Community

Heavy rain leads to flood alerts and closed roads in Pembrokeshire

Published

10 months ago

February 21, 2024

FOLLOWING a night of heavy rain, Natural Resources Wales has issued a series of flood alerts for multiple areas across Pembrokeshire, as adverse weather conditions have led to rising river levels, posing a significant risk of flooding to low-lying lands and roads.

The Eastern Cleddau catchment is currently experiencing river levels above the normal, triggered by a period of adverse weather affecting the region. Authorities warn of expected flooding in low-lying areas and roads, urging the public to remain vigilant. Natural Resources Wales has committed to continuous monitoring of the situation and encourages residents to keep abreast of developments via the ‘River Levels, Rainfall and Sea Data’ available on their website.

Similar conditions have been reported along the north and west coasts of Pembrokeshire, where the adverse weather has resulted in elevated river levels. The risk of flooding to low-lying areas and roads persists, with continuous monitoring promised by Natural Resources Wales.

In south Pembrokeshire, particularly concerning is the situation around the River Ritec in the Salterns area of Tenby. Due to restrictions at the tidal outfall, river levels are likely to remain high for several days. The public may notice a slight rise in river levels with each high tide, heightening the flood risk in the area.

Moreover, the Western Cleddau catchment is bracing for a period of adverse weather expected to commence from midnight. Forecast rainfall is anticipated to cause river levels to rise above normal on Wednesday, 21st February, leading to potential flooding of low-lying lands and roads.

Natural Resources Wales has reiterated its commitment to monitoring the evolving situation across these regions closely. Residents are strongly advised to utilise the ‘River Levels, Rainfall and Sea Data’ on the Natural Resources Wales website to monitor local conditions and prepare accordingly.

With the forecast predicting continued adverse weather, the agency underscores the importance of staying informed and ready to respond to any emergency instructions. The public’s safety remains a top priority as these weather-related challenges continue to unfold across Pembrokeshire.

Roads affected in the county today are as follows

A40 between Haverfordwest and Wolfscastle is currently closed due to flooding.
Rosemarket River has burst its banks and the surrounding roads are barely passible
B4318 Gumfreston also currently closed due to heavy flooding with no indication of
reopening times.
Reports of disruption due to rainfall between from The Troopers Inn to Llangwm
Reports of high levels of surface water to roads in around Crackwell Holiday Park, Tenby

Community

Wales’ fire services respond to 26 Christmas incidents last year – stay safe!

Published

12 mins ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FIREFIGHTERS across Wales attended 26 incidents on Christmas Day last year, according to figures obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service recorded the highest number of incidents with 21, while South Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended three, and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service responded to two.

SIX-YEAR OVERVIEW

Over the past six Christmases, Welsh fire services responded to 147 incidents on Christmas Day:

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service: 77 incidents
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service: 52 incidents
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service: 18 incidents

Incidents by Year:

2018: 18 incidents
2019: 27 incidents
2020: 27 incidents
2021: 27 incidents
2022: 22 incidents
2023: 26 incidents

COOKING AND CHRISTMAS TREES

Cooking appliances were a leading cause of fires during the festive period, with 22 incidents recorded over six years. These included incidents caused by burnt food, built-up grease, and igniting fat.

Cooking-Related Fires by Year:

2018: 2
2019: 4
2020: 2
2021: 5
2022: 6
2023: 3

In addition, three incidents over the same period involved Christmas trees as a contributing factor:

2018: 1
2019: 1
2020: 1

SAFETY REMINDERS

Josh Edwards, who analysed the data, highlighted the importance of staying vigilant about fire safety during Christmas.

He said: “If you’re going away for Christmas or leaving your home unattended, fire safety should be a top priority.”

Key Fire Safety Tips Include:

Unplug festive lights and decorations when unattended.
Switch off heaters, ovens, and chargers before leaving.
Keep kitchen counters and stovetops clear of flammable items.
Test smoke alarms and replace batteries if necessary.

Taking these precautions can help reduce the risk of fires over the festive season.

Pic: Herald

Community

Pembrokeshire town 4G phone mast plans withdrawn

Published

6 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)