CAMPAIGNERS are preparing to take to the water in Pembrokeshire as anger continues to grow over sewage pollution affecting Welsh beaches, rivers and bathing waters.

A large banner placed on the seafront by Surfers Against Sewage calls on people to join a “paddle out” at Broad Haven on Saturday, May 16, at 1:30pm.

The demonstration is part of a wider national campaign by Surfers Against Sewage, which has organised paddle-out protests across the UK to demand tougher action from water companies, regulators and governments over sewage discharges into rivers and coastal waters.

Growing anger

The protest comes after repeated concerns about water quality around the Welsh coast.

The Herald has previously reported pollution alerts affecting beaches including Newport North, Broad Haven, Dale, West Angle, Barafundle, Manorbier, Tenby Castle Beach, Saundersfoot and Pembrey, with warnings issued after storm sewage discharges within the previous 48 hours.

The issue has also affected major events. In September last year, The Herald reported that a sewage warning was issued before the Ironman Wales swim in Tenby, with Surfers Against Sewage alerts in place for Castle Beach, South Beach and Penally after recent discharges in the area.

The swim went ahead, with around 2,700 competitors entering Carmarthen Bay.

Local concern has not been limited to beaches. Only this weekend, The Herald reported that Carmarthen coracle fishermen had raised alarm over suspected sewage pollution entering the River Towy, warning that a centuries-old fishing tradition could be under threat.

Public health fears

Campaigners say sewage pollution is not just an environmental issue, but a public health concern for swimmers, surfers, paddleboarders, anglers and families using beaches and rivers.

The Herald has previously reported that Surfers Against Sewage recorded 1,853 illness cases in 2024 linked to contaminated waters across the UK, with concern also raised about poor water quality at locations including Cardigan Bay, New Quay and the Cleddau estuary.

Political pressure

The issue has become increasingly political in Wales. Last month, The Herald reported calls for tougher action on water quality, including proposals for stronger duties on water companies to prevent sewage discharges into rivers, lakes and the sea.

Surfers Against Sewage says its protests are designed to show that coastal and river communities have had enough of pollution, poor accountability and what campaigners see as years of failure to protect bathing waters.

Organisers say people do not have to enter the water to take part, with supporters also encouraged to gather on land.

Photo caption:

Protest call: A Surfers Against Sewage banner on the Pembrokeshire coast advertising the May 16 paddle-out protest.

A LONG-SERVING Gwynedd councillor has been suspended by Plaid Cymru after comments linking migration, housing pressure and the Welsh language.

Cllr Gareth Roberts, who represents Bangor’s Dewi ward, made the remarks during a planning committee debate on an application for 25 homes in Chwilog, on the Llŷn Peninsula.

Councillor raised concerns

The committee voted to reject the scheme against officers’ advice after concerns were raised about its possible impact on community cohesion and the Welsh language.

During the meeting, Cllr Roberts said Bangor was “no longer a Welsh-speaking area” and claimed he had seen the city’s Welsh-speaking population decline.

He said: “Certainly, within the last five years, I’ve seen hundreds if not 1,000 more people coming here to live, migrants.”

He also referred to pressure on schools, saying he had been told there were 42 different languages being spoken at his former primary school.

Cllr Roberts argued that housing shortages in Bangor could push demand into surrounding Welsh-speaking communities, including Chwilog.

Party investigation

Plaid Cymru has confirmed that Cllr Roberts’ party membership has been temporarily suspended following a formal complaint.

A party spokesperson said the suspension was a “neutral action” while an investigation is carried out.

Cllr Roberts has also resigned from Plaid Cymru’s group on Cyngor Gwynedd and is now listed as an individual member.

Speaking to BBC Wales, he insisted he was not opposed to migration and said Bangor had always been multicultural.

He said his comments were about housing, integration and the need to help people learn Welsh, rather than criticism of those who had moved to the area.

Record crowds, live music and over 100 traders make bank holiday celebration a major success

THOUSANDS of visitors descended on Whitland on Sunday (May 3) as the Whitland Street Food Festival returned to Parc Dr Owen for what organisers described as its biggest and best event to date.

The annual festival, organised by Together Hendygwyn Gyda’n Gilydd CIC, brought together food traders, performers and community groups from across West Wales, with strong ticket sales suggesting attendance in the thousands.

Record scale and strong turnout

More than 30 street food vendors and over 80 market stalls filled the site, offering everything from Welsh produce and artisan goods to international cuisine, sweet treats and speciality drinks.

A large big-top tent provided covered seating for festivalgoers, while crowds gathered across the field to enjoy live music, entertainment and family attractions throughout the day.

Pre-event figures suggested over 1,300 tickets had already been sold, with some estimates rising closer to 1,800 — continuing the festival’s growth as a major regional attraction.

Music and entertainment headline the day

The event featured a full programme of live performances, culminating in a headline DJ set from BBC Radio 1 DJs Rickie and Melvin.

Local acts also played a central role, with performances from 4th Street, The Western Shires, P’tcheaow, The Home Shores and Just Dylan. Community groups including Ysgol Dyffryn Taf and Whitland & District Male Choir also took to the stage.

Visitors were entertained beyond the music, with live circus shows and interactive activities from Big Top Mania, alongside a popular hot wing challenge.

Family focus and community spirit

The festival placed a strong emphasis on being family-friendly, with a free bouncy castle, inflatable assault course and dedicated toddler area attracting younger visitors.

Across the site, a mix of families, groups and visitors from neighbouring counties created a lively and welcoming atmosphere, with many staying into the evening as entertainment continued.

Pure West Radio broadcast live from the event, interviewing traders, performers and attendees, capturing what many described as a “buzzing” and “fantastic” day.

Supporting local business and causes

Organisers said the festival was designed to celebrate local food, businesses and community spirit, while supporting independent traders and raising funds or awareness for local causes.

Charity presence on the day included Wales Air Ambulance, which hosted an awareness stand alongside the commercial stalls.

Whitland, a small Carmarthenshire town, has seen the festival grow into a key annual event, drawing visitors from across West Wales and providing a boost to the local economy.

Looking ahead

With strong attendance, a packed programme and widespread community involvement, the 2026 festival is expected to build further momentum for future events.

Organisers are likely to review this year’s success as they look ahead to an even bigger return in 2027.