Community
49 Welsh locations crowned among best beaches in the world
KEEP WALES TIDY has today announced the Wales Coast Award winners for 2024, spotlighting the 49 coastal sites achieving the high standards required to receive a prestigious Blue Flag, Green Coast or Seaside Award.
With more and more local authorities and organisations facing pressure on reduced budgets, it is heartening to see so many continue to prioritise the delivery of the exceptional standards required to achieve these awards in the stunning coastal areas which surround our beautiful country.
Blue Flag is managed internationally by FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education) and is one of the world’s most recognised awards for beaches, marinas and boats. The programme’s mission is to promote environmental education, sustainable development of tourism, environmental management systems and ensure safety and access for beach users.
The 24 Welsh beaches achieving this accolade must adhere to specific criteria related not only to water quality, but also information provision, environmental education, safety, and site management in equal measure.
Alongside the 24 Blue Flag awards, 13 beaches in Wales were awarded the Green Coast Award which recognises their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. Green Coast Awards are ‘hidden gems’ along the Welsh coastline, exceptional places to visit and enjoy diversity and rich coastal heritage.
In addition, a total of 12 beaches, including Aberporth and Rhyl Central, also achieved the Seaside Award for the standard of their facilities and water quality.
This continued recognition of our stunning Welsh coastline is due once again to the huge effort of staff and volunteers at sites across Wales, and a shared drive to protect and preserve our natural landscape in the face of increasingly challenging circumstances.
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “Wales boasts some of Europe’s finest beaches and water quality, and the global recognition of our coastline is a true reflection of the dedication and hard work of so many people, today we celebrate the announcement of 49 winners for the Wales Coast Awards 2024.
“With 24 Blue Flag awards, 13 Green Coast Awards, and 12 Seaside Awards, I commend the dedication to preserving our pristine coastal environments.
“As we celebrate in this achievement, let us also heed the call to protect and preserve our coastal treasures. Let’s ensure that we leave nothing but footprints, allowing these breathtaking spaces to be enjoyed for many generations to come.”
Owen Derbyshire, Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive said: “We’re delighted to see another successful year of Coast Awards here in Wales, with 49 stunning locations recognised among the world’s best.
“Achieving these prestigious awards means meeting rigorous standards put in place to ensure the safe enjoyment of visitors now and in years to come. This success is testament to the hard work of all involved in maintaining and enhancing the natural beauty of our Welsh coastline.”
A full list of awards can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website here
Community
Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles
MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.
The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.
The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.
In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.
The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”
The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.
The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.
Community
Choir to sing at ten bandstands in one day for Alzheimer’s charity
Côr Meibion De Cymru will begin its South Wales challenge at Milford Haven before finishing in Cardiff
A WELSH male voice choir will sing at ten bandstands in one day as part of an ambitious charity challenge across South Wales.
Côr Meibion De Cymru, the South Wales Male Choir, will begin its Ten Bandstands Challenge at The Rath in Milford Haven at 7:00am on Sunday, May 31.
The choir will then travel east, performing short concerts at Tenby, Carmarthen, Kidwelly, Llandeilo, Neath, Barry Island, Penarth and Newport before finishing at Victoria Park in Cardiff at around 8:00pm.
The event is being held in aid of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, with organisers aiming to raise £5,000.
The choir says the challenge is intended to create a “red wave of singing” across South Wales, while celebrating the Welsh male voice choir tradition and showing that it remains a powerful part of Welsh cultural life.
The full schedule is:
Milford Haven, The Rath: 7:00am to 7:20am
Tenby, Castle Hill: 8:25am to 8:45am
Carmarthen, Carmarthen Park: 9:55am to 10:15am
Kidwelly, Parc Y Bocs: 11:00am to 11:20am
Llandeilo, Penlan Park: 12:30pm to 1:00pm
Neath, Victoria Gardens: 2:00pm to 2:20pm
Barry Island, Friars Road: 3:55pm to 4:20pm
Penarth, Windsor Gardens: 5:10pm to 5:30pm
Newport, Belle Vue Park: 6:35pm to 6:55pm
Cardiff, Victoria Park: 7:50pm to 8:10pm
Organisers say timings may vary slightly depending on traffic on the day.
The challenge is being promoted as a celebration of music, community and Welsh identity, while raising money for a cause that affects families across Wales.
More information and donations are available through the choir’s JustGiving campaign.


Community
Police issue A477 crash appeal after five taken to hospital
FIVE people were taken to hospital, three with serious injuries, following a collision on the A477 between Llanteg and Red Roses on Sunday (May 24).
Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 5:00pm and involved a grey Honda Civic i-VTEC and a white Kia Soul 2.
A 23-year-old man has been arrested and remains in police custody.
Officers are appealing for anyone who was driving on the A477 at around the time of the collision, or who may have dash-cam footage of either vehicle before the crash, to come forward.
Police said visitors to Pembrokeshire who may not know the area should check their route in case they were travelling along the A477 at the relevant time.
Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Quote reference: 326 of May 24.
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