News

Neyland town councillor welcomes water testing of the Cleddau

Published

4 years ago

May 11, 2022

NEYLAND Town Councillor, Andrew Lye has welcomed the fact that Pembrokeshire County Council will be taking water samples from the River Cleddau, in Neyland, as part of their community bathing water project for this coming season.

Pollution Control Inspector, Scott Findlay has confirmed Neyland will be on the list, along with several other sites across the county.

These samples will be taken weekly, running concurrently with the school summer holidays with preliminary samples taken beforehand. Samples will be tested for E.coli and Enterococci.

Cllr Andrew Lye raised the issue of the standard of the water in the River Cleddau after much publicity in the media about tonnes of raw sewage being dumped into waterways in England, for 3.1m hours in 2020, through storm overflow pipes that were only supposed to be used to relieve pressure on the sewage system during extreme weather.

Figures also showed that Welsh rivers had 106,094 sewage spills in a year for 872,976 hours.

Cllr Lye said “I was concerned as I enjoy seeing young people jumping off the temporary pontoon by the Neyland Yacht Club, in the summer. It reminded me of the fun I had as a child, in the river where I grew up in Wiltshire. I remember reading that the Cleddau was named as one of the river named as being polluted. I was concerned that youngsters could be swimming in polluted water and felt we needed to know if the water was safe. Obviously, I hope it is safe.”

Cllr Lye added “The issue of the dumping of raw sewage into waterways is important to us all. I understand that the problem is exacerbated by pollution from farmland, leaking into the river system. Pembrokeshire is a tourist hot spot and every year, Pembrokeshire beaches get the highest number of Blue Flags for any county in Wales. In 2021, of the 45 beaches that were recognised, 11 were in Pembrokeshire. Blue Flags are awarded to recognise the highest level of cleanliness and water quality and celebrates the best beaches. It is therefore vitally important that the Cleddau’s water quality is excellent and safe for those swimming in it.”

Pembrokeshire County Council are proposing to record the results of the water testing it conducts across the County, including Neyland, on a digital dashboard where they will be available for anyone to view on the PCC website.

The Council feels that these samples will help provide information for all users of the bathing waters to make informed decisions on safe and responsible water use.

Cllr Lye added “The lure of playing in the water on a hot summer’s day has not changed since I was young. We all like cooling off in water, whether it is in a swimming pool, one of our many excellent beaches on our doorstep, or jumping into a river. I hope that the results of water sampling by PCC Pollution Inspectors show that the water is safe. I took the photograph to show a sample of water taken from the Cleddau. But is it safe to swim in? I haven’t a clue. That is why it is imperative that the experts test it regularly, so that parents know that their children are safe and won’t catch e-coli poisoning, or something else, just because they thought the waters were safe. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

6 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

Published

20 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.

For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.

The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

3 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.