Community

Ambleston Community Council discusses local projects, and future improvements

Published

3 months ago

August 19, 2024

AMBLESTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL convened on Monday, July 29, at the Ambleston Memorial Hall, addressing a variety of local issues and planning for the future. The meeting, held at 7:30 pm, was attended by Councillors Dai Ambrey, Carly Skyrme, Kevin Morris, Julian Harries, Gareth Owen, County Councillor David Howlett, and Clerk E Forrest. Apologies were received from Rosie McDonald.

The minutes from the previous meeting on 24th June 2024 were approved and signed. A key update concerned the ongoing situation at Withyhedge Landfill, where a decline in reported incidents on social media was noted. Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) is continuing with its prosecution efforts, with a court appearance scheduled for mid-September.

The council also discussed the upcoming litter pick events scheduled for September, which will cover the areas of Woodstock, Wallis, and Ambleston. Councillor Gareth Owen will coordinate the collection of necessary equipment from Fishguard Leisure Centre, and details will be shared on Facebook.

Councillor Ambrey provided an update on the “Working Better Together” seminar held on 23rd July. The seminar included a discussion on the Boundary Commission report and a separate session for clerks, though attendance for the latter was low.

Two planning applications were discussed, both involving alterations to local properties. The first, application 24/0088/PA, sought to alter the roof height and install photovoltaic features at 9 & 10 Nant yr Eglwys, Ambleston. This application was refused due to the absence of a required bat survey. A similar issue was noted with application 24/0366/PA, a resubmission for a rear extension and conversion of a side barn, which was also previously refused due to the missing bat survey.

A significant discussion took place regarding the Wallis Pond project. Councillors Ambrey and Eirian Forrest recently met with representatives from Nestlé and others to plan the works, which are expected to commence at the end of August or early September, weather permitting.

In other business, the council is progressing with plans to develop an Ambleston Community Council website. A training session with PCC is scheduled for 24th September, with further work to be conducted later in the year. The website is expected to be operational by the end of March 2025.

Councillor Carly Skyrme and Councillor Ambrey also explored the potential for applying for an Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant. However, the Chapel in Ambleston was deemed unsuitable as a venue for development due to its size and lack of facilities. Meanwhile, initial research into solar panel grants has begun, though more work is needed.

Councillor David Howlett shared information on the planned decommissioning of non-compliant streetlights in the area. Four lights in Wallis and one in Woodstock are set to be turned off as part of cost-saving measures.

Additionally, a community issue involving a swarm of bees settling in the Wallis post box was brought to the council’s attention. Despite attempts to resolve the situation, including the placement of a bait box by Howard Prior, the bees remain. The matter will be reported to Royal Mail for further action.

Training opportunities for councillors were discussed, with Councillor Skyrme expressing interest in attending sessions on New Councillor Induction and Understanding the Law. Clerk Forrest will apply for a bursary to cover these training costs.

The meeting concluded with the scheduling of the next council meeting for 23rd September 2024 at 7:30 pm. The council continues to focus on addressing local issues while planning for future improvements in the community.

Climate

Pembrokeshire group plans for larger community wind turbine

Published

3 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A NORTH Pembrokeshire group which has raised more than £76,000 from its community wind turbine for local projects is hoping to expand with a bigger turbine.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Abergwaun Community Turbine Ltd, through agent Machynlleth-based Dulas Ltd is hoping to get permission for a larger turbine to replace the existing Abergwaun Community Turbine.

The proposed turbine, in a pasture field at Trebover Farm, to the south of Fishguard, would be 67m tall, the existing 2015 one being 45 metres.

In supporting statements, parent company Transition Bro Gwaun said: “The Community Climate Fund (CCF) is the mechanism by which Transition Bro Gwaun (TBG) is fulfilling our ambition of funding projects in Fishguard, Goodwick and across North Pembrokeshire, using income from the community wind turbine.

“The core themes for grants are climate change mitigation and adaptation, enhancement of biodiversity and improvements to community resilience through promotion of community engagement and resource sharing.”

In 2015, TBG raised its 50 per cent share of capital funding for the project by means of loans from 28 local individuals and four community groups, contributing a total of £286,500, the other 50 per cent contributed by landowners Parc-y-Morfa Farms Ltd.

The statement added: “Profit generated by sale of electricity from the turbine is split 50:50 between TBG and Parcy-Morfa Farms Ltd through the jointly owned trading arm, Abergwaun Community Turbine. By the end of 2022, all loans had been repaid, allowing the launch of TBG’s Community Climate Fund. This year we have awarded our third round of grants bringing the total amount granted to £76,036.”

In 2022, £15,274 was awarded to seven projects, including Fishguard Sports AFC to install solar panels on their clubhouse as part of their Tregroes Park development, Ysgol Bro Gwaun for their Increasing Biodiversity and Bees project, and Nevern Valley Veg / Llysiau Cwm Nyfer to install a solar powered vegetable irrigation scheme.

In 2023, £39,85 was made available for seven projects, including Sea Trust Wales to part fund the installation of solar panels on the Ocean Lab roof and to produce a display on solar technology, Letterston Memorial Hall to part fund the installation of an air source heat pump heating system, and Fishguard and Goodwick Rugby Club to install solar panels on their clubhouse.

2024 awards of £20,917 were made to six projects, including Theatr Gwaun to insulate their loft to reduce heating loss, Parc Cerrig Growers for developing a rainwater harvesting system with a pond to irrigate their allotments, Caerhys Organic Community Agriculture for an electric cargo bike for delivering organic vegetables in the Fishguard and St Davids areas, and Nevern Valley Veg to develop wildlife ponds and rainwater harvesting for food production.

The supporting documentation concludes: “The repowering of the existing turbine at Trebover would require a limited increase in turbine size which would result in a very limited change in landscape and visual effects in comparison to the existing Trebover turbine.”

The application will be considered by planners at a later date.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

9 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

9 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!