News
Teifi Valley pylon concerns raised in Parliament
BEN LAKE MP has urged the UK Government to make underground cabling the default method for installing new electricity grid infrastructure.
There are 4,500 miles of overhead electricity transmission lines in England and Wales. This contrasts with just over 900 miles of underground cables. ‘Undergrounding’, the replacement of overhead cables with underground cables, is used in limited circumstances, such as in nationally designated landscapes.
There have been calls for an increase in undergrounding. However, the government has pointed to several issues, including the higher cost of placing cables underground when using traditional open trenching methods. However, recent advancements in cable ploughing techniques have significantly reduced the cost of placing such cables underground, such that MPs are calling on the UK Government to adopt the method as their preferred approach to new grid infrastructure.
Green GEN Cymru is proposing a new 132kV overhead line to connect Lan Fawr Energy Park in West Wales to a new National Grid substation in Carmarthen. As part of the initial consultation process, significant concerns were raised by residents and businesses about the visual, environmental, and economic impact of the proposed overhead line – with several public meetings and campaign groups forming over recent MONTHS to oppose the proposals.
Concerns over the proposed Tywi Teifi network have previously been raised in the Senedd and last week Ben Lake MP reiterated calls for the undergrounding of transmission cables during a debate in Westminster Hall on Pylons and upgrading the National Grid.
During his speech Mr Lake stated: “What’s at heart here is this idea of just transition – of balancing the concerns of communities with the need for new infrastructure. Although definitions of just transition differ, my understanding of the concept is that it should see to bring about fairer outcomes from the transition to net zero by maximising the benefits of climate action and minimising the negative impact for communities.
“We all agree that the National Grid needs upgrading. It needs strengthening, but it is disappointing that the Government has, thus far, failed to truly consider the benefits and advantages of cable ploughing techniques.”
Mr Lake argued that installing transmission cables by using cable ploughing techniques, such as is used by a local company based in Pencader (ATP), could drastically reduce the cost and time taken to complete infrastructure upgrades.
Mr Lake added: “Cable ploughing could be a means of balancing the need for any new electricity infrastructure with the importance of minimising not only financial costs, but also unnecessary environmental impact and community opposition.”
Crime
Jailed for breaching domestic violence protection order
AMY Woolston, 20, of Vine Road, Johnston, Pembrokeshire, has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for breaching a domestic violence protection order.
On 15th May 2024, Woolston was found in the company of a man in a flat at The Farmers Arms, Market Street, Whitland, in violation of the order issued by Llanelli Magistrates Court on 10th May 2024.
The court deemed the offence serious due to the proximity to the original order and a previous breach involving the same victim. Woolston was not in custody and appeared unrepresented in court. Her total sentence length is 18 weeks.
The case was dealt with in Haverfordwest court on May 16.
News
Lease of former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse approved
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet has this week approved the transfer of the former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council.
The Cabinet approved a 21-year lease which will facilitate the Town Council’s plan to bring the premises back into use.
The future of the former Courthouse has been considered in detail, with the Town Council carrying out a public consultation on the community’s requirements, and the sites potential contribution to those local needs. The outcome of the consultation suggested that the local community wanted the building to be retained, refurbished and transformed into a multi- use centre.
Newcastle Emlyn Town Council intend to submit an application for funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund [UKSPF] in order to pay for the necessary restoration work. The funding is conditional upon the Town Council having a lease of sufficient term on the premises.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Alun Lenny commented: “The building as it currently stands is not needed for further use by the County Council and has been empty for some time. I welcome the Cabinet’s decision to approve the transfer of this asset to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council. The funding will ensure that the building is being used for the benefit of the town’s residents.
“This decision is in line with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Wellbeing Objectives: Enabling our communities and environment to be healthy, safe, and prosperous (Prosperous Communities).”
Crime
Teenagers fled from Pembroke RFC after setting spectators stand on fire
ON MONDAY (may 16) between the hours of 16:25 and 17:00, the spectators stand of Pembroke Rugby Football Club was deliberately set on fire, police have said.
Two males, aged between 17-19, fled from the club grounds immediately after the smoke plumes were noticed.
Both males were on dark framed push bikes and wearing dark coloured hooded jumpers.
Officers are asking if anyone who has any information or has witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area around these times, is asked to contact police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Quote reference: 24000446140
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
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