Community

‘Stop the Stink’ protesters confront landfill site owner at public meeting

Published

11 months ago

January 27, 2024

IN the shadow of the Withyhedge Landfill near Haverfordwest, a determined crowd of protesters, donned in high-visibility vests and fueled by deep-seated frustration, gathered on Friday (JAN 26) to challenge the ongoing issues emanating from the site.

The “Stop the Stink” protest, a community-driven response to the overwhelming odour and environmental concerns, marked a significant escalation in public outcry.

The protest, organised by local activist Colin Barnett, witnessed an impactful moment as protesters infiltrated a ‘meet the team’ session, directly confronting David Neal, the owner of the Withyhedge landfill site.

Neal, facing a barrage of questions from the floor for 45 minutes, acknowledged the public’s concerns regarding the odour and its adverse effects on the community’s health and wellbeing.

Residents expressed their anguish over the unbearable stench from the landfill and the increased traffic of trucks witnessed in recent months.

Neal revealed that the site was receiving waste from Cardiff, with some Pembrokeshire waste being transported back, a revelation that added to the residents’ frustrations.

Amidst the heated exchange, Neal proposed the possibility of funding sensors to monitor air quality, not just around the landfill’s perimeter but also in the most affected communities.

The protest underscored the community’s dissatisfaction with the responses from Resources Management UK Ltd (RML) and their communication team, Grasshopper, who were notably absent during the confrontation.

This meeting precedes the crucial “Stop The Stink” public meeting scheduled for February 28 at Spittal School, where the landfill’s progress and future strategies will be scrutinised.

Recalling the earlier articles I wrote, this ongoing issue has been a source of distress for local residents for months. The odour, described as a “stink bomb on steroids,” has been a persistent problem, with the smell of rotting rubbish infiltrating homes miles away. The severity of the situation is magnified by health concerns, with residents like Derek Harries, suffering from COPD, finding the stench pervading their homes.

RML’s attempts to rectify the issue have been met with skepticism, especially given the historical context of company director David John Neal’s previous legal troubles over illegal dumping. The community’s trust in the landfill’s management and the regulatory body, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), remains fragile.

The upcoming public meeting will be a pivotal moment for all stakeholders, including NRW, local politicians, and Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC), to address the community’s grievances. The lack of a comprehensive monitoring system for the odour’s toxicity, not just its intensity, remains a significant concern.

As Pembrokeshire grapples with this environmental and public health crisis, the “Stop the Stink” movement represents more than just a protest against a foul odour. It’s a call for accountability, transparency, and, most importantly, a sustainable solution to a problem that has plagued the community for far too long.

*Protestors condemn pollution from site (Image: BBC News Hub)*

Community

Pembrokeshire town 4G phone mast plans withdrawn

Published

2 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for a replacement 20-metre-high 4G phone mast tower in north Pembrokeshire, which the local town council says would have “an unacceptable adverse impact” on the national park’s beauty have been withdrawn.

In an application before Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Cellnex, through agent Telent, sought permission to replace an existing 10m high mast with a new 20m 4G tower with three Vodafone antennae and nine mast head amplifiers, and associated works, on land at Dwr-y-Felin Farm, Fford Bedd Morris, Newport.

The application for a 4G mobile base station for the mobile network operator(s) (MNOs) Vodafone Ltd in conjunction with Cornerstone. The application site is owned / operated by Cellnex UK, a radio site infrastructure provider.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “The proposed antenna height of 20m is essential to provide new 4G coverage and replacement 2G and 3G service provision to the surrounding area. 4G radio signals are more sensitive to physical obstructions than older technologies.

“This is because the higher the frequency band the greater the reduction in signal strength, increasing the likelihood of dropped calls and reduced data rates for internet browsing,” adding: “Generally, the higher the signal frequency the more it will be impacted by clutter. It is for this reason that there is the height of 20m is required.”

It went on to say it “should be noted that a radio base station within this location has already been considered acceptable and has become an established feature within the area and the proposed upgrade albeit different in design to support the latest equipment will not be of substantial or detrimental harm to the national park, conservation area or heritage assets”.

Newport Town Council had objected to the application, saying: “The proposed development (if approved in its current form) will have an unacceptable adverse impact on the qualities and special landscape and seascape character of the National Park and also on the special qualities of natural beauty and tranquillity.”

The application has now been withdrawn.

Community

Castle Ward Pupils Lead Anti-Social Behaviour Art Mural Project

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST HIGH VC SCHOOL welcomed a visit from County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who expressed his full support for the pupils’ efforts in tackling anti-social behaviour through an innovative Art Mural Project.

Councillor Tudor, representing the Castle Ward, highlighted the significance of the project, noting the area’s past struggles with anti-social behaviour in central commercial zones. “Engaging with pupils to address this issue through art is an extremely exciting venture,” he said.

The project has received a boost with £750 in funding secured from the Youth Bank initiative. Councillor Tudor commended the Youth Workers for their successful funding application, describing it as “a great achievement.”

The mural, spearheaded by pupils from the Youth Room and Haverfordwest High VC School, aims to inspire and engage the community while addressing a vital issue. “This exciting and innovative project will undoubtedly capture the imagination of those involved and reach out to all concerned,” Councillor Tudor added.

The initiative is set to bring a creative approach to community engagement and highlight the power of art in fostering positive change.

Photo caption: Castle Ward inspiration: Councillor Thomas Tudor supports the Art Mural Project (Pic: Suppled)

Community

Tips for coping with Mental Health challenges this Christmas

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CHRISTMAS is often described as the “most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, it can be a challenging period that impacts mental health. Whether due to stress, loneliness, or financial strain, the festive season is not always a time of joy for everyone. To support those struggling this Christmas, Mind Cymru has shared carefully considered advice to help navigate the season.

Why Christmas Can Be Challenging

For some, the holiday season can feel overwhelming:

Stress and Expectations: The pressure to celebrate amidst personal challenges.
Difficult Memories: Reflecting on the past or worrying about the new year.
Financial Strain: Rising costs making the season harder to enjoy.

Sue O’Leary, Director of Mind Cymru, explains:

“Christmas is a time to celebrate, but it can also be a time of year where our feelings are magnified, and not always in a positive way. Sometimes there are other, less joyous things going on in our lives that make taking time out to be ‘merry and bright’ feel like less of a celebration and more of a challenge. There are so many reasons why someone might not feel like celebrating this Christmas, and we just wanted to remind everyone that it’s ok to feel this way and that there is support available for anyone who may be struggling with their mental health over the festive season.”

Tips from Mind Cymru

Mind Cymru has shared the following tips for managing mental health over Christmas:

Looking After Yourself

Be patient with yourself; it’s understandable to find Christmas difficult.
Set boundaries and say no to things that aren’t helpful.
Take time out to focus on non-Christmas-related activities.
Remember: the season won’t last forever.

Talking to Others

Let people know if you’re struggling.
Access online communities, like Mind’s Side by Side service, for support.
Communicate how others can help and what activities you’re comfortable with.

Managing Relationships

Plan responses to potentially difficult questions ahead of time.
Discuss budgets and schedules with family to reduce stress.
Maintain distance if you must be around people you’d rather avoid.

Planning Ahead

Prepare items that help you feel comfortable, especially in unfamiliar settings.
Avoid triggering environments if possible.
Check the opening hours of key services you may need during Christmas.
Ensure you have enough medication to last the holiday period.
Plan something enjoyable for after Christmas to look forward to.

Where to Find Support

If you’re struggling this Christmas, help is available:

Mind Helplines: Visit www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/ (closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day).
Side by Side Online Community: Available 24/7 at https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/.
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (freephone). The Welsh language line is open daily from 7pm to 11pm.
SHOUT Crisis Text Service: Text SHOUT to 85258, available 24/7.
Coping with Money Worries: Visit the Mind website for advice.