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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

Homeless people in Pembrokeshire at risk as heatwave continues

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HOMELESS people in Pembrokeshire are being offered extra support as Wales continues to face extreme heat.

The Wallich, which runs rough sleeping outreach and drop-in support in Haverfordwest, said people sleeping rough, living in cars, or staying in poor quality temporary accommodation are among those most at risk during the heatwave.

Outreach teams are helping people stay safe by offering water, sun cream, hats, wet wipes and other essentials.

Jamie-Lee Cole, Strategic Communications Lead for The Wallich, said: “People on the streets and living in poor quality or temporary housing are the most affected by climate change.

“They are the most exposed to extreme weather events like a heatwave, as well as heavy rain and cold in the winter.”

The charity said it is also offering advice on dehydration, sunstroke, worsening health conditions, wounds, and the added risks of drug and alcohol use during hot weather.

People are being encouraged to use cooler public spaces, such as libraries and support centres, during the hottest parts of the day.

The Wallich said some councils in Wales have activated Severe Weather Emergency Protocol, but called for all local authorities to include specific heatwave plans.

Ms Cole added: “It’s a sign of the times unfortunately that extreme heat will feature year on year, and we must make sure there are adequate and cool daytime spaces for people experiencing homelessness to access.”

The charity is also supporting people sleeping in cars, warning that vehicles can become dangerously hot.

Members of the public in Pembrokeshire are being urged to check on anyone they are worried about.

Ms Cole said: “If someone looks unwell and you feel safe to approach them, ask if they’re okay.

“Encourage them to move into shade or a cooler space. Alert emergency services if you think someone needs help in the heat.

“Offer people experiencing homelessness a cold drink and a chat, just like you would anyone else in your community.”

 

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Community

Local engineering student wins £5,000 South Hook scholarship

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A FORMER Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi pupil has been awarded a £5,000 scholarship by South Hook LNG.

Henry Raymond, who is in the second year of a five-year Chemical and Environmental Engineering degree at the University of Nottingham, is the latest recipient of the company’s annual scholarship award.

South Hook said Henry had shown strong academic performance, a clear work ethic, and a keen interest in the role of engineering within the energy sector.

The scholarship is aimed at supporting local students as they progress in higher education, particularly in engineering, science and business-related subjects.

Applicants are assessed through a written application and an informal interview, with the award forming part of South Hook LNG’s wider commitment to supporting education and young people in the local area.

Henry was invited to South Hook earlier this year, where he was presented with a certificate and the £5,000 award. The funding will help with student costs over the remainder of his studies.

Henry said: “I’m very grateful to South Hook to have received this award. The financial support will make a huge difference to life as a student, and it’s incredible to have this kind of backing from a major player in the energy industry.”

South Hook LNG’s General Manager, Hamad Al Samra said: “We are pleased to have once again received applications from so many committed and capable young people.

“The team involved in the selection process at South Hook were particularly impressed by Henry’s dedication and commitment to his chosen subject.

“We are pleased to offer our support and wish him the very best in his future studies.”

South Hook LNG’s Scholarship Programme encourages applications from local students seeking higher education in engineering, science or business-related disciplines.

Details of how to apply for the 2026/27 award will be available on the company’s website during September.

Scholarship success: Henry Raymond, South Hook LNG’s 2026 scholarship recipient, with members of the South Hook team involved in assessing the applications.

 

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Council ‘did not request or give direction’ to cancel Tenby Summer Spectacular

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PEMBROKESHIRE County Council has stressed it has not “requested or given direction” that Tenby’s much-loved Summer Spectacular should be cancelled after fears have been raised it may not go ahead.

Earlier this week, organisers Tenby Round Table said it was “with enormous sadness,” announcing that the Tenby Summer Spectacular events, scheduled for August 16 and 30, are cancelled until further notice.

The events, which have been a staple in Tenby’s summer calendar for many years, but the Round Table says negotiations with Pembrokeshire County Council have failed to produce a clear, workable agreement on temporary restrictions for pedestrian access during the event.

Without that, they say, they cannot legally or safely control crowd numbers.

A spokesperson said that legal and logistical uncertainty from the council meant organisers could not commit to running such a large-scale event this year, adding the situation has not improved despite months of requests, meetings, and professional safety consultations.

In a statement issued earlier this week, Tenby Round Table said: “We have done everything a responsible event organiser can do.”

It claimed: “PCC’s Public Realm department has had nine months to answer one question on safe and controlled access to the harbour. It has not done so.”

The group maintains that similar crowd management techniques are standard elsewhere in the country and vital for safety.

The Round Table added: “Given the lack of clarity and the time needed to arrange these events, we cannot commit to running events for thousands of people based on a legal position that PCC’s own officers have admitted is still not settled.”

It has stressed the cancellation is provisional, giving the council “a final deadline of June 25 to provide a clear, accurate, and legally grounded answer,” adding: “If they do, we will do everything in our power to reinstate the events.”

It said it was still working with relevant authorities ahead of a council licencing committee meeting in July, which will decide on whether a licence to host the events is renewed.

Responding, Pembrokeshire County Council Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller said the council supports the Spectacular and “has not requested or given direction that the event should be cancelled”.

He added: “The Spectacular is a much-loved event with significant number of attendees. As a result, we have an important duty to make sure the event can take place safely to address the concerns formally raised by the responsible authorities under the licensing act, which include the blue light services.

“Tenby Harbour is a working harbour and a key community asset – and just as every year this event needs to be licensed, and the organisers need to provide important information on how they plan to safely manage the event.

“As a council, we very much want this event to go ahead, but we have to make sure the event is safe for the public, with the right safety measures in place.

“Once the organisers provide the required information, the licensing sub-committee (currently scheduled for July) will consider the event application, in exactly the same way they consider the large number of other events which occur across Pembrokeshire each year.”

Local Member, Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, added: “I want to see the Spectaculars go ahead. It is important for locals and visitors alike to celebrate Tenby, have fun and raise money for worthy causes.

“I am really encouraged from meetings that I have had with senior officers that everyone is ready to do all that they can to enable these events to go ahead.”

 

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