Community
Pembrokeshire residents decry inaction over Withyhedge Landfill stench
RESIDENTS near a smelly landfill site are still up in arms over the continued environmental and health impacts of the site.
Since its purchase by David Neal in 2022, Withyhedge Landfill has transformed from a waste disposal site into a source of noxious gases, significantly impacting the surrounding communities.
The crisis reached a peak in October 2023, when the landfill reportedly turned into a “toxic gas factory,” following an incident where harmful gases began to emanate freely from the site. Despite repeated complaints and incident reports filed by residents, the Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has yet to take effective action.
In November 2023, David Neal publicly declared his intent to be a “good neighbour.” However, locals have experienced the opposite. They report a relentless increase in waste trucks and the illegal dumping of 44,000 tonnes of non-conforming waste. Complaints include severe odours, burning eyes, headaches, breathing difficulties, and heightened anxiety, all linked to the toxic emissions from the landfill.
Residents feel abandoned by NRW, whose enforcement actions have been described as ineffective. Over the past ten months, thousands of incident reports have been submitted, documenting the unbearable conditions and pleading for intervention. Yet, NRW’s response has been negligible, leading to growing frustration and anger among the affected communities.
A critical analysis of NRW’s “Enforcement and Sanctions Policy” reveals a systemic failure to prioritise public health over economic growth. According to the policy, enforcement actions are supposed to be proportionate and aimed at preventing harm. However, residents argue that the lengthy assessment processes and reluctance to apply sanctions have only allowed the problem to worsen.
On 15 May 2024, it was reported that Dauson Environmental Group’s Withyhedge landfill faces action from both NRW and Pembrokeshire County Council after continued odour complaints. Following the expiry of a February NRW enforcement notice, Pembrokeshire has received legal advice recommending a claim for ‘public nuisance at common law.’ The council is currently studying a response from Dauson, owner of operator Resources Management Limited (RML), before deciding on an injunction.
NRW’s notice had given 5 April as a deadline for Withyhedge to comply, but a council report stated that “the malodour” had persisted. RML was due to complete planned works “in alignment with the deadline of the current notice,” but said it was unable to provide updates until NRW had completed its assessment.
NRW has since issued a second enforcement notice, requiring further actions by 14 May. It will assess whether these have been carried out this week, noting that the operator’s decision to cease accepting waste from 14 May “in no way impacts the deadlines set in the notice.” NRW officers on-site and in local communities will study odour emissions and conduct a full-site inspection to assess compliance with the permit. NRW’s head of south-west operations, Huwel Manley, acknowledged the investigation could take some time, understanding the “strength of feeling and growing impatience among people living and working in the surrounding communities.”

The group also remains embroiled in political controversy regarding a £200,000 donation made to First Minister Vaughan Gething for his successful Labour leadership campaign. An unsuccessful Senedd motion, proposed by Conservatives, called on Gething to appoint an independent investigation into conflicts of interest. Conservative Andrew RT Davies highlighted that Dauson director David Neal’s criminal convictions for environmental infringements were “a matter of record.”
Davies noted that the campaign donations had broken no rules but the perception of such “substantial moneys” entering a leadership campaign had caused “considerable disquiet.” Neal stated that Dauson supported Gething’s campaign as part of its commitment to investing in the future of the country, maintaining that donations were detailed in the company’s financial reports. Neal asserted, “Regardless of the support the Dauson Environmental Group has provided Vaughan Gething, we have not engaged with him or his ministerial department regarding any of our business plans or applications, and we would not expect him to have any involvement or influence in decisions on these matters.”

Labour’s Parliamentary candidate Henry Tufnell was in Crundale last month, two days after NRW’s enforcement deadline, where the foul odour was still present. He reported that residents were “incredibly angry” and told him that they had simply given up reporting the odour issues to NRW because it was not making any difference in resolving the problem. The NRW website indicated that as of last week they were assessing compliance on the landfill site.
Henry Tufnell said: “I have written directly to NRW, calling them to action. It is deeply concerning that the stink from the Withyhedge landfill site is still blighting the lives of so many Pembrokeshire residents after the recent enforcement deadline from NRW has passed.
“The time for half measures is over – NRW must take immediate and decisive action.”
Local residents are demanding more stringent enforcement and accountability from NRW and the Welsh Government. They argue that the current system allows companies like David Neal’s to operate with impunity, jeopardising public health and environmental safety.
“We deserve more than this,” stated one local resident. “We will not accept the status quo created by NRW.”
As the situation escalates, the affected communities continue to call for immediate and decisive action to halt the pollution and restore their right to a safe and healthy environment.
The ongoing crisis at Withyhedge Landfill highlights significant flaws in regulatory policies that prioritise economic growth over environmental protection. With growing public outcry and mounting health concerns, it remains to be seen whether NRW and the Welsh Government will step up to address these urgent issues and protect the wellbeing of Pembrokeshire residents.
Community
Snow and ice warning issued for Pembrokeshire as temperatures plunge
PEMBROKESHIRE is set for a wintry spell this week, with the Met Office issuing a yellow warning for snow and ice covering the whole of Wales from 12:00pm on Wednesday until midnight on Thursday.
Cold air moving south on strong northerly winds is expected to bring frequent showers across the west, with some turning to sleet and snow as they push inland. Higher parts of the county — particularly the Preseli Hills and areas above 200 metres — are expected to see the most significant snowfall.
According to the Met Office, some places at lower levels may see only brief flurries, but where showers persist 2–5cm of snow could settle, with up to 10cm possible in a few upland spots. Icy stretches are likely overnight as temperatures dip below freezing.
Gusty winds and occasional hail are also possible, which may make conditions challenging on exposed routes such as the A487, A478, and minor roads around the Preselis, Haverfordwest, Maenclochog and Crymych.
Travel disruption expected
Transport services could be affected, with delays to bus routes and longer journey times on untreated roads. Drivers are being urged to plan ahead, allow extra time and check for local closures.
There is also a risk of slips and falls on untreated pavements, particularly during the morning school run and evening commute. Power cuts are considered unlikely but remain a possibility in more rural parts of the county.
Safety advice
Motorists are encouraged to carry warm clothing, food, water and a phone charger in case of disruption, and to ensure their vehicle is fully prepared for winter conditions.
For those heading out on foot, main road pavements are likely to be less slippery than side streets. Cyclists are advised to stick to primary routes where treatment is more likely.
Residents are also reminded that weather warnings may change at short notice, and the Met Office advises keeping up to date with the latest local forecast.
Business
Goodwick salon celebrates triple win at national awards
A GOODWICK hair salon is celebrating after scooping three major honours at a national ceremony in London.
Michelle Summers Davies, owner of MD Hair in Goodwick, Pembrokeshire, was named winner of Best Colour Salon, Best Boutique Salon, and Best Customer Service at the Salon Awards – an annual event recognising excellence and innovation across the UK hairdressing industry.
The awards are judged regionally by experienced industry professionals, with entries assessed on technical ability, creativity, client care and the overall salon experience.
Michelle’s salon impressed judges with its high standards, customer focus and consistent delivery of high-quality results.
Speaking after the ceremony, she said: “I am over the moon to receive these awards as they reflect years of passion, hard work, and dedication from our entire team. It’s a true celebration of our craft, our creativity, and our community. Thank you to our clients for supporting us every step of the way – we will continue delivering outstanding experiences for our clients.”
The Goodwick stylist is also a finalist for Wales & South West Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards, which take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane next week.
Michelle has worked in the industry for more than thirty-five years and has been part of the Matrix UKI artistic team for nineteen years, contributing to national campaigns and salon education across the UK. She has also worked on the hair teams for the National Television Awards and The X Factor.
Community
Côr Meibion De Cymru deliver moving Concert of Remembrance in Tenby
A THOUGHTFUL and deeply moving Concert of Remembrance was held at St Mary’s Church in Tudor Square, Tenby, on Friday, November 7 at 7:00pm, as Côr Meibion De Cymru performed a gala event in aid of the Tenby Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
At the hour of seven, the church was full – but the choristers’ seats remained empty. The musical director and accompanist were not yet in place. As the rain eased outside, the building fell into complete silence and the atmosphere tightened with anticipation.
Then, breaking the stillness, two Scottish bagpipers struck up in the courtyard. Moments later, the doors of St Mary’s were flung open and the choir, musical team and flag bearers were triumphantly piped down the aisle to their positions. It was an electrifying opening that set the tone for the evening.

One of the choir’s newer members remarked afterwards: “I’ve never been piped into a concert by Scottish pipers before – it was thrilling, emotional, magnificent. I want to do it again next year.”
Dispensing with customary introductions or formalities, the choir opened instead with the poignant line: “To fallen soldiers let us sing” – the beginning of The Mansions of the Lord. It was a fitting tribute for a concert devoted to remembering those who gave their lives for others.
The pipers, who travelled from Goodwick and Portsmouth, generously waived their usual fees to support the Poppy Appeal.

Under the expert leadership of Musical Director Elaine Robins, the choir delivered a rich and sensitive programme spanning Welsh hymns, musical theatre, opera and contemporary works by Welsh composers – a hallmark of their reputation.
The choir were joined by accompanist D Huw Rees, whose arrangement of This is the Moment from Jekyll and Hyde provided one of the evening’s highlights. The piece was performed by the choir in 2024 at the Royal Albert Hall during the Welsh Association of Male Choirs’ massed choir event.
Guest performers Goodwick Brass Band, under conductor Joshua Ruck, delivered an energetic and varied programme. Their sets featured talented young soloists, including trombonist Ianto Evans, and drew a warm standing ovation from the audience.

Before the Act of Remembrance, compere Phil Howells, Vice President of Côr Meibion De Cymru, read a written message of appreciation and support from the choir’s royal patron, HM King Charles III. The Act of Remembrance brought a solemn and dignified close to the evening.
Côr Meibion De Cymru thanked all who attended and supported the concert, reaffirming their commitment to uplifting communities through choral music.
As a renowned touring choir, Côr Meibion De Cymru is currently welcoming new members, including experienced choristers from other male choirs seeking opportunities to perform in larger and more prestigious venues.
The choir’s next appearance will be at the Principality Stadium on 29 November, where they will perform on the pitch ahead of the Wales v South Africa rugby match under the baton of their President, Dr Haydn James.

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