Community

Withyhedge Landfill protest to take place later today

Published

12 months ago

January 25, 2024

THE quaint village of Spittal is bracing for a significant gathering as locals join forces against the Withyhedge Landfill issue. Spearheaded by Colin Barnett and the activist group ‘Stop the Stink’, a three-hour protest is scheduled today (Thurs, Jan 25) at the Spittal Village Hall between 4 and 7pm.

This grassroots movement seeks to intensify the outcry over the landfill’s detrimental effects.

Colin Barnett, a key figure in the campaign, emphasised the peaceful yet assertive nature of the protest. “Our health has been sidelined for too long. We demand accountability from landfill regulators and local authorities,” Barnett stated.

In recent months, the campaign has gained traction, with numerous residents voicing their distress over the landfill’s impact on health and the environment. Today’s protest is pivotal in escalating these concerns and compelling action.

Protestors are encouraged to bring signs and share personal narratives linked to the landfill’s impact. More than just a protest, this event symbolises a community united by a shared cause.

“This is about our right to a healthy living environment,” Barnett adds, urging affected individuals to participate. “Every voice is critical in this struggle.”

Residents describe the landfill’s odour as a “stink bomb on steroids,” with complaints about its reach extending up to five miles. The issue has reportedly worsened since October.

Residents like Derek Harries, coping with COPD, report the odour pervading homes miles away. Declan Kehoe, a 30-year resident, likens it to amplified stink bombs from childhood. Rebecca Evans from Crundale described an unbearable weekend stench akin to rotting rubbish.

Concerns extend beyond odour to environmental impacts, such as increased truck traffic and potential river contamination. Despite these grievances, RML insists the odours, resulting from delays in capping a waste cell, pose no harm to people or the environment. They express deep regret and commitment to future prevention.

RML, now owned by Cardiff-based Dauson Environmental Group, handles 250,000 tonnes of waste annually at Withyhedge. Scrutiny arises from a past incident where RML’s director was convicted for illegal waste dumping.

Natural Resources Wales acknowledges the community’s frustration, confirming compliance with an enforcement notice but noting limited impact. They are investigating potential permit violations and planning a public meeting next month.

Pembrokeshire Council, while recognising NRW’s regulatory role, asserts its powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to address statutory nuisances like odours, promising continued monitoring.

Today’s protest at Spittal marks a crucial juncture in this ongoing environmental and health concern, with the community’s voice at its heart.

For updates, the public is directed to the ‘Stop the Stink’ Facebook page.

Community

Grieving family’s aim to protect young drivers in memory of daughter

Published

3 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Road Safety Team have worked in partnership with the family of a young woman killed in a road traffic collision to launch an intervention for young drivers in our County and beyond.

Ella Bee’s Story aims to prevent further deaths on the road, particularly among the 17 to 25-year-old age group, and concentrates on the Fatal 5, peer pressure, driver behaviour and how to reduce the risks both as a driver and passenger.

Twenty-one year-old Ella Smith was killed in a road traffic collision on the Broad Haven road in 2021 and her family are bravely telling their story of the night it happened and the aftermath of losing Ella.

Two drivers involved in the collision were jailed for ten years each having been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The intervention was launched recently and will be available to all schools and young peoples’ groups in the County, along with Pembrokeshire College.

The Road Safety Team worked closely with the family to put together the intervention which includes the production of two videos that can help educate all young drivers, and any adults with young drivers in the family.

Following the launch Ella’s mother Maria said: “We as a family and Ella’s best friends have worked tirelessly with Pembrokeshire County Council to produce a presentation on road safety to be delivered to schools, colleges and youth groups to educate young drivers on the devastating impact that losing Ella has had on us all.

“Ella your legacy will live on and you will forever be remembered for helping others even now.”

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “The launch of Ella Bee’s Story was incredible moving. Ella’s family has been incredibly brave in their determination to ensure her tragic death is not in vain and this project will help other young drivers stay safe on our roads.”

For further information about how your school or youth group can access Ella Bee’s Story please email [email protected]

Community

Storm Éowyn upgraded to ‘danger to life’ amber warning for Wales

Published

4 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MET OFFICE has upgraded its weather alert for Storm Éowyn to an amber warning, signifying a “danger to life” as strong winds and heavy rain approach Wales and other parts of the UK. The warning is in effect from 6:00am to 9:00pm on Friday, covering northern Wales, Northern Ireland, northern England, and southern Scotland.

Strong winds and widespread disruption

The amber alert warns of winds reaching 60-70 mph inland and up to 90 mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground. The Met Office advises that flying debris poses a risk to life, while power cuts, travel disruption, and property damage are highly likely.

Road, rail, air, and ferry services are expected to face delays and cancellations. Homes and businesses may also sustain structural damage as the storm progresses.

Areas in Wales under amber warning:

Conwy
Denbighshire
Flintshire
Gwynedd
Isle of Anglesey

Alongside the amber alert, two yellow warnings for wind cover all of Wales on Friday, lasting from midnight Thursday to midnight Friday. A separate yellow warning for rain is also in effect from midnight to 9:00am on Friday, predicting 15-25 mm of rain across much of Wales and 40-60 mm in higher elevations. The heavy rainfall may lead to surface water flooding in some areas.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Storm Éowyn will move across the northwest of the UK on Friday, clearing northeast by Friday night. This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with a brief reduction in wind strength as the storm’s centre passes over certain areas. Winds will then increase rapidly before gradually easing later on Friday.”

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updates as the storm approaches.

Community

Mid and West Wales Fire Service backs Register My Appliance Week

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is supporting Register My Appliance Week (January 20–26) to help households stay informed about appliance safety and product recalls.

Millions of UK households are unaware of critical safety updates for their appliances, with over 40 million large appliances still unregistered. From brand-new purchases to second-hand machines, registering appliances ensures owners are alerted to any safety issues, extending their safe usage.

In the past year, MAWWFRS responded to 163 incidents involving white goods. Home Fire Safety Manager Wayne Thomas said:

“We all value how appliances have transformed our lives, but it’s essential to register them. Doing so is quick, free, and ensures you’re informed if a safety repair is needed. Just a few minutes spent registering can help you enjoy your appliances safely.”

The Register My Appliance portal, run by AMDEA, connects users with over 70 leading brands and accepts registrations for both new and older appliances.