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Opponents to wind turbine scheme say eyesore will be ‘seen across most of county’

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THREE near-500-foot wind turbines, proposed as part of plans to develop a green energy scheme in north Pembrokeshire, could be seen by most of the county, opponents have said.

Trecwn Green Energy Hub, developed by Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy, is the company’s first green hydrogen project to be announced in the UK.

In plans announced late last year, it is hoped that part of the site at Trecwn Valley will soon be leading the way in making environmentally-friendly fuel for buses, HGVs, trains, and industry in Wales.

Trecwn Green Energy Hub would generate approximately three tonnes of green hydrogen a day, powered by three industrial wind turbines and a solar array.

The former Royal Navy Armaments Depot (RNAD) site at Trececwn comprises of 1,100 acres, with 56 underground tunnels and a collection of former MoD buildings.

Following that, local concerns were raised at a series of public information events.

On March 29, Statkraft said it has made changes to its initial proposal

“following feedback from local communities, stakeholders, and the wider public,” adding an Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report has now been submitted to Planning and Environment Wales.

It says the proposed development would comprise three turbines with a height to blade tip of up to 149.9m, with a combined generating capacity of around 15MW. The solar panel generating capacity is also expected to be around 15MW.

Statkraft said, as a result of local feedback, the project team is now considering two options for the site and has made changes to the project boundary for the solar farm.

The first option for the Trecwn Green Energy Hub, which was presented during the early engagement, was chosen for accessibility reasons, in particular the distribution of hydrogen for transport and industrial use.

The second option, which has been included in the scoping report, moves components further away from residential properties.

The final preferred location will be informed by the results of the Environmental Impact Assessment.

The area being considered for solar panels has been reduced, moving it further away from several neighbouring properties.

The 42 hectares being considered as part of Statkraft’s initial plans will be further reduced to roughly 28 hectares in the final proposals, and the layout will avoid high quality agricultural land, in line with the priorities of the Welsh Government.

It is hoped that green hydrogen generated at Trecwn will be used to power trains running on railway lines west of Swansea.

It could also power Pembrokeshire Council’s fleet of refuse collection vehicles and local buses, or local factories and businesses.

Local community group Say No to Statkraft in Trecwn reacted to the release of the scoping report, saying the three proposed 149.9m (492ft) wind turbines would be sited on a ridge some 200m above sea-level, giving them a total height of 349.9m (1,148ft).

“These would be far higher at blade tip than the nearest natural feature of Mynydd Dinas, which is 258.1m (847ft). They will also be lit with red aviation lights.”

The group says Statkraft’s Zone of Theoretical Visibility diagrams show “they would be clearly seen by a large part of Pembrokeshire, as well as outside the county”.

It added: “It’s quite staggering to see just how visible they would be, and not just from high ground. Given their very close proximity to the internationally highly prized Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, as well as many Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), it beggars belief that Statkraft could have picked this location in the first place, especially when the closest market for their product, hydrogen, is most likely at Milford Haven.”

The group made reference to a recently-rejected scheme in the south of the county.

“In January the Welsh Government’s Minister for Climate Change, Julie James, rejected plans for three 126m (413ft) turbines at Rhoscrowther in South Pembrokeshire. This site is close to highly-industrialised Milford Haven, and these smaller turbines, at sea-level, would have been barely visible outside of the area.

“It was, though, an excellent win for the wonderful Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales, as they succeeded in protecting a nearby conservation area at Angle.

“Surely, then, this Welsh Government decision sets a precedent?

“The Rhoscrowther turbines would be nowhere near as visually intrusive, as these planned for a ridge above Fishguard.”

The group says there is “little chance of Statkraft abandoning plans for the three turbines,” or the solar array as “their selling point for the hydrogen plant is that it would largely be powered by wind and solar”.

It also says the proposal would lead to very few local jobs being created, finishing by saying: “Lots of pain for North Pembrokeshire and beyond, and very little gain.

“It would make far more sense to move this scheme closer to the Milford Haven area, rather than have 15-plus HGV movements a day transporting the hydrogen to where it may be needed, and building gigantic industrial turbines in such a beautiful landscape.”

A spokesperson for Statkraft responded: “Statkraft’s early engagement on Trecwn Green Energy Hub has allowed us to make significant changes to our emerging proposals, in direct response to the feedback received from local community These include looking at an alternative site for the electrolyser, and changing the proposed boundary of the solar farm.”

The spokesperson added: “The Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) map illustrates the theoretical visibility of the wind farm, based on what is referred to as a ‘bare earth’ model. It does not account for screening effects provided by woodland, vegetation, and buildings, which reduce the extent of visibility.

“We will be producing visualisations to provide an understanding of the potential visual impact of the project, to be presented as part of our consultation activities.

Engagement

Mícheál Ó Broin, Senior Project Manager at Statkraft, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has engaged with us, and shared their thoughts and ideas for Trecwn Green Energy Hub. It’s really encouraging that over 80 per cent of people who returned the feedback form were either strongly supportive or supportive, and to see the project recognised in the Senedd, which I think demonstrates a real appetite for green energy production in across Pembrokeshire and in Wales more widely.

“Where possible, we’ve responded to some of the key issues raised by making changes to the proposals, which are reflected in the scoping report.

“The project team will be busy over the next few months, carrying out studies and surveys and reflecting the results in the detailed proposal, which we look forward to sharing later this year.”0 (29).jpg

Image Caption: Trecwn Green Energy Hub, developed by Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy

Charity

Emergency food parcels in Wales top 170,000 as child hunger rises

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Trussell Trust warns of ‘wake-up call’ for government as 60,000 parcels go to children

MORE than 170,000 emergency food parcels were distributed across Wales last year by food banks in the Trussell Trust network—equivalent to one every three minutes. The charity says the scale of demand is a damning indictment of a broken welfare system and is calling on both the Welsh and UK governments to act urgently.

Of the 171,673 parcels issued between April 2024 and March 2025, over 60,000 were for children. That figure—60,158—represents a 16% increase in child food parcels compared to five years ago.

While the total number of parcels issued in Wales has fallen slightly—down 9% from the previous year—the Trussell Trust says need remains “persistently high” and warns that the situation for families is worsening. The number of parcels going to households with children has risen by 19% since 2019/20, with a notable 8% increase for children under five.

Many food banks are now reporting “heartbreaking” levels of hardship. Some parents are skipping meals to feed their children, while others are opening food parcels and eating immediately upon receiving them.

Andrew Butcher from Taff Ely Foodbank said: “We are witnessing a significant and growing number of individuals and families turning to our food bank for support—all struggling to afford the essentials. Sadly, food donations are not keeping pace with this increasing demand.
“No one should have to rely on charity to eat. While we remain committed to pushing for systemic change to eliminate the need for food banks altogether, community support remains vital.”

According to Trussell, over 420,000 people in Wales now face hunger and hardship. Disabled people remain disproportionately affected: three in four households referred to Trussell food banks report having at least one disabled member.

The charity is urging the next Welsh Government to commit to ending the need for emergency food as part of a wider anti-poverty strategy. This includes investment in affordable housing, improved access to employment and childcare, and a “cash-first” approach to financial crises.

Trussell is also calling on the UK Government to update Universal Credit to ensure all households can meet basic living costs. It has criticised proposals to cut disability benefits, warning such changes could push even more people into hardship.

Jo Harry, Trussell Trust’s Network Lead in Wales, said: “Thousands of children, families, disabled people, and older people across Wales relied on emergency food in the past year. A generation has now grown up seeing food bank use as normal.
“With Welsh elections less than a year away, all political parties must take a stand and commit to reducing the need for food banks.
“Ending hunger must be a priority if we want to improve public services, grow the economy, and build a better Wales.”

Members of the public can support local food banks by donating food or funds. To find out how many food parcels were distributed in your area, visit: campaign.trussell.org.uk/parcels-by-postcode

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News

Car fire closes Market Street in Haverfordwest

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FIREFIGHTERS were called to tackle a vehicle blaze in the centre of Haverfordwest on Monday afternoon (May 19).

The incident occurred at around 2:50pm on Market Street, where a car was reported to be alaze.

A crew from Haverfordwest Fire Station responded swiftly and brought the fire under control within half an hour. The road was temporarily closed while emergency services dealt with the situation.

A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 2:51pm, firefighters from Haverfordwest attended a car fire on Market Street. The vehicle was well alight on arrival. One hose reel jet, a thermal imaging camera, small tools and a breathing apparatus set were used to extinguish the blaze.

“The crew left the scene at 3:24pm.”

No injuries were reported.

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Education

Excellent progress on the construction of new lower school building at Portfield School

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PUPILS from Portfield School have had the exciting opportunity to leave their mark on history as work continues at pace at their fantastic new school.

The pupils attended an event to mark the reaching of the highest point of the new building, traditionally known as the ‘topping-out’ ceremony. The event gave pupils a chance to sign one of the first steel beams, and leaving handprints on a wall, symbolising their role at the heart of the school community and the bright future ahead.

The event was hosted by Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd and was attended by staff, pupils, governors, senior Council officers and officers from the project team to celebrate the key milestone.

Headteacher Sarah Hartley said: “We were thrilled to involve our pupils in this important moment. The new building represents a new chapter for Portfield School, and it’s wonderful that our children could be part of its foundations.”

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, Cllr. Guy Woodham, said that he was extremely pleased at the progress being made.

“Whilst I was unable to attend the event myself, my colleagues have shared with me their experience of the event, and the excellent progress being made on the new building at the school.

“This development will provide much needed modern, inclusive accommodation for the learners, and I am particularly pleased that the project remains on budget, and on programme, which means that Portfield School will be in a position to move into the building in December 2025.”

Following their visit, pupils made the following comments: “We had to wear protective clothing before entering the building site. Being able to write my name on one of the walls in the new building was really cool. I am very grateful to have been chosen to write my name in the new build it is extremely cool. Even though I am leaving this year my name will be there for ever.”

“Oh it was fun! I put my hand in paint and then put it on the wall.”

The project is being funded by Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council as part of the Sustainable Communities for Learning Capital programme.

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