News

Call for action over ‘foam’ pollution in Milford Haven waterway

Published

3 years ago

April 22, 2023

A BURTON resident is drawing attention to the pollution in the Milford Haven estuary, claiming that misinformation has been circulating regarding the pollutant responsible for the foam that has been observed in the river.

Beavis Musk says that he has been advised that certain parties with business interests around the River Cleddau and Milford Haven have been suggesting that the foam is being diluted by the volume of water in the river and the Haven.

Musk argues that the foam-causing pollutant needs to be identified and addressed to prevent further harm to the environment. He claims that agencies responsible for monitoring pollution have not been diligent enough in identifying the chemical and its source.

Musk told The Pembrokeshire Herald that the presence of the pollutant was reported to the authorities six months ago, and it is their statutory responsibility to react swiftly and diligently to control pollution incidents.

The pictures taken by Musk yesterday show the detergent foam swirling to the East of the Nato Jetty at Burton Ferry. This was about 45 minutes before low water, meaning that the detergent had taken between 6 and 12 hours to reach the area shown, on the flood and then the ebbing tide.

Musk says that the foam is persistent and stable, and that dilution is not preventing it from coating and building on the mud and beaches.

Naomi Lawrence, Head of Customer and Engagement at National Resources Wales (NRW), has responded to Musk’s claims, stating that NRW and Professor Ormerod, who was referenced in Musk’s email, were clear in all previous correspondence that no possible conclusions could be drawn as to the cause of the foam until an appropriate investigation had been concluded.

Lawrence claims that Professor Ormerod’s correspondence explicitly pointed out that the foam could be natural or caused by surfactants.

Despite initial analysis indicating that the foam was likely to be natural, subsequent analysis did find detergent present, and NRW has taken numerous additional samples to try and trace the source of the pollution. Lawrence has written to Musk to clarify this.

Musk highlighted that the alleged pollution in the Milford Haven estuary is a serious issue that requires urgent attention.

He said: “Action to be taken to prevent further harm to the ecosystem.

‘The authorities must work together to identify and address the source of the pollutant responsible for the foam in the river. Failure to do so could have devastating consequences for the environment and the wildlife that rely on it.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

10 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

10 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

10 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.