News

Tories in Wales push for action on water quality crisis

Published

7 months ago

November 4, 2023

IN AN ASSERTIVE move to tackle the escalating water quality crisis in Wales, the Welsh Conservatives have laid down the gauntlet, calling upon the Labour Government to take decisive action. The critical state of Welsh waterways, wherein a staggering 25% of all sewage discharges in Wales and England are spilling into Welsh waters, has raised serious concerns, particularly given that Wales is home to six of the UK’s top 20 most polluted rivers.

Amidst the disconcerting revelations, residents of Wales find themselves paying the second-highest water bills among the 11 water companies operating in Wales and England, a situation that has fuelled further discontent among the public.

The much-anticipated Welsh Government’s Storm Overflow Report, arriving seven months behind schedule, was intended to shed light on remedies for the persistent issues exacerbated by storm-driven sewage spills. However, in what has been deemed as a profound letdown, the report emerged devoid of any tangible recommendations.

The Welsh Conservative Shadow Climate Change Minister, Janet Finch Saunders MS, has been forthright in her criticism, lambasting the Labour Government for the report’s shortcomings and expressing alarm over the dire state of the nation’s waterways. The upcoming Senedd motion, spearheaded by the Welsh Conservatives and scheduled for debate next Wednesday, aims to establish legal-binding targets for Dŵr Cymru and Natural Resources Wales. The objectives are clear: enhance the management of overflows, intensify enforcement, and ensure that penalties are invested back into the rejuvenation of rivers and the restoration of natural habitats. Furthermore, the motion seeks to address the issue of unauthorized sewage pipes, demanding that they meet proper standards.

The motion in question delineates the pressing need for Welsh Government intervention, including the imposition of legally-binding targets to ameliorate overflows and a more rigorous enforcement strategy to ensure that fines contribute positively to environmental restoration efforts.

As the debate draws near, with proceedings set to commence at 4:30 pm on Wednesday, 8th November, the Welsh Conservative’s campaign has ignited a discourse on the pressing need for sustainable water management practices. The session, eagerly anticipated by stakeholders and the public alike, promises to set a pivotal course for the future of Wales’ treasured waterways.

The entire debate will be broadcast live, allowing the people of Pembrokeshire and beyond to witness the unfolding of what may be a landmark chapter in the stewardship of Welsh natural resources.

Crime

Jailed for breaching domestic violence protection order

Published

3 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Court Reporter

AMY Woolston, 20, of Vine Road, Johnston, Pembrokeshire, has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for breaching a domestic violence protection order.

On 15th May 2024, Woolston was found in the company of a man in a flat at The Farmers Arms, Market Street, Whitland, in violation of the order issued by Llanelli Magistrates Court on 10th May 2024.

The court deemed the offence serious due to the proximity to the original order and a previous breach involving the same victim. Woolston was not in custody and appeared unrepresented in court. Her total sentence length is 18 weeks.

The case was dealt with in Haverfordwest court on May 16.

News

Lease of former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse approved

Published

4 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet has this week approved the transfer of the former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council.

The Cabinet approved a 21-year lease which will facilitate the Town Council’s plan to bring the premises back into use.

The future of the former Courthouse has been considered in detail, with the Town Council carrying out a public consultation on the community’s requirements, and the sites potential contribution to those local needs. The outcome of the consultation suggested that the local community wanted the building to be retained, refurbished and transformed into a multi- use centre.

Newcastle Emlyn Town Council intend to submit an application for funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund [UKSPF] in order to pay for the necessary restoration work. The funding is conditional upon the Town Council having a lease of sufficient term on the premises.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Alun Lenny commented: “The building as it currently stands is not needed for further use by the County Council and has been empty for some time. I welcome the Cabinet’s decision to approve the transfer of this asset to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council. The funding will ensure that the building is being used for the benefit of the town’s residents.

“This decision is in line with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Wellbeing Objectives: Enabling our communities and environment to be healthy, safe, and prosperous (Prosperous Communities).”

Crime

Teenagers fled from Pembroke RFC after setting spectators stand on fire

Published

4 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON MONDAY (may 16) between the hours of 16:25 and 17:00, the spectators stand of Pembroke Rugby Football Club was deliberately set on fire, police have said.

Two males, aged between 17-19, fled from the club grounds immediately after the smoke plumes were noticed.

Both males were on dark framed push bikes and wearing dark coloured hooded jumpers.

Officers are asking if anyone who has any information or has witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area around these times, is asked to contact police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.