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Community

Preseli MP kicks off The Great British Spring Clean with roadside litter pick

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PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb has called for action to halt the growing quantity of litter discarded on roadside verges across Pembrokeshire. “Litter plaguing county could jeopardise Pembrokeshire’s tourism reputation”, he said.

The MP has used the start of The Great British Spring Clean 2023, which runs from 17th March to 2nd April, to draw attention to the state of the County’s green verges and hedgerows, some of which are now strewn with drink cans, coffee cups and fast-food cartons. As well as damaging the environment, the volume of litter risks undermining Pembrokeshire’s reputation as a wonderful place for tourists to visit.

Hearing direct from Pembrokeshire residents concerned about the increase in litter, Stephen Crabb MP has called on Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to step up and take action ahead of the busy tourism season.

Stephen and his team, together with Johnston County Councillor Aled Thomas, gathered for a litter pick around Johnston on the first day of the British Spring Clean on Friday 17th March.

Commenting during the litter picking session, Stephen Crabb said, “I’m really concerned right now about the amount of litter that I am seeing. It’s the worst it’s ever been. Today, we have been picking up lots of fast-food wrappers, cigarette packets, energy drink cans and coffee cups scattered along the roadsides – it’s a real disgrace.”

He commended local efforts by groups such as the Newgale Beach Wombles and Eco Dewi and others who regularly volunteer their time to help keep our beaches and County clear of rubbish. He urged residents to think about how they are disposing their litter and encouraged people consider becoming a Litter Champion – part of the Keep Wales Tidy campaign.

He added, “Locals are raising it with me all the time at the moment and it’s a wide-spread problem across the County. People are really fed up of it. I am also concerned about the impression that it provides to tourists who visit our County for its outstanding natural beauty.”

The MP used equipment provided by one of the six Caru Cymru‘s Keep Wales Tidy community litter picking hubs across Pembrokeshire. They provide equipment free of charge to members of the community. This includes litter pickers, hoops, hi-vis vests and bin bags. The kit also contains all necessary health and safety guidance and support on competing a Litter Picking Loan Agreement and a Risk Assessment.

Stephen Crabb has also called on Welsh Government Education Minister, Jeremy Miles, to use the new Welsh curriculum to educate and help influence behaviour in young people in primary and secondary education on litter prevention.

County Councillor Aled Thomas said, “We all have a responsibility to keep our communities as clean as possible and to show our natural environment at its best. We have to be pro-active and do our bit and stop turning a blind eye to the problem that we have here in Pembrokeshire.”

In his letter to the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, he wrote “I appreciate there is considerable pressure on the maintenance team covering Pembrokeshire but there is enormous strength of public feeling about this issue locally. Local people are being asked again to pay large increases in Council Tax; they want to see core functions delivered well.”

Community

Appeal launched as Welsh teenagers missing for nearly a week

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POLICE have launched an appeal after two teenagers from Wales went missing almost a week ago.

Isobel and Daniel, both aged 16, were last seen together in the Machynlleth area of Powys on Monday. They are from the Cardigan area of Ceredigion and are believed to have links to both Gloucestershire and Merseyside.

Isobel is described as 5ft 3ins tall with blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a black parka-style coat with a fur-trimmed hood, grey jogging bottoms, and carrying a large black backpack.

Daniel is described as 6ft 1ins tall, with short dark brown hair shaved at the sides. He was last seen wearing dark blue jeans, a black T-shirt, and a black collared coat. He was carrying a large camping backpack in black, red, and grey.

Dyfed-Powys Police is urging anyone with information about their whereabouts to get in touch via the online portal, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.

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Community

Proposed Saundersfoot traveller site decision delayed

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PLANNERS are to visit a proposed new ‘traveller site’ on the outskirts of a Pembrokeshire village, which has seen a petition of nearly 300 objections, before making any formal decision.

Nearly 300 people have signed a petition against the creation of one traveller site incorporating one static caravan, one touring caravan, day/utility room and ecological enhancements (partly retrospective) on land at Froghall Yard, Moreton Lane, Saundersfoot.

The objection to the site is also being shared by the village’s community council.

Around 50 people attended a recent meeting of the community council when members voted unanimously to object to the application.

The application is made by Dai Evans of Pontypool, through agents Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd.

Saundersfoot Community Council is recommending that the plans are turned down.

Members have pointed out that the site is agricultural land, with no caravan or other use in over 30 years.

There was also concern that the site – where two previous planning applications had been rejected – is overlooked from Incline Way above and cannot be screened,

Members have said granting permission “would be gross overdevelopment setting a precedent for development literally anywhere throughout the national park”.

The community council’s objection finished: “The applicant lives in Pontypool and claims no connection to the area.  There is no rationale as to why the applicant chose a site approximately 100 miles away from their home.”

A supporting statement accompanying the application states: “The applicant belongs to a long-standing Romany Gypsy family and generations have lived a traditional and cultural lifestyle living in caravans all their lives.

“Mr Evans and his partner currently reside on an overcrowded Traveller site in Pontypool where living conditions are poor. They currently only live in rented accommodation and its brick and mortar and not in keeping with their cultural preference, as they prefer to live in a caravan.”

It says Mr Evans and family have stayed in a touring caravan at the site during the summer months since the late 1980s when it was owned by another gypsy family, later purchased by Mr Evans in 2023, clearing and refurbishing the site.

“The application’s aspirations are to continue his Gypsy culture and traditions residing in a caravan on site.”

At the April 9 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, members backed a recommendation to agree to a site visit ahead of any formal decision on the scheme, on the grounds of public interest.

The application will now be heard at a future national park meeting.

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Community

Sanna Duthie to take on Pembs Coast Path in record-breaking fundraising challenge

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A NEW record could soon be set on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path as ultra-runner Sanna Duthie prepares to take on the full 186-mile trail in under 50 hours to raise vital funds for the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust.

Starting at Poppit Sands at 8.30am on Thursday 24 April, Sanna will attempt to beat her own record of 51 hours and 30 minutes, which she set in 2021. The challenge will push her physical and mental endurance to the limit as she navigates the rugged and spectacular coastline of the UK’s only coastal National Park.

Sanna’s motivation for this challenge goes beyond breaking records. She is driven by her deep connection to the Coast Path and her desire to help safeguard it for future generations. The funds raised will support essential maintenance, from rebuilding storm-damaged bridges to protecting ancient monuments and combating coastal erosion.

Speaking about her challenge, Sanna said: The Coast Path has given me so much over the years – it’s my training ground, my escape, and my inspiration. Now, it’s time for me to give something back. I hope to raise £2,000 to help protect and preserve this incredible trail, ensuring that others can continue to experience its beauty and challenges for years to come.”

Sanna’s record-breaking attempt is being supported by the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, which funds crucial conservation projects within the National Park.

Trust Director Katie Macro added: “Sanna’s determination and passion for the Coast Path are truly inspiring. Her challenge highlights the urgent need for funding to protect this iconic trail from the increasing threats of climate change, erosion, and declining public funding. Every donation, no matter how small, will help us continue this essential work.”

For those inspired by Sanna’s feat but not quite ready to run 186 miles, the Trust’s Wild Coast Challenge offers an alternative way to experience the Coast Path while supporting its future. This fundraising adventure invites walkers to complete the trail at their own pace—whether over weeks, months, or even a year.

By raising just £200, participants will directly contribute to conservation efforts while earning a Wild Coast Challenge t-shirt as a badge of honour for their achievement.

Further information about this can be found at https://pembrokeshirecoasttrust.wales.

To support Sanna’s record-breaking attempt and help her reach her £2,000 fundraising target, visit her JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/sanna-duthie-1729103753472.

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