News
County tops recycling league for second year in a row
PEMBROKESHIRE has done it again!
For the second year in a row the County’s residents have been crowned the best recyclers in Wales.
The Welsh Government has confirmed that Pembrokeshire remained the best-performing local authority area for recycling from April 2020 to March 2021.
A total of 73.2% of all waste collected by Pembrokeshire County Council was recycled during that period – the highest figure Pembrokeshire has ever seen – and up from the 72% the previous year.
The Welsh Government recycling target for local authorities is 64%.
Cllr Cris Tomos, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said he was extremely proud at Pembrokeshire topping the charts for the second year in a row.
“This is fantastic news,” said Cllr Tomos.
He added: “To be number one for recycling in Wales again is a big achievement in its own right but to have actually improved the percentage of recycling from what was already an extremely high level is an incredible effort.
“I want to say a huge thank you to you, the people of Pembrokeshire, for your efforts and taking so enthusiastically to the waste and recycling kerbside collections that enabled people to recycle a wider range of items from home than before.
“Pembrokeshire wants to be leading the climate change agenda and become a leading sustainable energy hub nationally so cutting our waste and increasing recycling is an important part of those wider ambitions.”
As well as thanking Pembrokeshire residents for their efforts, Cllr Tomos also paid tribute to the collection crews, Waste and Recycling Centre operatives and the staff behind the scenes who have helped to make the achievement possible.
Pembrokeshire’s achievement was also praised by Welsh Government Minister for Climate Change Julie James, who said: “Congratulations Pembrokeshire for being Wales’ best recyclers for the second year in a row.
“Considering Wales is ranked third in the world for recycling, this is quite the achievement. We have particularly enjoyed working with Pembrokeshire County Council on the improvements to the collection service to separate your plastics, cardboard and glass at kerbside pick-up, and have been continuously impressed with your commitment to refine and improve your methods.
“Thank you to everyone in Pembrokeshire for doing your bit to fight the climate and nature emergency and accelerate the move to a more circular economy where we keep materials in use for longer and avoid all waste.
“This collective effort will help us build a Wales we can be proud to pass onto our future generations.”
Community
Lord Nelson Hotel refunds lucky couple the full cost of their wedding day
WHAT an amazing Christmas present!
In an extraordinary gesture of generosity, the Lord Nelson Hotel delighted one lucky couple by refunding the full cost of their 2024 wedding. Abby and Simon Hooper, who tied the knot at the historic venue on August 3, were thrilled to learn they were the winners of this year’s giveaway.
The initiative was part of a special promotion open to all couples who celebrated their weddings at the Lord Nelson in 2024. The winners were selected through a random draw using a fair generator system, with the Hoopers emerging as the fortunate recipients.
The hotel has announced plans to continue the tradition in 2025, offering next year’s couples the same opportunity to win their wedding costs back.
A spokesperson for the Lord Nelson Hotel said: “If you’re planning to get married in 2025, it’s not too late to book with us and secure your spot in next year’s draw.
“We are thrilled to celebrate love and create moments to cherish, and this is just one of the ways we give back to our incredible couples.”
Known for its elegant venue spaces and exceptional wedding team, the Lord Nelson Hotel remains a top choice for couples seeking a perfect wedding day. This annual giveaway further cements their commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences.
Abby and Simon Hooper shared their gratitude after their special day: “From start to finish, the team at the Lord Nelson Hotel was incredibly helpful, and nothing was too much to ask.
“The day went smoothly, the food was fantastic, and the staff were polite, hardworking, and attentive. Mia and Jenna, in particular, stood out for their thoughtfulness and attention to detail.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
Crime
Police hunt driver after dog walker killed in Carmarthenshire hit-and-run
A PEDESTRIAN walking his dog has died after being struck in a hit-and-run collision on a Carmarthenshire road on Monday (December 23).
The incident occurred in Llanpumsaint, near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel, between 6:45pm and 7:45pm.
The road remains closed, and police are urgently appealing for information to locate the driver of a blue vehicle believed to have fled the scene.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are actively searching for the driver of a blue vehicle with noticeable damage, which was involved in a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire. The driver left the scene, and locating them is now our top priority.
“We are appealing directly to the driver to do the right thing and come forward. Additionally, we urge anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.
“This collision, which tragically resulted in the death of a pedestrian, happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm on Monday, December 23, as the man was walking his dog.
“Our investigation indicates the vehicle was travelling northbound through Llanpumsaint at the time of the incident.”
The road is expected to remain closed for some time while enquiries continue. Police stress that any piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in identifying and locating the driver. Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.
News
Pembrokeshire County Council invites public feedback on budget plans
PEMBROKESHIRE County Council is calling on residents to share their views on the upcoming budget as it faces significant financial pressures.
The consultation, open until January 5, aims to identify which services are most valued by the community and where savings could be made.
An update on the provisional funding settlement from the Welsh Government was presented to the full council last week. Councillor Joshua Beynon, Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiencies, noted that while the 3.6% increase—equating to an additional £8.1 million—was more favourable than expected, it still leaves a funding gap of approximately £28.1 million.
Councillor Beynon said: “Difficult decisions lie ahead despite the improved settlement. We need to prioritise services that matter most to our residents.”
Detailed reports on the settlement’s impact and the projected funding shortfall will be discussed by the cabinet and scrutiny committees early next year, before being presented to the full council in February.
Residents can have their say by completing an online response form available on the council’s website. A budget modelling tool is also provided for public use.
Paper copies of the response form can be requested by calling 01437 764551 or emailing enquiries@pembrokeshire.gov.uk.
All responses must be submitted by January 5.
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