BATHERS have been told they can return to the water at Lydstep Haven after warnings linked to a pollution incident were lifted.

Pembrokeshire County Council had advised people not to swim at the beach after an “abnormal situation” was declared earlier this month over concerns about bathing water quality.

Natural Resources Wales has now confirmed that the status has been lifted following repair works to a private sewerage system.

Water samples taken in the days after the repairs indicated that the bathing water was no longer being affected.

Signage warning people not to swim will now be removed by the council.

An NRW spokesperson said: “The ‘abnormal situation’ status at Lydstep Haven beach in Pembrokeshire has been lifted by Natural Resources Wales.

“The lifting of this status means that Pembrokeshire County Council is no longer advising people not to swim at Lydstep Haven.

“The private operator has carried out repair works to their sewerage system and results from several water samples taken indicate the bathing water is no longer being impacted.

“NRW is continuing its investigation into any possible regulatory breaches.”

A FUNDRAISING breakfast held at The Station House pub in Whitland has raised more than £170 for Safe Haven Homeless CIC.

The event saw supporters gather at the pub, where landlord Mike provided a dedicated area for the organisation to display leaflets and posters, sell mugs, and explain more about its plans.

Collection tins were placed on each table and organisers said several generous donations were made during the morning.

Safe Haven Homeless CIC is being set up to provide a safe location, together with a wider support package, for homeless people who are desperate to get their lives back on track.

Organisers said the money raised would go towards the group’s work and help demonstrate to grant funders that the organisation is able to raise support locally.

A spokesperson said: “We intend to fund our initial start-up costs from grant funding, and by holding events like this we show grant funders that we are capable of raising funds ourselves.”

Safe Haven Homeless is also in the process of having a website built, which is expected to include a donations portal. The front page is currently live at www.safe-haven-homeless.org.uk, with OROGO Advertising working on the full site.

Photos:

Dave, founder and general manager, with his wife Lynne; director Steve Cox; supporters at the breakfast; the display area; and The Station House, Whitland.

A NEW community café has opened in Dinas Cross, offering affordable food and drink in a welcoming space for local families, dog walkers and visitors.

Caffi Festri opened on Wednesday (May 20) under the tenancy of local chef Lydia Taylor, who is well known in the area.

Lydia previously owned and worked as chef at Tides in Newport, and has now taken on the lease at Caffi Festri with the aim of giving something back to the community which has supported her.

The café has been set up at her own expense and is intended to provide a friendly, accessible space where people can enjoy good food and drink at affordable prices.

Caffi Festri is both dog-friendly and child-friendly, with a small play corner available for younger visitors.

The café is also supporting local creativity by showcasing work from local artists and makers, including Thomas J E, a local blacksmith, and James Fels, a local painter.

Those behind the project say the aim is to create more than just a café, but a community space where people can meet, relax and feel welcome.

Caffi Festri is now open in Dinas Cross.