News

Pembrokeshire’s seabed revitalised yet again – thanks to Neptune’s Army

Published

5 hours ago

October 28, 2024

Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners (NARC) has completed yet another momentous year of ensuring the waters of Pembrokeshire remain as clean as possible, despite the ever-rising amount of commercial fishing tackle and rubbish that’s being deposited on its bed on a regular basis.

Last weekend seven hardy divers tackled Skomer, St Brides Bay and the Haven Waterway to retrieve yet another huge cache of rubbish, including rope, monofilament fishing line and a perfectly intact AA membership card dating back to 1988.

NARC was established 20 years ago by dedicated diver Dave Kennard.

“Like a lot of good things, the idea was born over a pint of beer in the local pub after a Boxing Day rugby match,” he jokes.

“I’d been doing beach cleans for around five years, as well as a bit of scuba diving, so I had an idea of some of the unnatural things that can be found on the seabed.”

NARC’s first official dive took place in April 2005 off Stackpole Quay when the diving team pulled up no fewer than 630 fishing weights which equated to 72 kilos of lead.

“But it isn’t the lead that’s a problem,” said Dave. “It’s the monofilament lines, which take 600 years to biodegrade.”

As a result, a large number of NARC’s dives are concentrated around Pembrokeshire’s angling sites, including Martin’s Haven, Cresswell Quay and the Fishguard breakwater.

“Obviously as a diver, it’s always good to visit shipwrecks and undersea historical monuments, but when we reach the wrecks we come across loads of commercial fishing equipment and rope. You’d barely believe this, but on one dive alone we retrieved around 450 metres of rope. So lifestyle change is definitely something that should be addressed.”

Dave went on to say that other diving sites around Pembrokeshire – including Hobbs Point in Pembroke Dock – regularly attract fly tippers.

“We once pulled up a car which had been dumped in the water, and on another occasion we had to lift out a washing machine drum using special lifting bags, similar in design to a balloon with straps on, which can be clipped onto the item. But what made this event particularly memorable was that when we pulled the drum out of the water, a conger eel swam out.

“On another occasion, the council lent us a skip to put all the rubbish inside. But it ended up being so full, the side had to be unwelded so that we could pull everything out.

“Whenever we dive off Hobbs Point, it never fails to amaze me what we’ll end up finding.”

Dave however, like all the other NARC divers, knows just how hazardous the waters of Pembrokeshire can be.

“Diving can always be dangerous, because what we’re doing is totally unnatural,” he said.

“Obviously we’re dependent on our diving equipment, but diving around Pembrokeshire can be difficult as a result of its tidal range. We have one of the largest tidal ranges in the UK, so as a result all our dives have to be very carefully planned.”

Each dive consists of an average of ten diving volunteers, allowing sufficient space on the boat for the diving gear as well and all the objects retrieved during their dives.

“I’ve been diving now for almost 25 years, and NARC has been going for two decades. Yet the seas around Pembrokeshire keep on giving me so much pleasure. And this is why it’s good to be able to do something back, by trying to clear the seabed of rubbish.

“I’d love to see NARC reach it’s 25th year, and now that we’ve been going for 20 years, I don’t see any reason why this can’t be done.

“Roll on 2025, when we can get out again and start removing more rubbish from our seabed.”

News

A477 closed following two vehicle weekend collision

Published

4 hours ago

October 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A ROAD in Pembrokeshire was temporarily closed following a two-car collision on Saturday (Oct 26).

The accident took place on the A477 between Red Roses and Kilgetty, close to the Tavernspite exit, at around 3:30pm. Police confirmed the road was cleared within the hour, with no reported injuries to the drivers involved.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police stated: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of a two-vehicle RTC on the A477 Red Roses to Kilgetty, near the Tavernspite exit, at approximately 3:30pm on Saturday, October 26.

“Neither vehicle required recovery, and the road was clear by 4:30pm.”

Health

Solva Surgery to welcome St Davids patients and undergoes expansion

Published

6 hours ago

October 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SOLVA SURGERY will soon welcome an influx of patients from St David’s Surgery following the termination of the contract at the St David’s site earlier this year. The majority of registered patients will be transferred by the end of this week, which will significantly boost patient numbers at the Solva facility.

The transfer comes with staffing expansions, combining teams from both surgeries into a strengthened roster that includes three salaried GPs, five registered nurses, two Health Care Support Workers, and an enlarged administrative staff. Regular support will continue from GP locums to meet increased demand.

To accommodate the larger patient base, Solva Surgery will undergo internal modifications in the coming weeks. Plans include converting underutilized rooms into new consultation and treatment spaces and relocating office spaces to the first floor. Practice Manager Jayne Williams said: “We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused by these essential works, which are for the benefit of all patients.”

From 1 November 2024, Solva Surgery will adopt the new name Meddygfa Penrhyn / Peninsula Practice to better represent the expanded community it serves. This change follows work with the Peninsula Working Group, involving Solva Community Council, St David’s City Council, and representatives from Llanrhian and Brawdy community councils.

“Thank you for your continued support for the team at Solva Surgery. We look forward to welcoming new patients and staff joining our team,” Williams added.

Community

Fire service has tips to keep you safe this Halloween and Bonfire Night

Published

7 hours ago

October 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MAWWFRS is working in partnership with Dyfed Powys Police, South Wales Police, Local Authorities, and other partner agencies to create a safer environment for everyone during Halloween and Bonfire night, allowing communities to celebrate responsibly and safely. We have some vital safety advice for those that who wish to celebrate.

Halloween safety
For many, especially children and young people, Halloween is an opportunity to wear fancy dress costumes, carve pumpkins, tell scary stories and of course, the annual knocking on doors of people that they know for “treats”, but this celebration can present with potential fire risks.We have highlighted some of the potential dangers and what can be done to reduce the risks, to ensure the community enjoys a safe Halloween.

Do you have a clear escape route in case of a fire?

Keep exits clear and unobstructed, which is a particular issue during Halloween where items are placed around the house and near to exit points for decoration purposes.Have you considered the dangers associated with fire and Halloween costumes?
It’s vitally important that costumes carry the ‘CE’ mark on the label. Even so, like all clothing, costumes can easily catch fire.Are your candles putting you at risk?
Consider candle alternatives, such as flameless battery-operated LED candles that will provide the desired spooky effect. Whilst providing added benefits such as being able to use them outside without being blown out in the wind.

Steven Davies, Head of Community Safety for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue said: “Over the Halloween period the risks associated with fire are heightened. With the use of naked flames in pumpkins, along with the use of costumes that are potentially non-complaint with fire safety regulations, it could be a recipe for disaster. If you are planning on wearing fancy dress this Halloween, please ensure your costume has the ‘CE’ mark. Simple actions can drastically improve the chances of having a safe and happy Halloween, such as using LED candles in your pumpkins and keeping exits clear from Halloween decorations.”

Bonfire Night safety

Bonfire night traditionally has a heavy impact on MAWWFRS and partner agencies. As a result, the Service advises everyone to respect their communities, protect themselves, others, the environment, and emergency services from harm, and enjoy events by following basic safety precautions.Every year, MAWWFRS witness dangerous bonfires being built. These bonfires may include items which are toxic or other items which present a danger to spectators, whether it be risk of explosion or other circumstances. Not only do these bonfires pose a danger to the public, but the environment can be badly affected by poorly built bonfires. Our arson reduction and community safety members will be working with police and local authority colleagues to ensure that communities are kept safe.

Arson Reduction Manager Scott O’Kelly said: “This time of year can bring fun and entertainment for all the family. It does however have some serious dangers associated with bonfires and the use of fireworks. Traditionally, problems occur with the use of fireworks, especially when they get into the wrong hands. There are simple things that can be done to ensure spectators, and the surrounding environment is kept unharmed and undamaged during bonfire night. Many dangers can be reduced by attending an official organised firework display. To stay safe and legal this bonfire night, please follow the information provided on our website”.

Fireworks are graded within categories, with differing minimum safety distances, and have specific instructions that should be adhered to in order to ensure that everyone is kept safe.

Always buy from a reputable retailer and follow individual firework instructions.
Be sure to store fireworks as per the instructions listed, fireworks should be stored in their original packaging in a dry place away from sources of heat or ignition
Always store fireworks away from children.MAWWFRS are encouraging the public to celebrate both evenings in the safest way possible. For information on educational material for children regarding staying safe this Halloween and Bonfire night, please visit StayWiseCymru.

The following lesson plans on Halloween / Bonfire safety are also available:

Halloween Safety Lesson Plan | StayWise Cymru
Sbarc’s Staying Safe on Bonfire Night Lesson Plan | StayWise Cymru
Sbarc Staying Safe on Bonfire Night Foundation Phase Lesson Plan | StayWise Cymru
Sbarc Staying Safe on Bonfire Night (ALN) Lesson Plan | StayWise Cymru

Please visit our website for further information on staying safe during the Halloween and Bonfire night period.You can also follow us on our Social Media channels for more #OpBang safety messages:X – @mawwfire
Facebook – @mawwfire
Instagram – mawwfire_rescue