PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has launched a draft environmental strategy outlining proposals for the future of waste and recycling, street cleansing, and green spaces in the county. Members of the public are being encouraged to provide feedback on the Draft Environmental Services Strategy 2025-2030.

Over the last 20 years, the council has implemented several changes, regularly earning its place among the top-performing councils in Wales for recycling. However, a detailed analysis of household waste in 2022 revealed that 48% of materials found in black bags could still be recycled.

The new strategy proposes improvements such as introducing additional recycling streams at the kerbside and changes to residual waste collections (black bags).

Call for public feedback

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said:
“The aim of the strategy is to review the best available options for Pembrokeshire to meet its environmental aspirations of reducing waste and encouraging recycling, reuse, and repair, as well as improving the local environment.

“Considering your views is an essential part of the Council’s decision-making process, and we are open to ideas from households and businesses to help deliver the Environmental Services Strategy.”

Key priorities of the strategy

The strategy focuses on delivering four main priorities:

1. Improving prevention and reuse of resources
   • Reduce the overall waste generated per household.
   • Enhance reuse options through Waste and Recycling Centres.
2. Building on recycling performance to align with the circular economy and Net Zero goals
   • Continue meeting statutory recycling targets.
   • Expand kerbside recycling services to make recycling more accessible and promote material circularity.
   • Review residual waste collections (including the potential for four-weekly collections) to reduce waste, increase recycling income, and cut disposal costs.
3. Enhancing the sustainability of streets, beaches, and green spaces
   • Provide sustainable and cost-effective solutions to maintain and improve the quality of public spaces.
   • Boost ecological resilience with biodiversity preservation projects, habitat protection, and climate change adaptation initiatives.
4. Driving engagement and compliance through behaviour change
   • Deliver effective communication and engagement programmes.
   • Support households and businesses in recycling and waste management.
   • Encourage recycling at home, work, and “on the go.”
   • Combat enviro-crime, including fly-tipping and littering.

How to have your say

Residents can share their views by completing the online response form on the council’s website. Those who require a paper copy can call the Customer Contact Centre on 01437 764551 or email [email protected].

The closing date for responses is February 19, 2025.

A COURT has heard how two drug dealers were caught trafficking cocaine with a street value of up to £2,000 to an addict in Steynton.

On the morning of July 31, 2024, officers stopped a silver Mercedes on the A477 westbound as it travelled from Swansea into Pembrokeshire. The vehicle was driven by Leslie Thomas, 65, with dealer Adam Idris, 42, in the passenger seat.

A search of the car uncovered 13.6 grams of cocaine, with a purity of 74%, wrapped in small plastic bags. The drugs, hidden in a compartment under the driver’s seat, had an estimated street value of £1,360 to £1,700 in the Dyfed-Powys Police division area.

Officers also discovered a handwritten note containing the address of Jessie Thompson, a 30-year-old addict, who was expecting the delivery at her home in Plas Peregrine, Steynton. When police visited the property, Thompson was described as “noncompliant and intoxicated through drugs.”

Surveillance and phone evidence

Further investigations revealed that Thomas’ silver Mercedes had made two return trips between Swansea and Milford Haven on July 2 and July 24. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) checks also linked the car to journeys to Haverfordwest and Thompson’s home.

Mobile phone analyses showed 105 calls between Idris and Thompson from June 21 to June 30, with the last call made the day before the arrest. During the call, Idris asked if Thompson would be “about.” A map application on Thomas’ phone confirmed visits to Thompson’s address on July 24.

A search of Thompson’s property uncovered drug paraphernalia, including crack foil, several snap bags, and digital scales containing cocaine residue.

Debt and coercion

During a police interview, Thompson claimed she was contacted by an unidentified caller, later identified as Idris, who asked her to sell drugs.

“He’d heard that [Thompson] could shift drugs,” said prosecutor James Hartson. “She was told she didn’t have to pay up front and could sell the drugs on credit. Her debt eventually reached £6,000, which she tried to clear by selling drugs to fund her addiction. She kept a baseball bat at her home for protection.”

Sentences handed down

Idris and Thompson both pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cocaine possession. Idris also admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine. Thomas, of George Street, Neath, pleaded guilty to cocaine possession.

Idris was sentenced to 50 months in custody. Thomas received 29 months. Thompson was handed a 20-month sentence, suspended for 24 months. She was also ordered to complete 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work.

A CARDIFF-BORN teenager has admitted to the brutal murders of three young girls during a Taylor Swift-themed dance party in Southport. Axel Rudakubana, aged 18, pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday (Jan 19).

The tragic incident took place on July 29 last year at the Hart Space venue, where six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar were fatally stabbed. The party, meant to be a joyful celebration, descended into horror as Rudakubana unleashed a violent attack.

Rudakubana, originally from Cardiff but residing in Banks, Lancashire, also admitted to possessing a bladed article, namely a kitchen knife with a curved blade. Further charges included the production of a biological toxin, ricin, and possession of a terrorist training manual, highlighting the shocking extent of his criminal activity.

Troubled past

The court heard that Rudakubana, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, had a history of violent behaviour. Concerns about his conduct had been raised during his school years. He was excluded from Range High School in Formby after an incident involving a hockey stick and later attended a specialist school within Sefton borough, where staff remained alarmed by his aggression.

Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC told the court that Rudakubana had become increasingly withdrawn and refused to engage with psychiatrists following his arrest. While no mental health condition requiring hospitalisation was identified, his behaviour remained erratic. At court appearances, he refused to speak, often covering his face, and was seen smiling at the press before hiding behind his sweatshirt.

Family background

Rudakubana is the youngest son of a family who moved from Cardiff to Banks in 2013. His father, Alphonse Rudakubana, originally from Rwanda, relocated to the UK in 2002 following the country’s genocide. A profile of Mr Rudakubana in 2015 described him as a martial arts enthusiast and dedicated family man. Neighbours recalled the family as a “lovely couple” with two active young sons.

Despite a seemingly ordinary upbringing, Axel’s early years showed glimpses of promise. At 11 years old, he appeared in a BBC Children in Need advert, dressed as Doctor Who. The now-deleted footage showed him emerging from the Tardis in a trench coat, mimicking actor David Tennant.

Sentencing ahead

Rudakubana will be sentenced on Thursday. Mr Justice Goose informed him that a “life sentence equivalent” would be imposed for the murders. The case has left the community of Southport reeling and brought heartbreak to the families of the victims, who continue to mourn the devastating loss of their young daughters.