News
Helping the world to hear

Hearing aid specialists Hearing Aid Solutions have joined forces with the Lions Clubs of Britain and Ireland to support a unique and successful project helping those with hearing loss in some of the world’s poorest nations which has been going for more than 25 years. Hearing Aid Solutions, who have centres in Havefordwest, Fishguard and Carmarthen, have collected old but working devices for use overseas for many years. They are supported by the Association of Hearing Healthcare Professionals (AIHHP.org), of which Hearing Aid solutions is the only Welsh member. Hearing aids collected locally are sorted, cleaned, checked and repaired by prisoners at the Sound workshop in Frankland prison in County Durham. These are then forwarded on to many countries across the world, which recently included; Kenya, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, Moldova and Zimbabwe. Many organisations are involved with the distribution of the Hearing aids including Sound Seekers, Rotary International and the Salvation Army. This has become a truly global and inter-organisational project, and in addition to helping prisoners to learn new skills as part of their rehabilitation, it is making a real difference to people who would otherwise have no way of improving their hearing loss. Last year, over 56,000 aids were donated from across the British Isles. Those that are not serviceable yet can be salvaged have their parts sold on again, which in turn assists in raising money for hearing projects, but many more are needed. All Hearing Aid Solution centres in south and west Wales are now accepting old hearing aids, hearing aid equipment and assistance devices. Martyn Scott, managing director of Hearing Aid Solutions and secretary of AIHHP said: “We are proud to be part of this very worthwhile scheme, working closely with the Lions clubs for such a long time. There is no greater feeling than receiving a letter from a child in Sri Lanka to say that she can now go back to school and pass her exams just because she can hear again. Letters are also received from adults across the world who have managed to go back to work and support their families. These letters highlight how this really is an invaluable scheme”. Recycled hearing aids are giving the gift of hearing to disadvantaged and the poor across the world, helping people to lead a dignified and fulfilling life. A full list of hearing aid solutions centres across the region can be found at www.hearingaidsolutions.co.uk
News
MP demands urgent reform of ‘failing’ water sector

HENRY TUFNELL MP has sharply criticised the state of Wales’ water sector, demanding comprehensive reform to address a “culture deaf to crisis.”
In a strongly-worded statement following the release of a new Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee report, Mr Tufnell condemned the substantial bonuses awarded to water executives, specifically highlighting those at Dŵr Cymru.
He said: “With water bills soaring and service performance at an all-time low, how on earth can these water companies justify forking out millions of pounds paying inflated salaries and bonuses to executives? It’s completely wrong.”
Earlier this year, the MP called out the bonus payments at Dŵr Cymru as “unjustifiable,” a criticism reinforced by the committee’s report published today. The document outlines several recommendations, urging the Independent Water Commission to address systemic issues in the industry.
“Our failing water sector needs root and branch reform,” Mr Tufnell stated. “We must break the cycle of poor service and excessive executive remuneration.”
The report comes amid increasing public frustration over rising water bills and declining quality of service across the country. The committee’s findings call for increased transparency and accountability in executive pay structures and more rigorous oversight to ensure that consumer interests are prioritised over profits.
“We need immediate action,” Mr Tufnell insisted. “Customers deserve far better than what they’re currently receiving
Farming
Bluetongue rules tightened in Wales as control zone expands

New movement restrictions and testing regime come into force from June 20
PEMBROKESHIRE livestock keepers are being urged to prepare for imminent changes to Bluetongue virus (BTV) control measures as Welsh Government updates its policy to prevent further spread of the disease.
From Thursday, June 20, any cattle, sheep, goats, deer, llamas or alpacas being moved into Wales from a Bluetongue Restricted Zone will require:
A specific movement licence (available on gov.uk)
A valid pre-movement test, at the owner’s expense
Animals showing clinical signs of illness on the day of travel must not be moved into Wales.
To allow time for preparation, exemptions to pre-movement testing have been extended until Wednesday, June 19. After that date, the new rules will be strictly enforced.
Additional temporary measures introduced during the low vector season remain in place until July 1, including:
No requirement to use insecticides at approved markets, abattoirs, or in livestock transport
No requirement for slaughterhouses to be designated for Restricted Zone intake
However, from July 1, the Bluetongue Restricted Zone will expand to cover all of England, significantly increasing the number of animals subject to movement controls.
What is Bluetongue?
Bluetongue is a viral disease primarily affecting ruminants and camelids. It is spread by certain types of biting midges (Culicoides species), which are active in the UK from April to November.
Animals may be infected and contagious without showing symptoms — particularly adult cattle, which can carry the virus for weeks.
Clinical signs in sheep may include:
- Mouth and nose ulcers
- Eye and nasal discharge
- Drooling
- Swelling of lips, tongue, head, neck, and hooves
- Lameness, breathing issues, fever, and sometimes death
In cattle, signs include:
- Fatigue and loss of appetite
- Crusting and redness around the muzzle and nostrils
- Reduced milk yield and abortions
- Nasal discharge and erosions on teats
In pregnant animals, BTV can cause miscarriage, deformities, blindness, or death of newborn calves.
Controlling the spread
The Bluetongue virus can be transmitted through:
- Infected midges
- Infected animals (including imports)
- Contaminated biological materials (blood, semen, embryos)
Livestock keepers are advised to:
- Source animals responsibly
- Monitor livestock closely
- Use insect-proof housing, particularly at dawn and dusk
- Maintain high standards of biosecurity and hygiene
Vaccination
Three BTV-3 vaccines are permitted for use in the UK. Two are authorised by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate; a third may only be used under licence. All vaccination must comply with current licensing rules.
More information is available at: Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccination – gov.uk
Tracing and licensing
All livestock must be registered and traceable. If you’re planning to move animals into or out of a Bluetongue-affected area, you must check if a movement licence is required.
Animal keepers should consult their vet before importing animals or biological products from any country with a known or suspected Bluetongue risk.
Report suspected cases
If you suspect Bluetongue:
📞 Call APHA immediately on 0300 303 8268
An APHA vet will investigate and confirm suspected cases.
For local advice, contact Pembrokeshire County Council’s Animal Welfare Team at:
📧 [email protected]
Education
Last chance to apply for fully funded green skills apprenticeship

Coleg Sir Gâr offers businesses the tools to meet sustainability targets
WELSH employers are being urged to act quickly to secure a place on a fully funded apprenticeship scheme designed to equip staff with the green skills needed to cut energy costs, reduce carbon emissions, and meet net zero targets.
Coleg Sir Gâr has issued a final call for applications to its Level 3 Energy and Carbon Management Apprenticeship, part of its Green Skills Academy. Applications must be submitted by Thursday, 20 June, with limited places available due to high demand from businesses across the region.
The 18-month, part-time course is suitable for new recruits and current staff, offering a mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on learning. Apprentices attend in-person training just two days per month, making it easy to fit around regular duties.
Open to anyone over 18 living in Wales who is employed and not enrolled in another funded full-time course, the programme is fully funded for eligible applicants.
Jemma Parsons, Head of the Green Skills Academy, said: “The level of interest we’ve seen shows that Welsh employers understand the need to upskill their teams in energy and carbon management. This apprenticeship provides a vital opportunity to future-proof organisations, reduce costs, and build meaningful sustainability credentials.”
Organisations already signed up include Carmarthenshire County Council, Axium Process Ltd, LBS Builders Merchants, and Barcud.
Rhodri Griffiths, Head of Place and Sustainability at Carmarthenshire County Council, said: “We’re committed to tackling the climate emergency. This apprenticeship equips our employees with practical skills to reduce energy use and support our wider sustainability goals. It’s a key part of our response to climate change and helps us build a greener future for the county.”
The course strengthens participants’ ability to demonstrate environmental compliance, boost in-house expertise, and improve standing in procurement and supply chains. It forms part of Wales’ broader strategy to become a leader in energy efficiency and carbon reduction.
To register your interest or learn more, contact the Green Skills Academy at [email protected] or visit csgcc.ac.uk.
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