News

Crabb takes on regulators and water companies during Welsh Affairs Committee

Published

3 years ago

March 16, 2023

PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb, Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, has today (15th March) been taking evidence from Welsh water companies and regulators on the work being done to improve water quality in Welsh rivers and coastlines.

The Committee questioned Wales’ two water companies, Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water), which serves the majority of Wales, and smaller firm Hafren Dyfrdwy as well as regulators NRW ( Natural Resources Wales) and Ofwat.

Leading the heated discussion, Stephen Crabb used the opportunity to speak out on behalf of Pembrokeshire residents regarding storm overflow discharges, the accuracy of discharge monitoring and the increases in household water bills.

The Committee has heard that around a third of all rivers in Wales fail to meet targets on levels of phosphorus, while five of nine Welsh rivers designated as Special Areas of Conservation are failing on phosphorus and excessive nutrients. Only 40% of rivers in Wales currently meet the criteria for good ecological status.

During the session, Stephen highlighted that “in 2021, 79,000 hours of sewage outflow was released in Pembrokeshire” and expressed his concern that not enough action is being taken to improve water infrastructure and tackle this pressing issue.

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.

Stephen also tackled Dwr Cymru why customers are being billed for sewage treatment costs when so much sewage isn’t being treated and released into open water.

In his closing remarks of the session, Stephen Crabb said, “I feel pretty depressed for my constituents in Pembrokeshire who in 2021 had more than 79,000 hours of sewage outflow in waters in Pembrokeshire, last summer they were subjected to a hose pipe ban. And we haven’t even got on to talking about water that leaks out of the system which meant that one of the rainiest parts of the country was put under a hose pipe ban last summer, and on top of that they have the prospect of higher bills but not necessarily a clear plan for reducing sewage discharges.”

He added, “I think there will be a rising tide of public concern about this issue not just for Wales but right across the UK in the years ahead.”

Following the Committee, Stephen Crabb MP said: “There has been a lot of media interest and a strong public reaction to the issue of sewage and water pollution particularly around storm overflow discharges. In my own constituency in Pembrokeshire, water quality is an important issue as we have so many water-sports enthusiasts, wild swimmers, and tourists who spend time in, on and under, rivers and the sea year-round. I’m pleased I was able to challenge water companies and regulators about their record in Pembrokeshire – and what is really needed now is for Welsh Government to step up and take action to protect our waters.”

Crime

Accused Milford Haven rapist to stand trial at Crown Court

Published

23 minutes ago

June 23, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates accused of rape and sexual assault.

James Kershaw, 46, is charged with raping a woman in Milford Haven between February 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014.

He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female over the age of 13 by penetration with his finger between December 1 and December 30, 2012.

Kershaw appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23) by video link and denied both charges.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Kershaw is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.

He was released on conditional bail, with the sole condition that he must not contact the complainant.

News

Bus overturns in major incident near Kidwelly

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

All passengers rescued as emergency services remain at scene

A BUS overturned on the A484 between Kidwelly and Ferryside on Tuesday (Jun 23), prompting a major emergency response and lengthy road closures.

The incident happened shortly after 12:20pm near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.

Emergency services, including firefighters from Kidwelly, Carmarthen and Tumble, were sent to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving the bus.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all passengers were safely removed from the vehicle.

A spokesperson said: “All passengers have been safely removed from the bus and are receiving appropriate care.”

A rest centre has been established at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly, where welfare arrangements are being made for those involved.

The scale of the incident led Dyfed-Powys Police to declare a major incident earlier in the day, with officers urging members of the public to avoid the area.

The A484 remains closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog while emergency services continue their response and carry out investigations into the cause of the crash.

Police, ambulance and fire crews remain at the scene.

Motorists are being advised to find alternative routes and are warned that the road is expected to remain closed for a considerable time.

Emergency services have also issued advice for drivers caught in congestion during the hot weather, urging people to stay hydrated, keep vehicles ventilated and never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets inside parked vehicles.

The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.

The Herald will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

News

Major incident declared after bus crash in Carmarthenshire

Published

4 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Emergency services at scene as A484 closed near Parc y Bocs

A MAJOR incident has been declared in Kidwelly following a collision involving a bus.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were dealing with the incident on the A484 near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.

The road has been closed between the Kidwelly roundabout and Llandyfaelog, and motorists are being urged to find alternative routes.

Emergency services are at the scene, and members of the public have been asked to stay away from the area until further notice.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Officers are dealing with a major incident in Kidwelly, following a report of a collision involving a bus on the A484 near the Kidwelly roundabout.

“The road is closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog, and motorists are asked to find alternative routes.

“Emergency services are on scene and members of the public are asked to stay away from the area until further notice.”

More information is expected to follow.