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Packed community meeting held as anti-DARC campaign gathers momentum

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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

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

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Restoration of a pond hopes to support biodiversity in Pembrokeshire 

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AN OLD millpond at the heart of the Wallis and Ambleston community, and a site of Special Scientific Interest, has now been improved to benefit water quality and increase biodiversity in an area of South Wales, thanks to funding from Nestlé Waters UK. 

Wallis Pond was created in 1836 as part of the tributary of the Wester Cleddau River to supply water to a local mill. Back in 1978, it was restored and later re-opened by HRH King Charles III, the then Prince of Wales.  

Over the years, the pond had become completely silted up, restricting the waters passage and the pond’s ability to retain water, resulting in a reduced diversity of habitat in and around the millpond.  

Pembrokeshire County Council, Heavyside Landscapes and Nestlé Waters UK have come together to restore the millpond with regulatory guidance from Natural Resources Wales and support from the Ambleston Community Council. 

The project saw the pond re-dug and de-silted, and the old sluice gate replaced to re-establish the millpond. With the pond now able to hold more water, it is hoped to help build resilience to the increased frequency and intensity of storm events, alleviating the risk of flooding in the local area.   

Retention of flows in the pond for a longer time should help reduce silt build-up and prevent nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates from travelling downstream in the Cleddau catchment, helping to protect water quality, improve aquatic habitats, and encourage eels, otters, damselflies, and other wildlife species.  

Restoration of Wallis Pond is one of the projects that Nestlé Waters is working on as part of its efforts to help regenerate local water cycles and create a positive water impact everywhere the company operates. 

Matthew Faulkner, Factory Manager at the Nestlé Waters site in Princes Gate, said: “We are proud to be a part of the Wallis Pond restoration work, aimed at delivering long-lasting benefits in Pembrokeshire, where we bottle at source Princes Gate and Nestlé Pure Life waters. This beautiful landscape is not only our home, but also home to some incredible flora and fauna which are vital for keeping the area rich and thriving in biodiversity.  

“We’re working hard to protect this land and the water beneath our feet. Water is a shared resource and a shared responsibility, and caring for it takes the whole community. That’s why we’re grateful to be working with partners on this project that will hopefully have a positive impact on the local ecosystem and community.” 

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services at the Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “We welcome this funding to enhance the biodiversity in Wallis Pond which can be enjoyed by the residents of Ambleston, the wider communities in Pembrokeshire and the visitors to our fantastic county. 

“This is an excellent example of partnership working that has significant benefits for the environment and the wellbeing of generations to come.”  

Eirian Forrest, Clerk at the Ambleston Community Council, said: “We are grateful to Nestlé Waters UK for the funding and wish to thank everyone who has been involved in this project, especially the Pembrokeshire County Council team, for pushing the project forwards. 

“The Community Council are delighted that the work has finally been done and look forward to the positive impact it will have on biodiversity. We have already received many positive comments from members of the community. The improved pond encourages locals to take a walk around the area, as well as sit down to watch and enjoy the wildlife.”   

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