A PUBLIC meeting held at Solva Memorial Hall on Thursday, June 27, saw an overwhelming turnout as hundreds of residents gathered to discuss the controversial Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) project. The event, organised by PARC Against DARC, marked a significant step in the campaign to halt the UK/US military’s plans to establish a 27-dish high-power radar station at Cawdor Barracks in Brawdy.

The campaign, which began with a digital launch last month, has quickly gained traction among locals concerned about the potential health, environmental, and economic impacts of the proposed radar installation. The meeting, described as ‘packed to the rafters’ by organisers, featured several key speakers who outlined the dangers posed by DARC.

Emma Bowen, General Manager of the Retreats Group of local hotels, highlighted the potential adverse effects on the local tourism industry. “As an accommodation provider in the UK’s only coastal national park, we are reliant on leisure tourists. If DARC goes ahead, it would negatively impact our business, risking 75 jobs and affecting over 40 suppliers and contractors,” she stated.

Two short films were screened, presenting research by leading scientists on the health risks associated with non-ionising radiofrequency radiation. Dr. M. Peleg’s study, referencing the Iron Dome radar system in Israel, demonstrated a significant increase in cancer rates among military personnel stationed near the radars. “The Iron Dome produces the same type of radiation as DARC, which has been found to aggressively cause cancer,” the presentation explained.

Roy Jones, a veteran campaigner from the 1990s who successfully fought a similar project, provided a historical perspective. He warned that DARC, part of the AUKUS security pact, aimed to enable the US to dominate space militarily. “The radar array, visible from many vantage points in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, would be the highest risk radio-frequency radiation project ever on British soil,” Jones said.

Jones also drew attention to the MOD-funded scoping report, which highlighted several dangers during the construction phase, including buried unexploded ordnance, radioactive materials, and extensive asbestos contamination. “Building the antenna foundations would lead to 100 lorries a day driving through Newgale beach, potentially causing a net loss of 300 jobs,” he added.

Dylan Lewis-Rowlands, Secretary of CND Cymru, condemned the militarisation of space and Wales. “This grassroots campaign prioritises the needs of our communities over US military ambitions. Together, we can demonstrate the need for peace, not further militarisation and war,” he urged.

Michial Davies of the South & West Wales Wildlife Trust discussed the environmental impact, particularly on the Manx shearwaters. “Brawdy is visible from Skomer, the world’s most important site for this seabird. DARC will exacerbate the problem, causing more avoidable deaths,” he warned.

Jim Scott, a local campaigner, emphasised that the project was not a ‘done deal’ and encouraged residents to email their General Election candidates. “The MOD is making out as if this will pass through a parish council, but we know it requires specialist planning permission. We will campaign on every level to stop this,” he declared.

The meeting concluded with attendees replicating an iconic photograph from the previous campaign, holding up NO RADAR placards, before breaking for an interval. The second half was dedicated to discussing how the community could get involved in the campaign.

In a social media post, PARC Against DARC issued a challenge to all prospective Parliamentary candidates in Pembrokeshire, asking, “Where do you stand on DARC Radar at Brawdy?” So far, only the Green and Plaid Cymru candidates have responded positively, with Cris Tomos and Ben Lake offering support against the project. The Labour Party has been largely silent, while the Conservatives have not responded at all.

PARC urges all concerned voters to email the candidates before polling day, insisting they declare their position on DARC. “Parties and candidates have an ethical obligation to disclose their stance on such an important local issue before polling day,” the post read.

As the General Election approaches, the campaign against DARC continues to gain momentum, with organisers and residents determined to protect their community from the potential risks posed by the radar installation.