News

Welsh MPs hear from water campaigners on pollution concerns

Published

2 years ago

February 13, 2023

WITH rising public concern about sewage discharges into rivers and coastal waters, the Welsh Affairs Committee in Parliament has brought together some of the leading water quality campaigners to hear about the situation across Wales.

Witnesses included Angela Jones – known as the “Wild Woman of the Wye”, Jon Khoo – Chair of Surfers Against Sewage, and Gail Davies-Walsh the CEO of Afonydd Cmyru. All three voiced strong concerns about the lack of action being taken to protect Welsh waters from sewage and agricultural pollution.

Preseli MP, Stephen Crabb, who chairs the committee led the evidence session by asking the witnesses to describe the extent of the problems facing Welsh waters. Following the recent arguments in Parliament about new plans in England to clamp down on sewage discharges, the MP asked why there has been so little political debate in Wales about water quality.

In 2020, there were 105,751 sewage spills into waterways across Wales recorded by event duration monitors (EDMs). Spills from storm overflows pose risks to river and public health due to the introduction of pollutants and bacteria. In Wales, these issues are the responsibility of Welsh Government.

All three of the witnesses drew attention to recent pollution incidents in Pembrokeshire waters and elsewhere in Wales. The discussion with MPs focused on the performance of Welsh Water in reducing sewage discharges and Natural Resources Wales, an arm of Welsh Government, in enforcing current water quality rules. Mr Crabb drew attention to inaccuracies in the way Welsh Water has counted sewage discharges near Newport in north Pembrokeshire.

Following the session, Mr Crabb said:

“Pollution of rivers and coastal waters has become a massive issue of concern for the public, in Wales and all across the UK. This has particular importance for us in Pembrokeshire. Public opinion is only going to get stronger on this, and rightly so.”

“At Westminster legislation has now been passed that places strong duties on water companies to get their act together on reducing sewage discharges. In Wales, there isn’t a clear plan right now. We really need Welsh Government to step up and take action to protect our waters.”

Next month, the Welsh Affairs Committee will hear evidence from Natural Resources Wales, Welsh Water and the regulator Ofwat.

Crime

Pembroke Dock resident faces court over dog control breaches

Published

26 mins ago

November 13, 2024

Court Reporter

PHILIP Murray, 52, of 11 Picton Place, Pembroke Dock, will appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 14) to face several charges of breaching a community protection notice. The notice, issued under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, required Murray to control his dogs in response to repeated disturbances.

The charges relate to incidents from May to September 2024, when Murray allegedly failed to comply with the restrictions set out in a notice issued on January 3, 2024. Court documents state that despite multiple warnings, Murray continued to disregard the order, leading to ongoing issues linked to his dogs’ behaviour.

If found guilty, Murray could face a Level 4 fine for each offence. The hearing is scheduled to take place from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in Courtroom 1, presided over by the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Adult Panel.

The case underscores the role of community protection notices in addressing persistent anti-social behavior.

Crime

Cilgerran driver banned for drug use on Cardigan high street

Published

37 mins ago

November 13, 2024

Court Reporter

A CILGERRAN motorist appeared before a district judge after driving on Cardigan High Street under the influence of cannabis.

On May 3, police officers on patrol detected a strong smell of cannabis from a Volkswagen Golf driven by Kim Haynes, 40.

A drugs wipe returned a positive result, with subsequent tests showing Haynes had 3.4 mcg of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol in her blood, above the legal limit of 2.

Haynes, of Sun Cottage, Church Street, Cilgerran, pleaded guilty to driving over the specified drug-drive limit. She was fined and ordered to pay a total of £365, including costs and a court surcharge, and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Crime

Motorist disqualified after cannabis-fuelled traffic collision

Published

52 mins ago

November 13, 2024

Court Reporter

A 21-YEAR-OLD driver has been disqualified after a traffic pile-up on the A40 following cannabis use.

Officers attended Arnold’s Hill, Slebech, on March 29 in response to a multi-vehicle collision involving Kayleigh Taylor, 21, whose Toyota Aygo was on the opposite carriageway.

“There was a smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle, so a drugs wipe was conducted, which returned a positive result,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan. Further tests showed Taylor had 7.7 mcg of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol in her blood, above the legal limit of 2.

Taylor, of Princess Royal Way, Haverfordwest, admitted to driving over the specified drug-drive limit and possessing 266.1 grams of cannabis found in her vehicle.

District Judge Mark Layton sentenced her to a 12-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. She was disqualified from driving for 17 months, fined £80, and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.