News
Calls to stop Cardiff landfill waste being dumped locally
A CALL to take immediate action to stop landfill waste from Cardiff being “dumped” at Pembrokeshire’s Withyhedge landfill site is to be heard later this week.
Residents who have been campaigning for action to be taken against the odours from the Withyhedge landfill site, to the north of Haverfordwest, say the smell is like ‘a stink bomb on steroids’.
The site is operated by Withyhedge Landfill (Resources Management Ltd) (RML) and has permission to deposit 250,000 tonnes of waste a year.
The Pembrokeshire County Council ePetition, by Colin Barnett of the Stop the Stink group, attracted 628 signatures in just under two months, meeting the threshold for a debate at council.
The petition, to be heard at the March 7 meeting, says: “We call on Pembrokeshire County Council to take immediate action to stop landfill waste from Cardiff being dumped onto this site and ensure all companies engaged with landfill waste to this site are rigorously inspected to gain significant improvement to air and odour quality that fully meets local residents’ expectations.
“Since the new owners have started operating from the Withyhedge landfill site they have increased the volume of waste dumped on this site by accepting an additional 50,000 tons of Cardiff residents waste to this site.
“Local residents now experienced a severe deterioration in their quality of life and as they are plagued by acrid and fetid air quality which is so putrid that it severely restricts their right to enjoy full and unrestrained use of their property and gardens.
“Residents all too frequently find themselves shut inside their properties with windows closed in an attempt to stop the smell from permeating into their house. Local hospitality businesses are also experiencing a reduction in trade due to the stench customers are faced with when they arrive.”
In a joint statement issued yesterday, March 4, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Public Health Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council said they will ensure capping of a waste cell causing significant odour issues at Withyhedge Landfill happens as swiftly and safely as possible.
The public bodies are working with the site operator to monitor air quality in response to increasing health concerns from the local community. Results are expected to start being received mid-March.
Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “We recognise the impact of odours on the local community coming from the Withyhedge site and we understand the level of concern this has caused.
“Since before Christmas our officers have been working closely with colleagues from lead organisation NRW to assess the incidence of odours from Withyhedge. Officers from our Planning and Public Protection teams have visited the site alongside NRW colleagues and engaged with the operators.
“I assure you a lot of work is continuing in the background and all public bodies have reconfirmed their commitment to ensuring a long-term solution to the problems as soon as possible.
“As partners we have also committed to continue engaging with the local community and updating on the situation going forward.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
-
News2 days ago
Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route
-
Top News6 days ago
Pembrokeshire man jailed after repeatedly punching pregnant wife
-
Education3 days ago
Home Education: Delays and missed opportunities risk further tragedy
-
Top News6 days ago
Police investigate dogs seen persistently chasing sheep on Pembrokeshire airfield
-
Top News6 days ago
Milford man dealt ‘persistent’ blows on girlfriend after urinating in flat
-
News7 days ago
Engine room fire caused by loose fuel pipe connection previously flagged
-
News6 days ago
Children seen kicking and ‘egging’ doors near Pembrokeshire train station in early hours
-
Top News7 days ago
Caws Cenarth ‘matriarch’, Thelma Adams, dies aged 86