News

Foam pollution on River Cleddau raises concerns with locals

Published

3 years ago

July 11, 2023

INCREASING volumes of foam have become highly noticeable on the River Cleddau in recent days, sparking worries about potential pollution. Mr. Bevis Musk, a concerned citizen, reached out to Ms. Clare Pillman, Chief Executive of Natural Resources Wales (NRW), and Prof. Steve Ormerod to bring their attention to the matter.

In his email dated 19th June 2023, Mr. Musk expressed his belief that the foam may have an organic origin, evident from its thick and three-dimensional appearance. The foam has a creamy white colour with a distinct brown shade, reminiscent of foams derived from algal blooms. Mr. Musk suggested that the warmer weather and rising water temperatures are likely contributing factors.

Despite the diligent efforts of NRW’s Lloyd Ayris, the definitive chemical composition and source of the anionic detergent foam remain unknown. Mr. Musk highlighted that NRW has been aware of this pollution since November 2022, leaving ample time for analysis over the past seven months. To distinguish between the new foam and the anionic detergent foam, Mr. Musk recommended determining the relative chemical constituents of both types of foam.

In a gesture of assistance, Mr. Musk volunteered to oversee the necessary analyses at no cost, provided NRW provides the required resources to support Mr. Ayris.

In addition to the foam pollution, Mr. Musk shared new evidence gathered from conversations with local anglers. They reported unusually low fish catches, and in some cases, no catches at all. While acknowledging that this evidence may be considered anecdotal, Mr. Musk emphasised that the comments were unsolicited and coincided with his own observations of a lack of wading birds feeding on exposed mud during low tides. These observations suggest a potentially significant impact on delicate marine habitats and the associated food chains.

Expressing dissatisfaction with what he perceives as NRW’s inefficient allocation of resources, Mr. Musk called upon the organisation to fulfil its duty of protecting natural resources. He specifically addressed Ms. Pillman, reminding her that he has written directly to her as the CEO, and expressed the expectation of receiving a response from her.

Photographs taken on 17th and 18th June clearly show the foam in the form of distinct “rafts,” displaying a cream and brown colouration. This differs from the previously observed sparkling white, almost two-dimensional foam.

NRW is currently conducting investigations into the foam pollution, with laboratory results from Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) analysis expected to be available next week. Additional sampling for detergent in the Havens saline environment is scheduled for August, and NRW has indicated their willingness to arrange a meeting with Mr. Musk to discuss the findings in person.

The foam pollution on the River Cleddau and its potential environmental impact continue to raise concerns, as NRW strives to identify the source and implement appropriate measures to safeguard the river’s ecosystem.

Community

Concern grows after claims of illness linked to Pembrokeshire sea swimming

Published

1 minute ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PARENT SAYS CHILD WAS ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL AFTER SWIM AT TENBY

CONCERN is growing across Pembrokeshire after a social media post claiming a child became seriously ill following a swim in the sea at Tenby prompted hundreds of comments and renewed anger over sewage pollution affecting Welsh coastal waters.

The post, shared in a Tenby Facebook group, said a boy who swam in the sea on Tuesday (May 6) later developed severe sickness and diarrhoea before being admitted to hospital.

His parent wrote: “We visited Tenby this week Monday-Thursday. My son swam in the sea on the 6th and the next morning came down with terrible sickness and diarrhoea — he’s been very unwell since and has tonight been admitted to hospital.”

They added: “It’s terrible we can’t swim in our seas and rivers safely anymore. Please be aware.”

The post has attracted hundreds of reactions and dozens of comments, with many expressing sympathy for the family and others sharing their own concerns about water quality around Pembrokeshire.

One commenter wrote: “This is a national disgrace, please put in a written complaint to Dŵr Cymru and Natural Resources Wales.”

Another said: “Why were there no signs put up on the beaches to warn people it was unsafe to swim in?”

Several people claimed they or family members had suffered illness after swimming in the sea at different locations, including Tenby, Amroth, Newgale and Coppet Hall.

One commenter alleged: “I got sepsis from a cut in Newgale surfing. Took six weeks in hospital and seven months recovery and still not right to get over it.”

Another wrote: “Please check with your son’s doctors regarding E.coli and a condition called HUS, which can develop from E.coli. My daughter swam at Amroth in 2022 after a sewage incident in the area and became seriously ill.”

No medical evidence has been published linking the latest reported illness directly to seawater exposure, and there is currently no official confirmation that conditions at Tenby beaches caused the child’s illness.

However, the discussion has intensified scrutiny over sewage discharges and pollution incidents affecting Welsh bathing waters.

Lydstep warning

The debate follows a recent warning issued at Lydstep Haven after Natural Resources Wales informed Pembrokeshire County Council of an “abnormal situation” which could temporarily affect bathing water quality.

A post shared by Pembrokeshire County Council said officers from its Pollution Control Team had installed warning notices at various locations around the beach temporarily advising against bathing while the matter was under investigation.

Some commenters questioned whether visitors were being given enough warning, particularly during busy holiday periods.

One wrote: “Why aren’t there any warnings to holiday makers and visitors to our local area? It’s not fair that they find out information after someone becomes ill.”

Another said: “There should be notices and announcements on the beaches if there is an outage.”

Others pointed out that Surfers Against Sewage’s water quality app was not showing an active alert for Tenby itself, with one commenter suggesting that some online posts may have confused the current Lydstep warning with previous NRW pollution notices affecting Tenby beaches.

Protest planned

The online row comes less than a week before a Surfers Against Sewage paddle-out protest at Broad Haven.

Campaigners are due to gather at Broad Haven beach on Saturday, May 16, at 1:30pm, as part of a UK-wide day of action calling for an end to sewage pollution in rivers and seas.

Surfers Against Sewage says communities across the UK will take to the water, shorelines and riverbanks with one demand: to end sewage pollution.

The charity has said: “We are sick of it. Sick of the lies, sick of the greed and sick of a system that’s rigged against us.”

A large banner has already been placed on the Broad Haven seafront encouraging people to attend the protest.

Tourism fears

The issue has also reignited wider concerns about the possible impact on Pembrokeshire’s tourism industry.

One commenter wrote: “Not very good for a holiday destination is it.”

Another said: “Tourism will be massively affected by incidents like this, and people’s health and lives are being put at risk.”

Others called for stronger action from Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire County Council and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water.

The Herald has approached Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire County Council and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water for comment.

Community

Milford Haven remembers those lost at sea

Published

1 hour ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

National Fishing Remembrance Day marked by Port

MILFORD HAVEN came together on Sunday (May 10) to remember those who have lost their lives at sea.

The Port of Milford Haven joined the Fishermen’s Mission, Stella Maris – Apostleship of the Sea and members of the local community for a National Fishing Remembrance Day service at St Katherine’s and St Peter’s Church.

The service was followed by a gathering at the Fisherman’s Memorial on The Rath, where those who never returned home from the sea were remembered.

Canon Chancellor John Cecil and Reverend Paul Osunyikanmi led what was described as a moving service of remembrance.

The Port of Milford Haven said it was honoured to take part in the event, paying tribute to fishing families and the wider maritime community.

The annual day of remembrance holds particular significance in Milford Haven, a town with deep fishing and seafaring roots.

Local Government

Jonathan Grimes becomes 647th Mayor of Pembroke

Published

2 hours ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

JONATHAN GRIMES has said he is “incredibly proud and deeply honoured” after becoming the 647th Mayor of Pembroke.

Cllr Grimes, county councillor for Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, thanked those who had placed their trust and confidence in him.

He said: “With the support, commitment and dedication of Pembroke Town Council and our wonderful community, I am confident we can meet every challenge together, celebrate our successes, and continue building a brighter and more inclusive future for Pembroke.

“It is a true privilege to serve as Mayor, and I look forward to working alongside the people of Pembroke in the months ahead.”

Cllr Grimes said he was also looking forward to attending this afternoon’s service at St Mary’s Church in Pembroke for the Blessing of the Bells.

He added that he hoped to meet as many people as possible as the town celebrates the return of the historic bells.