THE MULTI-AGENCY group set up to deal with ongoing issues at Withyhedge landfill has now been stood down.

The Incident Management Team (IMT), made up of Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Pembrokeshire County Council, Public Health Wales, and Hywel Dda University Health Board, was formed earlier this year to coordinate the response to widespread complaints about odours and gas from the site near Haverfordwest.

The landfill had temporarily closed in May 2023 before reopening in January 2024, after NRW confirmed that necessary compliance measures were in place.

Now, with reports of odour significantly reduced and pollution levels staying below World Health Organisation (WHO) thresholds, NRW has confirmed that the IMT is no longer required.

In line with the improved conditions, a dedicated reporting system for odour and gas complaints has also been wound down. However, residents can still raise concerns through NRW’s standard incident reporting process, either online or by calling 0300 065 3000.

Independent monitoring of air quality will continue for at least another year, funded by site operators RML. Pembrokeshire County Council will continue to review this data to ensure accuracy and public transparency.

The static air quality monitor installed at Spittal School will remain in place until April 2026, with weekly results still shared with the council. However, Public Health Wales has said it will no longer routinely review the data.

Between January and March, the monitor recorded hydrogen sulphide levels above WHO’s odour annoyance limit on 13 occasions—all on a single day. No further breaches were recorded in the following seven weeks. Other monitoring in the area has not found any exceedances of either short-term or long-term hydrogen sulphide guidelines.

Public Health Wales said: “We are reassured that the air quality data does not suggest an ongoing risk to public health. With complaints now significantly reduced, we will no longer review the data regularly.”

NRW said it will continue unannounced inspections at the landfill to ensure the site remains compliant with its environmental permit. Its investigation into previous breaches is still ongoing.

The site operator, RML, has applied to vary the conditions of its permit, and NRW has confirmed that a public consultation will be held before any decision is made.

All agencies involved in the former incident response group said they will continue to share relevant updates with one another where necessary.

New home and garden retailer takes over former Homebase site

A MAJOR new retail store is set to open in Haverfordwest this week, bringing a fresh option for shoppers and garden enthusiasts alike.

The Range, a popular UK home, leisure, and garden chain, will officially open its new store at Springfield Retail Park on Fishguard Road on Friday (Apr 25). The store has taken over the former Homebase unit, which closed its doors in March last year after a clearance sale emptied its shelves.

The Pembrokeshire store is one of more than 50 former Homebase locations being transformed by The Range’s parent company, CDS (Superstores International), as part of a national expansion. CDS acquired around 70 sites across the UK and Ireland, aiming to safeguard approximately 1,600 jobs following Homebase’s financial collapse.

Customers in Haverfordwest can expect a wide selection of products across homeware, DIY, and seasonal gardening, with the store also boasting a new Homebase-branded garden centre.

The Range has confirmed that the new Haverfordwest branch will be a dog-friendly store, with special offers on opening day including free goody bags for the first 50 customers through the door – and even treats for the first five dogs to visit.

“We’re excited to welcome shoppers to our newest store,” said a spokesperson for The Range. “Come and explore a wide range of products, exclusive offers, and the brand-new Homebase Garden Centre.”

Although social media posts suggest an official opening time of 9:00am on Friday, the store is expected to open its doors slightly earlier at 8:30am. Opening hours for the weekend are listed as 8:30am to 8:00pm on both Friday and Saturday, and 1:30pm to 4:30pm on Sunday (Apr 27).

Regular hours have yet to be confirmed, but are expected to be similar to The Range’s Carmarthen store, which opens from 8:00am to 8:00pm Monday to Saturday, and 10:30am to 4:30pm on Sundays.

IAN BADHAM, a long-standing partner at Ashmole & Co, is celebrating three decades with the accountancy firm this month.

Ian, who is based in the Haverfordwest, Tenby and Cardigan offices, joined the firm in 1995 as an ACCA Trainee Accountant after graduating with a degree in Accountancy and Finance from Bristol University. A decade later, in 2005, he became a Partner and has since played a key role in developing the firm’s presence in west Wales.

Reflecting on the changes over the past 30 years, Ian said: “When I started, there was just one computer with internet access in the entire office. Everything was paper-based. It’s been incredible to see the shift to a digital office environment.”

Ian lives in Penally, near Tenby, and takes great pride in supporting the next generation of professionals. “As a firm in west Wales employing over 100 staff, it is very rewarding to be able to provide quality jobs for local people. Seeing our staff grow in their careers means a lot to me.”

He added: “Being a first point of contact as a trusted adviser to our clients is a key part of my role. We are here to support them through both good and challenging times. The Covid pandemic was probably the most difficult period in my career, as we worked around the clock helping businesses access support. It was tough, but also one of the most rewarding parts of the job.”

In addition to his work across multiple offices, Ian is also a family man. He and his wife Claire have two sons. Their youngest plays rugby for the Scarlets and Carmarthen Quins, and much of Ian’s spare time is spent travelling Wales to support him. Ian recently became a grandfather and is now also enjoying ‘grandad duties’. When time allows, he enjoys golf, sea rowing and kayaking around Pembrokeshire.

Ashmole & Co, Chartered Certified Accountants, is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. It is one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in south Wales, operating from thirteen offices including Swansea, Ammanford and Llandeilo.