Community

Night-time cockle quests spark community concerns

Published

3 years ago

October 26, 2023

Concerns have been reignited in Saundersfoot over the activities of cockle pickers, as locals reported an influx of individuals gathering shellfish during the early hours of the morning on Glen beach. County councillor for the village’s south ward, Cllr Chris Williams, expressed his worries after several complaints were made last month about the late-night activities of these shellfish gatherers.

“I reported this matter to the police along with the concerned resident and the fisheries department,” Cllr Williams said. “My concerns were that, in my view, they shouldn’t fish late at night through to the early hours.”

One of the primary worries expressed by residents was the possibility of these activities turning into illegal commercial fishing. Cllr Williams shared the response he received from local authorities on the matter, highlighting that while picking cockles after dusk is illegal, there was no substantial evidence to prove that this was commercial cockle gathering.

The response noted, “The persons who caused the most complaints (those of east Asian origin) prefer razor, mussels, and clams to cockles so I can count on one hand those that were actually gathering cockles. Asian groups do generally attend in family groups for a day out on the beach and, as it traditional, they pick food for a meal later on. This is not illegal.”

Despite these reassurances, Cllr Williams continued to raise concerns flagged up by locals, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance. He has persistently highlighted the issue, and his advocacy has led to multi-agency operations in Saundersfoot. The collaborative efforts involved local law enforcement, Fisheries, Rural Crime Officers, Port Health, Border Force, and the Gangmasters Labour Abuse Authority. Pembrokeshire County Council also actively participated, especially from a food safety perspective.

It is important to note that last year, the Welsh Government conducted a consultation on cockling regulations. The government moved to make it a criminal offense to commercially gather cockles from any public cockle bed in Wales without an ‘All Wales’ cockle permit. Commercial gathering was defined as the removal of more than 5 kg of cockles from a fishery in a single day.

The situation highlights the delicate balance between cultural traditions and legal regulations. While the law is clear about illegal cockle picking after dusk, it is crucial for authorities to distinguish between traditional family activities and potentially illegal commercial operations. Local residents, alongside vigilant councillors like Cllr Williams, play a crucial role in ensuring that the line is not crossed, preserving both local traditions and legal boundaries.

As authorities continue to monitor the situation, residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the police or the fisheries department, maintaining the community’s proactive stance in preserving the natural beauty and legality of Saundersfoot’s beaches.

Community

Fire service sets out new flood response plan for Mid and West Wales

Published

4 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

AROUND 31,000 properties across Mid and West Wales are at risk of flooding, according to figures released as part of a new fire service response strategy.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has completed a major engagement process to shape how it deals with future flooding incidents.

The work brought together operational crews, partner agencies and community representatives through a series of “Flooding Balanced Room” workshops.

The service said the aim was to make sure all voices were heard equally while developing practical options for prevention, response and recovery.

Nearly 24,000 properties in the service area are at risk from river flooding, while more than 7,000 are at risk from tidal flooding.

The service attends around 300 water rescue and weather-related flooding incidents each year.

Officials say flooding is becoming more frequent and more serious because of climate change, including heavier rainfall and prolonged weather events.

Recent data also shows a clear seasonal pattern, with the highest number of flooding incidents taking place between October and February.

The third quarter of 2025/26 was the busiest for flooding incidents since 2017/18, while February 2020 and November 2025 recorded the highest monthly levels of flooding activity.

The workshops produced four key priorities: prevention first, collaboration and partnership, enhanced specialist capability, and learning and continuous improvement.

Eleven initial options were narrowed down to five main areas.

These include better public education, community flood groups, improved flood messaging with partner agencies, more staff training, improved welfare and PPE for firefighters, better vehicles and technology, and stronger post-incident support for communities.

Proposals include using flood awareness in home fire safety checks, improving training scenarios, increasing the number of qualified water incident managers, expanding drone use, and using climate data to plan future fleet and equipment needs.

The options have now been assessed, with recommendations presented to the service’s Executive Leadership Team.

The plans will feed into the service’s future flooding strategy and its Community Risk Management Plan 2040.

Iwan Cray, Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The Flooding Balanced Room process has highlighted the importance of collaboration.

“By listening to our staff, partners, and communities, we’ve created practical, forward-thinking solutions that will strengthen our ability to prevent and manage flooding in Mid and West Wales.

“Together, we can build a safer, more resilient Wales.”

Community

Vintage tractor tour sets off from Pembroke Dock for Ireland

Published

7 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIFTY-three vintage tractors left Pembroke Dock Ferry Port on Saturday (May 2) as part of a long-running tractor tour to Ireland.

The group boarded the ferry for the latest stage of an exchange which has been running since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

Organiser Alun Mason said: “The Tour of Ireland has been ongoing since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

“A large contingent travelled from Ireland and continue to do so every other year, with our visit this weekend and the Irish tractors due to visit in 2027.”

Some of the tractors taking part travelled from as far as Burry Port, Bridgend, Llandrindod Wells, Llandovery and Ceredigion before gathering at the ferry port.

The event brought together vintage tractor enthusiasts from across Wales ahead of the crossing to Ireland.

Pictured are organisers Jo Richards and Alun Mason, and the group waiting to embark at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port.

Vintage tour: Jo Richards and Alun Mason with tractors at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port (Pic: Martin Cavaney).

Community

Volunteers praised as Rath paddling pool gets summer makeover

Published

7 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Questions raised over new netting as community pitches in to prepare popular spot

VOLUNTEERS have been praised for their efforts to get Milford Haven’s Rath paddling pool ready for summer – but a new addition has sparked debate among locals.

A group of residents, including Caroline Jones, Derek Abbott, Jordy, Tina Hawkins and Isla, were pictured this week installing colourful netting along the fence surrounding the pool.

The work forms part of ongoing efforts by the community to clean, maintain and improve the popular splash area ahead of the warmer months.

Caroline explained the netting had a practical purpose as well as an aesthetic one.

She said: “It’s partly to try and prevent some of the grass cuttings getting into the pool but also to brighten the area up.”

Others suggested it could also help reduce the amount of litter blowing into the water – an issue that has been raised in previous summers.

The efforts were widely welcomed online, with many residents thanking those involved for giving up their time.

One commenter wrote: “A bit of praise for these volunteers who give our little ones a bit of enjoyment at the paddling pool. Well done all.”

Another added: “Well done and thank you everyone.”

Some questioned the need for the netting, with one resident saying: “I don’t understand the netting around the pool. It looked lovely as it was.”

The Rath paddling pool is a well-used facility during the summer months, particularly by families with young children, and relies heavily on volunteer support to keep it clean and operational.

Local groups, including TipTop Wheelies, are understood to be involved in helping prepare the site for the season.

Despite mixed views on the netting, the overwhelming response has been one of appreciation for those working behind the scenes to keep the facility open.