News

Urgent review demanded over regulator’s handling of landfill site

Published

7 months ago

June 22, 2024

AN “urgent review” is required into the actions of the environmental regulator following a barrage of complaints concerning the controversial Withyhedge landfill site, according to the Welsh government. This call to action follows a damning investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches programme, which aired on Friday, alleging improper waste management practices at the site.

Residents living near the Withyhedge landfill site, located near Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, have likened the overwhelming stench to “a stink bomb on steroids.” Their complaints reached a crescendo as the Dispatches programme brought to light accusations that unsuitable waste, including vials of blood, had been disposed of at the landfill.

Despite the allegations, the company operating the site has vehemently denied these claims, stating that no unsuitable waste has been placed in the landfill. The company has, however, apologised to the local community for the persistent odour issues.

dispatches on channel four: watch from 15 mins 50 seconds in

National Resources Wales (NRW), the country’s environmental watchdog, has stated it is actively working to address the concerns. However, the spotlight has intensified on David Neal, the firm’s director, who has a history of environmental offences. Neal, who has been convicted twice for environmental crimes, is embroiled in controversy over a £200,000 donation from his company to the leadership campaign of First Minister Vaughan Gething. Neal received a suspended prison sentence in 2013 for illegally dumping waste on a conservation site and faced prosecution again four years later for failing to remove the waste.

First Minister Gething has consistently maintained that the donation rules were adhered to. However, the Dispatches programme’s claims have reignited scrutiny over Neal’s operations and his relationship with the Welsh government.

One anonymous former employee, who worked as a driver for Neal’s company between 2020 and 2022, alleged that recyclable materials, including tyres and syringes, were not sorted as required but instead were dumped directly into the landfill. The whistleblower also mentioned materials known to produce hydrogen sulphide, such as plasterboard, being improperly discarded.

Another ex-employee revealed that medical waste, including vials of blood, was delivered to the site daily. A third former worker corroborated these claims, adding that leachate—a contaminated liquid produced by landfill sites—was not correctly disposed of but was instead placed in holes in the ground. This leachate, the programme reported, could contribute to the hydrogen sulphide smell and pose environmental risks if it leaches into surrounding areas.

Public Health Wales has disclosed that its monitoring detected hydrogen sulphide levels at the Withyhedge site during March and April that exceeded World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. Officials advised residents to keep their doors and windows closed when the odour is present and to seek medical help if they feel unwell.

In response to the Dispatches programme, a Welsh government spokesperson highlighted NRW’s responsibility to ensure landfill operators comply with stringent environmental and legal standards. “Given the serious nature of the issues raised by the programme, we have asked NRW to urgently review what action it took to investigate and address the complaints raised directly with it since 2020,” the spokesperson stated.

Senedd leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, expressed frustration over the prolonged issues at Withyhedge. “The evidence and allegations put forward last night in the Channel 4 programme regarding the first minister’s donor’s company cannot be ignored and urgent action must finally be taken,” he said.

Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, questioned First Minister Gething’s judgement in accepting a substantial donation from Neal, a convicted polluter. “Last night’s programme raises further serious questions about Vaughan Gething’s judgement in accepting a large donation from David Neal,” Iorwerth said. He also criticised the Welsh government for only now requesting an urgent review from NRW, despite longstanding concerns about Neal’s operations.

Gareth O’Shea of NRW responded by stating that the regulator has been gathering information to decide if further enforcement action is necessary. “Since the odour issues at the site were first identified in late October 2023, our priority has always been to ensure the operator takes the action required to remediate the most likely source of those odours as quickly as possible,” O’Shea said. He assured that NRW has maintained a significant regulatory presence on site and will continue to collaborate with Pembrokeshire County Council and Public Health Wales to address the issues at Withyhedge Landfill.

The operator of Withyhedge landfill reiterated its denial of dumping inappropriate materials, apologised for the odours, and highlighted its significant financial investments aimed at resolving the site’s issues.

As the Welsh government and NRW move forward with the urgent review, the residents of Haverfordwest and the surrounding areas wait anxiously for concrete actions to address the longstanding environmental and health concerns posed by the Withyhedge landfill site.

Community

Landfill odour sparks calls for inquiry and legal action

Published

38 mins ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS near Withyhedge landfill in Haverfordwest are demanding a public inquiry and considering legal action after foul odours returned just weeks after the site reopened on 6 January.

The landfill, closed last May to address odour issues, was declared fit to reopen by operator RML, which claimed its improvements would protect nearby communities. However, Colin Barnett, of campaign group Stop the Stink, said: “People in Crundale, Haverfordwest, and Spittal are being subjected to horrendous smells again.”

Describing the site as a “stink bomb on steroids,” Barnett supported Conservative MS Paul Davies’ calls for a public inquiry. “We’ve been flanneled by NRW, public health, and Pembrokeshire council. It’s disgraceful,” he said, adding that delays in resolving the issue had left litigation as the only option.

RML, part of Dauson Environmental Group, is owned by businessman David Neal, who has previous convictions for environmental crimes in 2013 and 2017. Last year, another of Neal’s companies pleaded guilty to environmental offences.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) reported receiving 34 complaints since 6 January, with a rise in recent days coinciding with the end of a slurry-spreading ban. However, NRW stated no odours attributable to the landfill were detected and plans to inspect the site with Pembrokeshire council on 29 January.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “I’ll keep a very close eye on this, and if concerns persist, we’ll discuss further steps with NRW.”

RML and the Welsh Government declined to comment.

Crime

Killer Axel Rudakubana removed from court after outburst during sentencing

Published

45 mins ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

AXEL RUDAKUBANA, 18, of Cardiff, was removed from the dock at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday (Jan 23) after launching a shocking outburst during his sentencing for the premeditated murders of three young girls. The court heard harrowing details of his attack, which took place during a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop at The Hart Space in Southport on July 29, 2024. The victims, Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were fatally stabbed in the horrific incident.

***Face of evil: Rudakubana’s police custody photo (Image: Police)***

Rudakubana, dressed in a grey tracksuit and surgical mask, entered the courtroom at 11:45am and immediately placed his head between his knees. He refused to confirm his name when asked. Minutes into the proceedings, he began shouting and was ordered to leave. His outbursts included claims of illness, stating: “I am not fit, I am ill. I need a paramedic.”

Despite his protests, Mr Justice Goose confirmed that paramedics had assessed the defendant and found him fit for sentencing. Defence barrister Stanley Reiz KC informed the court that Rudakubana had not eaten for days and complained of chest pains, but the judge proceeded after Rudakubana’s removal.

The Attack: Premeditation and violence

The court heard the murders were part of a calculated plan by Rudakubana, who had purchased a kitchen knife with a 20cm blade on July 13, 2024, using a VPN to hide his identity. On the day of the attack, he travelled by taxi to the event, armed with the knife. Dashcam footage revealed him asking for directions to The Hart Space before leaving the taxi without paying.

Upon entering the dance studio, where 26 children and two adults were present, he immediately began his rampage, targeting children as they tried to flee. Prosecution barrister Deanna Heer KC detailed the chilling moments, saying, “Screams were heard within 30 seconds of his entry. Many of the wounds inflicted were to the victims’ backs as they attempted to escape.”

Ms Heer described the stabbings as “sadistic in nature,” with several injuries indicating the use of severe force. Rudakubana killed three children and injured 13 others, including instructor Leanne Lucas, 35, and businessman Jonathan Hayes, 63.

Victims and families

***Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were fatally stabbed in the horrific incident.***

The parents of the three young girls were present in court but requested that details of their children’s injuries not be reported. In a statement released by Merseyside Police, the families of Alice, Bebe, and Elsie asked for respect and privacy.

Instructor Leanne Lucas sustained life-threatening injuries, including multiple stab wounds to her neck and back. She underwent emergency surgery after suffering significant blood loss. Jonathan Hayes was stabbed in the leg and required surgical repair.

Disturbing evidence uncovered

Searches of Rudakubana’s home in Banks, Lancashire, revealed disturbing materials. Officers found documents on genocide, weapons, and terror manuals, including The Al-Qaeda Training Manual, which he had downloaded multiple times since 2021. The manual included instructions on knife attacks and ricin production.

In his bedroom, police discovered castor beans and equipment used to produce ricin, a deadly toxin. Though evidence suggested the toxin was never used, forensic analysis confirmed that he had created a crude preparation capable of lethal doses.

Other items recovered included a machete, arrows, and a black holdall. In the weeks leading up to the attack, Rudakubana had also researched violent content and purchased weapons online, taking steps to disguise his activities.

A window Into a disturbed mind

Ms Heer told the court, “The material found on his devices provides a window into the defendant’s mind. It shows a fascination with extreme violence and killings.” Evidence included cached images from websites, videos of violent acts, and searches for content related to mass stabbings.

While in custody, Rudakubana made chilling comments, saying: “I’m glad those kids are dead. It’s a good thing they are dead.”

Courtroom outbursts

Throughout the proceedings, Rudakubana disrupted the court with repeated outbursts. After being removed once, he was allowed to return but again shouted for medical attention, leading to his second removal. The judge reassured the public gallery that paramedics had deemed him fit to attend.

Conclusion

The sentencing hearing continues as families, survivors, and the public await the final judgment. The case has shocked the nation, with many struggling to comprehend the calculated nature of the attack and the scale of the tragedy.

Pictured above: Axel Rudakubana being transported to Liverpool Crown Court (Pic: Liverpool Echo)

Community

Public transport users urged to ‘check before travelling’ due to storm

Published

1 hour ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TRANSPORT FOR WALES and Network Rail are urging all customers to check before they travel on Friday morning and into the weekend with weather warnings in place across the country.

With Storm Eowyn set to hit Wales and winds reaching 90mph on Friday morning, customers should expect disruptions and are strongly urged to check before they travel.

There will be alterations to rail services, replacement road transport on certain routes and blanket speed restrictions at some locations, meaning journeys could take longer than usual.

Stand by buses are being planned at key locations around the network in preparation for travel disruption.

Across Wales and the Borders, Network Rail have positioned response teams to address any storm related problems to keep disruption to a minimum.

TfW Operations Director Sarah Higgins said: “It’s so important for our customers to plan ahead when looking to travel this Friday.

“While we’ve made a number of changes to our services based on detailed forecasts, storms can still be unpredictable.

“We’ve seen the impact storms can have, with damage to trains and infrastructure sometimes taking weeks or months to repair, so our cross-industry approach will hopefully limit that and keep our colleagues and customers safe. We apologise to customers for any disruption to their journeys as a result.”

Network Rail Wales & Borders Operations Director Rachel Heath added: “Our priority is always keeping safe everyone who travels and works on the railway.

“Unfortunately, there will be some delays and cancellations on Friday, as trains will not run on some lines and there will speed restrictions on other parts of the route.

“We are working closely with our train operator colleagues to ensure we can safely reopen affected lines as quickly as possible and urge passengers to check before they travel.”

Rail service changes:

No services to run on the Conwy Valley Line all day, with replacement road transport in place.
No services to run on the Heart of Wales line all day, with replacement road transport in place.
Speed restrictions at various locations around the network, meaning some journeys will take longer than usual. These include:

  50mph speed restrictions imposed from 0200 to 1500 Friday on the North Wales Coast – Bodorgan to Llandudno Junction.
  50mph restrictions from 0200 to 1200 between Carmarthen to Kidwelly.
  50mph restrictions from 0200 to 1200 between Neath and Swansea.
  50mph restrictions from 0100 – 0800 between Newport and Llanwern.

Customers who have connecting tickets for the following operators who have suspended services due to the adverse weather conditions, we’ll honour tickets dated 24 January on either Thursday 23 January or up to and including Tuesday 28 January.