News

Residents outraged over Withyhedge Landfill odour crisis

Published

2 years ago

December 21, 2023

THERE is a growing crisis for those who live near the Withyhedge Landfill site – located half way between the north end of Haverfordwest airport and Scolton Manor.

Local residents have expressed deep frustration with the site’s new management, citing unbearable odours permeating the air on most days.

The controversy began following a variance order by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), allowing an additional 50,000 tons of waste from Cardiff to be dumped at the site. This has led to a constant stream of trucks and a noticeable decline in the area’s air quality.

Residents accuse Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) of deflecting responsibility, pointing fingers at NRW, a body they claim is increasingly unaccountable. The Council, however, insists it’s a matter for NRW, as the landfill is privately operated.

The situation has escalated to the point where locals, including children, are forced to live and learn in foul-smelling conditions. Despite numerous complaints to NRW and PCC, the issue persists, with many feeling their concerns fall on deaf ears.

As the problems have intensified, residents have taken to Facebook to express their anguish over the persistent and overpowering stench emanating from the site.

Adrian Pugh from Treffgarne lamented, “It’s such a lovely day to be out in the garden, but we’ve been driven indoors by the stench from Withyhedge landfill. Even with all windows shut, it’s crept into our conservatory and utility room. Yuck.” Pugh has been proactive in reporting the issue to NRW, urging others to do the same.

Andy Penton echoed the sentiment, having lodged complaints with the council, NRW, and local politicians. “The smell is just unbearable,” he stated.

Residents from surrounding areas, including Poyston Cross, Crundale, and along the A40, reported similar experiences. Paul Williams, a Poyston Cross local, mentioned, “I could smell it this morning before I went to work. It’s awful.” Elaine Brown from the same area described being almost sick driving past the landfill.

Mark Wilson highlighted the irony of the situation, “The whole place makes a joke of PCC’s recycling efforts. We recycle our waste and import all the crap from other counties.”

Sally Harries, another resident, emphasized the widespread ignorance about the volume of rubbish being brought into Pembrokeshire daily. She also raised concerns about the potential health implications, “Phoned NRW one evening at 10 pm to inform them that the smell was permeating through closed doors into our house. Horrible.”

Sue Whitehead noted the frequent movement of Atlantic Recycling lorries through the area, indicating the scale of waste transportation to the site.

The residents’ outcry reflects a deepening crisis, with the community demanding immediate and effective action to address the foul odour and its impact on their quality of life.

In response, the community plans to hold a public meeting early next year. Invitations will be extended to NRW, the management company RML, Potters Group (the site’s owners), and elected councillors. The goal is to demand immediate action and assurances for proper waste management and odour control.

Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed receiving public complaints about the landfill odours. During a joint visit with NRW officers, they reiterated their role in monitoring odour escape under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, despite NRW being the primary regulator.

The site operator has reportedly initiated a management plan to mitigate the issue. However, for many residents, these measures are too little, too late. They continue to urge affected individuals to sign a petition and report issues to NRW.

Pembrokeshire County Council said in a statement on Friday (Dec 21): “We can confirm that we have recently received complaints from members of the public relating to odours originating from the Withyhedge Landfill site.

Officers from the Council’s Planning and Public Protection Services have visited the facility this week alongside officers from Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

The site holds a permit issued by NRW and members of the public are encouraged to report any issues with odour to them; but we can confirm that officers from our Public Protection Service will be actively supporting staff in NRW by continuing to monitor odour escape from the site in nearby residential areas.

Whilst NRW is the site regulator, the Council has additional powers concerning whether odours constitute a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and our monitoring will continue on this basis.

The site operator has confirmed that a management plan has been put in place and actions are being taken on site to mitigate the situation and reduce impact on surrounding areas.

For further information please see the statement issued previously by Natural Resources Wales: https://naturalresources.wales/about-us/news-and-blogs/statements/nrw-statement-on-odour-from-withyhedge-landfill-pembrokeshire/?lang=en “

*Picture of the site during a fire in 2018* (Image: NRW)

News

Political leaders and unions react to Milford Haven school assault

Published

4 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

First Minister, MP, MS and teaching unions call for safety and support for staff

POLITICAL leaders and teaching unions across Wales have spoken out following Thursday’s assault on a teacher at Milford Haven School, which led to a lockdown, a major police response and the arrest of a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder.

The First Minister Eluned Morgan said she was “deeply concerned” by the incident and stressed that violence had no place in Welsh schools.

***Police at Milford Haven School on May 5 (Pic: Herald)***

Her comments come just days after she visited the Milford Haven campus following the school being placed into special measures by Estyn, where she met leaders to discuss improvement plans and support arrangements.

She said her thoughts were with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community, and praised the swift response of staff and emergency services.

Local MP Henry Tufnell, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, described the incident as deeply upsetting for what he called a close-knit community.

He said he was thinking of the teacher and pupils affected and thanked Dyfed-Powys Police and ambulance crews for their professionalism.

Meanwhile Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz said: “Deeply concerning news across the water in Milford Haven.

“Sadly, violence in our schools is becoming all too common, and thanks must go to the emergency services for their timely response. Thoughts are with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community.”

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies said teachers must feel safe at work and called for continued support for school staff.

Teaching unions also responded.

NASUWT said teachers “deserve to feel safe in their workplace” and that any violence against staff must be taken seriously, while National Education Union said schools must remain safe spaces for both pupils and staff and urged continued focus on safeguarding and behaviour support.

All said support would be offered to the Milford Haven school community in the days ahead as police investigations continue.

Crime

Teacher discharged as police step back from Milford Haven school after assault

Published

6 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teenager remains in custody as school closes and patrols increased to reassure community

POLICE have confirmed they are no longer stationed at Milford Haven School after a teacher was assaulted by a pupil on Thursday afternoon (Feb 5), as the injured member of staff has now been discharged from hospital.

In a joint statement issued by Dyfed-Powys Police, Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board, Superintendent Chris Neve said swift action had been taken to protect pupils and staff.

He said: “Police are no longer in attendance at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher at approx. 3.20pm this afternoon.

“I would like to reassure parents, and the wider community, that swift action was taken to both safeguard pupils and teachers, and to trace the suspect as soon as this report was received.

“The teacher has now been discharged from hospital and is being supported by specialist officers. All pupils at the location were safe, and all returned home unharmed. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

“You will see a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days – these will be dedicated patrols to provide further reassurance.”

The injured teacher was earlier taken to hospital by road ambulance.

An immediate lockdown was put in place at the school while emergency services responded. Most pupils had already left for the day, but those still on site were secured inside classrooms and offices as a precaution.

School closed on Friday

Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey said the school would be closed to pupils on Friday to allow support and safety measures to continue.

He said: “We would like to thank staff and pupils at Milford Haven School for implementing a swift and effective lockdown in response to this incident.

“While the school will be closed to pupils tomorrow, if there are any learners who require additional support they are welcome to attend and there will also be support for staff on site.

“We’d like to reassure learners and parents, along with the wider community, that all measures to ensure safety are being taken.”

The health board added that anyone needing urgent mental health support can call NHS 111 and press option 2 for 24-hour assistance.

National spotlight

The incident has drawn national media attention.

BBC News broadcast live from the school gates during its Ten O’Clock News bulletin, while ITV News and several national titles also covered developments.

Journalists from a number of UK outlets, including The Sun, contacted The Herald as events unfolded, with several Welsh and national publishers using photographs first taken by Herald reporters.

Residents said the scale of coverage was unprecedented for the normally quiet port town.

Police enquiries are continuing.

Photo caption:

Police outside Milford Haven School following Thursday’s incident (Pics: Herald).

Health

Health board targets rise in steroid and gym drug use across west Wales

Published

10 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE LOCAL health board has launched new targeted measures after recording a sharp rise in the use of steroids and other image-enhancing drugs across the region.

Hywel Dda University Health Board says needle exchange figures show significant growth over the past two years in people seeking support related to Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs), including anabolic steroids and so-called Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs).

SARMs, while marketed online as safer alternatives to steroids, are illegal to sell in the UK and health professionals warn they carry serious and largely unknown risks.

The health board has now teamed up with Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and Choices, a young people’s substance use service, to tackle what officials describe as an “emerging public health challenge”.

Workshops and outreach

Two key initiatives have been introduced.

Educational workshops are being delivered to young people, focusing on the risks of using performance-enhancing substances during physical development and the potential long-term effects on hormones, mental health and fertility.

At the same time, enhanced support is being offered to people already involved in gym and fitness culture, with harm-reduction advice, health monitoring and confidential drop-in services.

Support includes testosterone testing, blood checks, cycle provision kits and discreet one-to-one consultations.

One service user described the programme as “quick, professional and non-judgemental”.

They said: “The drop-in clinic for my blood test was really convenient. I was seen quickly and given a full run-down of the services available. The staff made me feel comfortable the whole time and I got my results back faster than expected.”

Taking support into the community

The team has also worked directly with local gyms, leisure centres and sports venues, speaking to more than 100 people during five outreach sessions.

Twelve DDAS staff members have completed specialist IPED training delivered by Public Health Wales to strengthen expertise within the service.

Rachel Wilson, Resilient Families Manager at Choices, said the aim is to reduce stigma.

She said: “We’re proud to work alongside Hywel Dda to ensure people who use IPEDs are met with understanding, not judgement. These initiatives are helping us reach individuals who may not have previously considered accessing support.”

Craig Jones, Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, added: “This work is about meeting people where they are. By listening and responding with compassion and evidence-based care, we’re making a real difference.”

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health, said the approach showed the board’s commitment to early intervention.

She said: “These initiatives reflect a proactive, collaborative response to emerging health challenges and demonstrate our dedication to protecting the health of our communities.”

Anyone seeking confidential advice or support can contact DDAS on 03303 639997 to book an appointment.