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

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

13 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!