WALES and West Utilities is making significant progress on a major upgrade to the gas pipes in the Johnston area, aimed at ensuring the continued safe and reliable delivery of gas to local homes and businesses.

The essential work, which is part of a wider project to future-proof the gas network, will help ensure that homes and businesses can stay warm for generations to come. The project, currently in its next phase, will involve key sections of the A4076.

From 28 October to 22 December, multi-phase traffic lights will be in place between the junctions of Langford Road and St Peter’s Road, and Milford Road and Bulford Road. This has been agreed with Pembrokeshire County Council to allow the works to proceed. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys during this period.

Adam Smith, who is managing the gas pipe upgrade on behalf of Wales & West Utilities, acknowledged that while the works may cause some disruption, they are crucial for the long-term safety and reliability of the gas network in the region.

“We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to ensure the gas network is fit for the future,” Smith said.

He added, “While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across Pembrokeshire. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner, or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe, reliable, and there when you need it.”

This work is also part of a broader initiative to prepare the network for cleaner energy, including the future transportation of hydrogen and biomethane.

Residents with questions about the project can contact the Wales & West Utilities Customer Service Team on freephone 0800 912 2999 or reach out via their social media platforms on X (formerly Twitter) @WWUtilities or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/wwutilities.

Wales & West Utilities serves 7.5 million people across Wales and the South West of England. If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, call their emergency hotline on 0800 111 999 immediately. Their engineers are on call 24/7 to respond to emergencies

Pembrokeshire College is delighted to announce the official opening of its Energy Transition Skills Hub, supported by Shell UK, on the College site in Haverfordwest.

The Energy Transition Skills Hub is one of three being launched that will focus on providing people with the skills and knowledge to find employment in energy projects through an immersive and interactive learning experience.

More than 50 representatives from local industry joined Anthony Harte (Head of Social Impact for Shell UK), Paul Davies (MS), Sam Kurtz (MS), Simon Ames (Managing Director Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy), and College and Dragon LNG apprentice Kelly Williams, as they officially opened the Hub.

During the opening Anthony Harte, Head of Social Impact, Shell UK commented: “We want as many people as possible to benefit from the energy system of the future. And we’ve seen this coming to life in Pembrokeshire with the first new energy transition skills hub. This is part of our ambition to support 15,000 people into jobs with a focus on the energy transition by 2035. It is the latest important step to ensure the energy transition is an opportunity for everyone.”

Shadow Minister for Economy and Energy Sam Kurtz added: “The opportunities offered to students by the Energy Transition Skills Hub match the ambitions that Pembrokeshire has in the green and renewable energy sector. This is an exciting investment and a statement of commitment from Shell UK, Dragon Energy and Pembrokeshire College into developing the skilled workforce of today and the future.

“Pembrokeshire College has quickly become a real centre of excellence, and I congratulate everyone for flying the flag proudly for our part of the world.”

Aiming to train 600 individuals by July 2026, providing Pembrokeshire and West Wales with a pool of talent that will have the knowledge and experience of control systems needed for projects such as offshore floating wind farms and the Haven hydrogen power plants. Current Dragon LNG apprentice Kelly Williams brought the learner perspective to the opening: “The past four years of my apprenticeship have been nothing short of amazing. Whilst onsite I have had the privilege of working with some of the most experienced and talented professionals in the industry and spent one day a week in College where the lecturers are just as passionate and inspiring. The blend of practical, hands-on work and theoretical learning through my qualifications has been incredibly rewarding.

“Today, having toured this incredible new process control simulator, and experimented with the software, I can’t help but feel excited about the future. This facility is truly state-of-the-art, and it’s going to further elevate an already outstanding programme in the energy sector. I can’t wait to make the most of this space as I continue to learn and grow in my field.

“The suite will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of engineers, equipping us with the skills needed to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

College Principal, Dr Barry Walters added: “This cutting-edge Skills Hub will enable training in control systems for a wide range of sectors including: Offshore Floating Wind; Hydrogen Plant; Solar PV; Tidal/Marine and gas power stations and comes at an important time for the energy sector.

“We would like to thank Shell UK, Dragon LNG, the Swansea Bay City Deal Skills and Talent Fund and City and Guilds along with industry partners and local Members of the Senedd, Paul Davies and Sam Kurtz for supporting this important facility which will not only train college learners and industry professionals but will also support the local community and schools by giving them the opportunity to understand more about how energy transition will impact the way we live and work in the future.”

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens added: “I’m delighted that UK Government funding, via the Swansea Bay City Deal, is being used for such a great facility. Pembrokeshire has an important part to play in achieving our mission for clean energy by 2030.

“This training facility will mean that local people will be able to gain the skills they need to access the good jobs of the future.”

A project to restore the Cleddau River SAC in Pembrokeshire has been using a herbivorous beetle to control an invasive species.

The Azolla weevil (Stenopelmus rufinasus) was released in June 2024 by the Four Rivers for LIFE Project onto Natural Resources Wales’s (NRW) Llangloffan Fen National Nature Reserve (NNR) near Fishguard.

The weevil will help to control and eradiate the Azolla plant (Azolla filiculoides) that is dominating some parts of the reserve and nearby Cleddau River.

Azolla is classed as an invasive non-native species (INNS) and is one of the most invasive plants in the UK today, however it is highly susceptible to the Azolla weevil, which actively feed and develop upon this plant.  

Azolla is a floating aquatic fern that grows rapidly and spreads across the surface of standing water and slow running water to form mats which can be 30cm thick.

During hot weather, mats can double in size in just four or five days. These block out light, killing other aquatic flora and reduce oxygen availability, which can lead to the death of fish and invertebrates.

Duncan Dumbreck from the Four Rivers for LIFE Project said: “Last summer we found several areas on the reserve where Azolla was taking over from native plants.

He adds: “With CABI’s advice and support we released Azolla weevils at the reserve and the impact has been significant and we are delighted with the changes so far.”

The project contacted the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) as the organisation has successfully controlled Azolla in a number of areas using the Azolla weevil. More on this work can be found on this link.

After only eight weeks the impact has been substantial with most of the Azolla eaten and replaced by native duckweed.

The project will continue to monitor the progress of the weevils over the winter and early in the growing season next spring to assess whether they have managed to bring the Azolla under complete control.

The Azolla weevil is totally reliant on the Azolla plant and does not spread to other plants, therefore there is no risk to important fen plants and farming crops in the area. The beetles are hardy, but may suffer mortality over very harsh winters.

The Four Rivers for LIFE Project is funded by the EU LIFE Programme with support from Welsh Government and Welsh Water.

To find out more about the project please visit the website Natural Resources Wales / Four Rivers for LIFE