Community

Packed community meeting held as anti-DARC campaign gathers momentum

Published

7 months ago

July 1, 2024

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.

Community

Grieving family’s aim to protect young drivers in memory of daughter

Published

13 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Road Safety Team have worked in partnership with the family of a young woman killed in a road traffic collision to launch an intervention for young drivers in our County and beyond.

Ella Bee’s Story aims to prevent further deaths on the road, particularly among the 17 to 25-year-old age group, and concentrates on the Fatal 5, peer pressure, driver behaviour and how to reduce the risks both as a driver and passenger.

Twenty-one year-old Ella Smith was killed in a road traffic collision on the Broad Haven road in 2021 and her family are bravely telling their story of the night it happened and the aftermath of losing Ella.

Two drivers involved in the collision were jailed for ten years each having been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The intervention was launched recently and will be available to all schools and young peoples’ groups in the County, along with Pembrokeshire College.

The Road Safety Team worked closely with the family to put together the intervention which includes the production of two videos that can help educate all young drivers, and any adults with young drivers in the family.

Following the launch Ella’s mother Maria said: “We as a family and Ella’s best friends have worked tirelessly with Pembrokeshire County Council to produce a presentation on road safety to be delivered to schools, colleges and youth groups to educate young drivers on the devastating impact that losing Ella has had on us all.

“Ella your legacy will live on and you will forever be remembered for helping others even now.”

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “The launch of Ella Bee’s Story was incredible moving. Ella’s family has been incredibly brave in their determination to ensure her tragic death is not in vain and this project will help other young drivers stay safe on our roads.”

For further information about how your school or youth group can access Ella Bee’s Story please email [email protected]

Community

Storm Éowyn upgraded to ‘danger to life’ amber warning for Wales

Published

15 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MET OFFICE has upgraded its weather alert for Storm Éowyn to an amber warning, signifying a “danger to life” as strong winds and heavy rain approach Wales and other parts of the UK. The warning is in effect from 6:00am to 9:00pm on Friday, covering northern Wales, Northern Ireland, northern England, and southern Scotland.

Strong winds and widespread disruption

The amber alert warns of winds reaching 60-70 mph inland and up to 90 mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground. The Met Office advises that flying debris poses a risk to life, while power cuts, travel disruption, and property damage are highly likely.

Road, rail, air, and ferry services are expected to face delays and cancellations. Homes and businesses may also sustain structural damage as the storm progresses.

Areas in Wales under amber warning:

Conwy
Denbighshire
Flintshire
Gwynedd
Isle of Anglesey

Alongside the amber alert, two yellow warnings for wind cover all of Wales on Friday, lasting from midnight Thursday to midnight Friday. A separate yellow warning for rain is also in effect from midnight to 9:00am on Friday, predicting 15-25 mm of rain across much of Wales and 40-60 mm in higher elevations. The heavy rainfall may lead to surface water flooding in some areas.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Storm Éowyn will move across the northwest of the UK on Friday, clearing northeast by Friday night. This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with a brief reduction in wind strength as the storm’s centre passes over certain areas. Winds will then increase rapidly before gradually easing later on Friday.”

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updates as the storm approaches.

Community

Mid and West Wales Fire Service backs Register My Appliance Week

Published

2 days ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is supporting Register My Appliance Week (January 20–26) to help households stay informed about appliance safety and product recalls.

Millions of UK households are unaware of critical safety updates for their appliances, with over 40 million large appliances still unregistered. From brand-new purchases to second-hand machines, registering appliances ensures owners are alerted to any safety issues, extending their safe usage.

In the past year, MAWWFRS responded to 163 incidents involving white goods. Home Fire Safety Manager Wayne Thomas said:

“We all value how appliances have transformed our lives, but it’s essential to register them. Doing so is quick, free, and ensures you’re informed if a safety repair is needed. Just a few minutes spent registering can help you enjoy your appliances safely.”

The Register My Appliance portal, run by AMDEA, connects users with over 70 leading brands and accepts registrations for both new and older appliances.