurtz.

“However, I regularly hear from residents, swimmers, surfers and local businesses who are deeply frustrated by repeated reports of sewage discharges into our rivers and seas, while water company executives continue to receive large bonuses or hide behind a not-for-profit status.”

Mr Kurtz welcomed enforcement action taken against Welsh Water following pollution incidents, but warned that fines alone were not enough.

“Penalties must lead to meaningful improvements,” he said. “The money should be reinvested directly into upgrading sewage infrastructure so these incidents become far less frequent.

“Customers should not be left paying higher water bills to fix failures that should have been addressed years ago.”

He also stressed that responsibility for water quality lies with the Welsh Government.

“Water quality in Wales is fully devolved, meaning decisions about regulation, environmental standards and oversight are made here in Wales, not in Westminster,” he said.

Mr Kurtz has repeatedly raised concerns in the Senedd about pollution affecting Pembrokeshire’s rivers and coastline, including the River Cleddau and designated bathing waters.

In a previous debate, he called for a statutory duty on water companies to take all reasonable steps to prevent sewage discharges into rivers, lakes and the sea—similar to measures introduced in England. The proposal was rejected by Welsh Labour ministers.

He said the response reflected a wider reluctance to adopt stronger measures.

“Time and again I have raised concerns about sewage discharges and their impact on our environment, only to see sensible proposals dismissed,” he said.

“This isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting our environment and restoring public confidence in the safety of our waterways.”

Mr Kurtz also highlighted the role of community groups and local initiatives, including the Cleddau Project, which aims to improve the ecological health of the river catchment.

“There is some excellent work happening locally,” he said. “But we need a joined-up, Wales-wide approach rather than piecemeal action.

“That means tackling sewage infrastructure, agricultural run-off, environmental monitoring and enforcement together. I will continue to press this issue in the Senedd.”

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES have tabled a Senedd debate this week setting out what they describe as a plan to “fix Wales” after nearly three decades of Labour-led government.

The party claims that, after twenty-seven years of Labour in power — supported at times by Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats — Wales is falling behind the rest of the UK on key measures including health, education and the economy.

Figures highlighted by the Conservatives include one in four people currently on NHS waiting lists, with thousands waiting more than two years for treatment. Emergency departments in Wales are also said to be among the worst performing in Britain.

In education, Wales continues to rank at or near the bottom of UK league tables, with rising absenteeism and ongoing concerns over teacher recruitment and morale.

Economically, the party says Wales has some of the lowest wages in Great Britain and faces ongoing challenges in boosting productivity and employment.

Ahead of the debate, the Conservatives outlined a series of policy proposals, including:

• Cutting income tax by 1p to stimulate growth
• Declaring a health emergency to tackle NHS backlogs and increase bed capacity
• Scrapping stamp duty on primary homes
• Removing business rates for pubs, post offices and small firms
• Expanding free childcare, including allowing payments to grandparents
• Providing a £100 million boost for farmers and replacing the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme
• Investing in infrastructure, including the M4 relief road and upgrades to the A55 and A40
• Reversing default 20mph speed limits
• Reducing bureaucracy and focusing on frontline delivery

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Darren Millar MS said the current system “isn’t working” and argued his party has a “credible and costed plan” to improve public services and economic performance.

He said: “We will cut taxes, boost growth, and fix our public services.

“We want to see a Wales that thrives, with a stronger economy, a properly functioning NHS, and opportunities for people in every corner of the country.”

The debate is scheduled to take place in the Senedd on Wednesday evening.

CONTROL of a £547m Local Growth Fund has been returned to the Welsh Government, with ministers setting out plans to use the money to boost the nation’s economy over the next three years.

During a visit to Ebbw Vale on Friday (Mar 20), First Minister Eluned Morgan is expected to outline details of a new Investment Plan, endorsed by both the Welsh and UK governments. The plan sets out how funding will be allocated across priority areas and within Wales’ four economic regions.

The fund will focus on three key areas: supporting productive and competitive businesses, improving skills and helping people into work, and investing in infrastructure.

Ministers say the programme is designed to empower regional decision-making while targeting areas with the greatest economic need. The aim is to increase productivity, support business growth and create better-paid jobs across Wales.

Funding will be distributed based on tailored regional plans, reflecting local strengths and opportunities, including sectors such as advanced manufacturing and clean energy.

The First Minister, Eluned Morgan said: “I’m really pleased decisions on this post-EU funding, which is so important in supporting regional and local economic growth in Wales, are being returned to the Welsh Government.

“We want to use all the levers we have to stimulate economic growth, especially in parts of Wales where economic inactivity and unemployment are higher and wages are lower.”

The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans added: “The Local Growth Fund for Wales will help create and secure jobs in key industries, providing exciting opportunities for people to develop high-quality, long-term careers.

“We will work with local government and other partners to ensure the fund is used effectively to create jobs, unlock growth and deliver for Wales.”

Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens said: “This transformational funding will create jobs, boost productivity and support economic growth across all parts of Wales.

“Decisions about how funding is used in Wales are best made in Wales, and this agreement delivers our commitment to return control of post-EU funding to Wales.

“It is another example of the UK and Welsh governments working together to deliver for our communities.”