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News

Local firefighters turn to treated sewage water amid drought concerns

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FIRE crews in mid and west Wales have been pioneering a new method to battle flames using sewage water. The idea is in response to droughts compromising their emergency responses

The water, disinfected with ultraviolet light, offers a sustainable alternative to depleting drinking water supplies.

Traditional firefighting methods have burdened local water resources. With looming threats of water shortages, Welsh Water emphasizes the need for services to adapt swiftly.

The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is at the forefront, piloting the use of wastewater. Their decision comes after confronting problematic low water reserves last year due to severe drought conditions.

In a historical context, all of Wales was designated as drought-affected by September 2022, marking the driest spring and summer the nation has seen in over a century and a half. This prompted a hosepipe ban in areas like Pembrokeshire and parts of Carmarthenshire, although water levels did rebound by 2023.

Luke Jenkins, a crew manager in Milford Haven, reflected on the troubling experiences. “Last year highlighted the increasing unreliability of water sources. Though we depend on a robust network of hydrants, when it falters, our challenges multiply.”

Modern fire engines typically hold up to 1,800 litres (395.9 gallons) of water. Drawing such significant amounts can inadvertently reduce water pressure in smaller communities.

Iwan Cray, the Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Mid and West Wales Fire, revealed growing interest in their initiative from other UK fire services. “We’re charting new territories with this approach. Notably, southern UK regions, often grappling with water shortages, are keenly observing our progress.”

Mark Davies of Welsh Water, championing sustainable practices, said, “Even in a rain-rich country like Wales, we must optimise our water usage. As we strategise for the next quarter-century, enhancing our water resources remains paramount.”

News

Iconic Pembrokeshire hotel goes up for auction

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For decades The Starboard Hotel has wined, dined and hosted countless visitors from its enviable position overlooking the Milford Haven waterway.

Now, after its doors have remained closed for several years, there is a chance that the Starboard Hotel will once again be brought back to its former glory after being put on the market with local estate agents FBM, Milford Haven.

The five storey, end-of-terrace property at 21 Hamilton Terrace enjoys panoramic views of the estuary and still retains much of its former retro decor and architectural features.

The iconic building spans five storeys comprising a bar, restaurant and disco with hotel accommodation consisting of 11 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, nine reception rooms and a self-contained flat.  It also has an enclosed garden to the rear.

“The Starboard Hotel is a property in a prominent position which offers endless opportunity,” commented FBM estate agents.

“The property has long been a cherished and memorable landmark within the community, evoking nostalgia and happy memories for so many people who have passed through its doors over the years.”

The Starboard Hotel has been set  at a guide price of £135,000 prior to being sold at auction. 

To view the property or to find out further details, contact the FBM office on 01646 691011.  Some  parts of the property have fallen into disrepair to the rear of the building, resulting in viewings having to be accompanied at all times.

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Crime

Steynton woman sentenced for abusive tirade against neighbour

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A STEYNTON woman has been sentenced after launching a foul-mouthed, xenophobic rant at her neighbour, telling her to “f*** off back to England”.

Linda McCann, 70, said she was left distressed by the language used by Lisa Thomas during the incident, which took place at around 2:00pm on August 2, 2024.

“Hearing the foul language that she used towards me – language that everyone in the street could hear – was very distressing,” Mrs McCann told Haverfordwest magistrates during Thomas’s trial.

“Lisa told me to f*** off back to England. And that’s not nice.”

The confrontation occurred after Mrs McCann and her husband returned from shopping in Iceland, Milford Haven, and began unloading frozen food into a garden shed freezer at their property on Honeyhill Grove, Lamphey.

“I came outside to find out what it was and thought my neighbour had possibly thrown a glass bottle or something at my shed,” said Mrs McCann. “But then I could see that it was shingle that had been thrown from Lisa’s landing window. Lisa then opened the window and shouted stuff out at me.”

CCTV footage captured by Mrs McCann’s motion-sensor camera was played in court, in which Thomas could be heard shouting:
“You want to stick your fingers up at my 11-year-old daughter, you stupid old c***? You stupid little nonce. F*** off back to Birmingham and f*** off back to England.”

Thomas, who has since moved to Plas Peregrine, Steynton, was found guilty of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

She was sentenced to a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £300 in prosecution costs and a £26 victim surcharge.

In addition, a two-year restraining order was imposed, prohibiting Thomas from contacting Mrs McCann, referencing her on social media, or entering the Honeyhill Grove estate in Lamphey.

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Crime

Lorry driver caught almost three times over limit after domestic row

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A LORRY driver who made the “life-changing” decision to drive away from a domestic dispute while almost three times over the legal alcohol limit has been banned from the road.

John Roberts, 51, was stopped by police on Pembroke Road, Haverfordwest, on the evening of August 24 after officers spotted his Audi A3 being driven erratically. A roadside breath test proved positive, and a further test at the police station showed he had 94 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard this week that Roberts, of Fountain Row, Haverfordwest, had been visiting Pembrokeshire with his partner. At the time of the offence, he was living in Barry and working as a lorry driver.

Probation officer Julie Norman told the court: “As a result of a domestic incident at the property, the defendant made the decision to leave in the Audi. Shortly afterwards, he was stopped and breathalysed.”

The court heard that Roberts had voluntarily surrendered his driving licence to the DVLA following his arrest.

Crown prosecutor Sian Vaughan told District Judge Mark Layton that this was Roberts’ third conviction for drink-driving, with previous offences in 2000 and 2007.

“This shows you have a disregard for other road users,” Judge Layton told Roberts.

Roberts was disqualified from driving for 28 months and handed a 12-month community order. As part of the order, he must complete ten rehabilitation activity requirement days and 120 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs.

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