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Court date set for council’s action against landfill operators

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The County Council’s civil action against the operators of the Withyhedge Landfill site is set to have its first hearing on Monday, 21st October.

The hearing will be held at the Swansea Civil Justice Centre and will be broadcast via video link due to the considerable public interest in the case.

Introducing a progress report on Thursday’s Council meeting on efforts to reduce the stench and public nuisance emanating from the site, Councillor Rhys Sinnett outlined the steps the Council has taken, in partnership with other agencies, to address the persistent issues.

Significant engineering works are ongoing, Cllr Sinnett told the meeting, particularly regarding the problematic waste cell, identified as cell number 9. He added that the site had been closed to waste, pending the completion of these works.

Cllr David Bryan sought clarification on the continued presence of Atlantic Recycling lorries travelling to and from the site. In response, Deputy Chief Executive Richard Brown explained that, while the site had been closed to waste for several months, the lorries were transporting thousands of tonnes of clay and soil to reseal and line the problematic cell and prepare an additional one.

During the discussion of air pollution readings, Cllr Alan Dennison questioned the value of ongoing monitoring given the low levels detected. In response, Council CEO Will Bramble stated that the readings adhered to limits set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). He added that, despite low concentrations, the odour from the site still exceeded the WHO’s minimum threshold.

Mr Bramble also noted that the prevailing south-westerly winds were most affecting the nearby community of Spittal, while northerly winds had an adverse impact on Crundale.

Addressing the public and Council members’ concerns, particularly in light of the public outcry, Mr Bramble emphasised that the Council was committed to tackling the issue seriously. Cllr Dennison had previously led a wave of criticism regarding the Council’s handling of the matter.

Cllr Mike John inquired about the costs associated with air quality monitoring and whether the Council intended to recover these expenses from the site operator. Mr Bramble said he could not yet provide a cost estimate, and depending on legal advice, recovering the costs might involve further legal proceedings.

Cllr Alistair Cameron praised Council officers, Cllr Sinnett, and other Cabinet members for addressing local concerns on such a complex issue.

Councillors overwhelmingly voted to note Cllr Sinnett’s report on the Withyhedge situation.

The case now moves to its next stage at Swansea Civil Justice Centre on Monday, 21st October.

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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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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Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

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THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.

Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.

The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.

“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.

“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”

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