Community
Carmarthenshire Council issue update on waste collection disruptions
Carmarthenshire County Council has issued an apology to residents affected by disruptions to recycling and waste collections during the Christmas and New Year period.
Residents are urged to report missed collections via the Council’s website to ensure prompt resolution. Additionally, major delays in specific areas can be checked on the waste disruptions webpage.
The Council acknowledged that collection services this festive season have fallen below expected standards. Efforts are underway to address the backlog, with teams working directly with collection crews to restore services.
A spokesperson highlighted longstanding challenges with bank holiday collections, including staff shortages. Crews are not contractually obligated to work on bank holidays or the following weekends, leading to difficulties in maintaining service levels.
Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste, and Infrastructure Services, Cllr Edward Thomas, said: “I sympathise with residents affected by the recent bin collection disruptions and understand their frustrations.
“We are working diligently to catch up on missed collections and are exploring solutions to prevent this from recurring. Engagement with staff and trade unions will be key to developing a plan that balances operational needs, staff views, and financial considerations.
“While most residual waste (black bag) and nappy waste collections were completed successfully, recycling collections faced significant challenges. High recycling volumes during the festive period, compounded by staff absences, vehicle breakdowns, and delays at transfer stations, led to widespread service failures.
“I apologise to residents once again and thank them for their understanding and patience during this challenging period.”
Residents are encouraged to log missed collections online and check for updates on delays.
Community
HOPE MS Therapy Centre celebrates 40 years of support in Pembrokeshire
A special evening of music and celebration marked four decades of service by HOPE MS Therapy Centre, one of Pembrokeshire’s longest-serving self-funding charities.
THE ANNIVERSARY concert took place on Friday evening (June 26) at St Clement’s Church, Neyland, bringing together supporters, trustees, local councillors and members of the community to celebrate the charity’s 40th year.
Founded in 1986, HOPE MS Therapy Centre provides support and therapies for people living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions across Pembrokeshire. The organisation has operated as a self-funding charity throughout its history, relying heavily on fundraising and community support.
Guests enjoyed performances from the Quaynotes Mixed Choir, along with acclaimed soloist Sarah Arthur, in what organisers described as an evening of music, song and thanksgiving.
Among those attending was Pembroke Mayor Jonathan Grimes, who praised the charity’s contribution to the county. He was joined by fellow county councillors and trustees including Simon Wright and Simon Hancock MBE.
Writing after the event, Cllr Grimes said: “Thank you to HOPE MS Therapy Centre for inviting me as Mayor of Pembroke to this evening’s concert to celebrate 40 years of service to Pembrokeshire.
“It was great to see my fellow county councillors and members of the trustee board as well as enjoying a fabulous performance from Quaynotes Mixed Choir and the fabulous soloist Sarah Arthur.
“Congratulations to HOPE MS Therapy Centre. I’m looking forward to being involved with the other events you have planned to celebrate 40 years.”
The concert is one of a series of events planned to mark the charity’s milestone anniversary year.
HOPE MS Therapy Centre continues to support people from across Pembrokeshire, providing therapies, advice and a vital social network for those affected by multiple sclerosis and related conditions.
Community
Fishguard joins Eisteddfod celebrations as Lord Rhys procession arrives in town
Giant puppet procession brings Welsh history and culture to the streets ahead of this summer’s National Eisteddfod
FISGHUARD and Goodwick joined the celebrations today as the spectacular Carreg Filltir Las procession brought the story of Lord Rhys to north Pembrokeshire.
Residents lined the streets as a giant puppet of the 12th-century Welsh prince, created by Small World Theatre, made its way through the community as part of the build-up to this summer’s National Eisteddfod.
The procession commemorates 850 years since Lord Rhys hosted what is widely regarded as the first Eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle in 1176.
Fishguard was one of the stops on the route, with families, local residents and Welsh language supporters turning out to welcome the larger-than-life figure as it passed through the town.
Organisers say the project aims to connect communities across the Eisteddfod area while celebrating Welsh language, culture and heritage.
The procession forms part of the build-up to Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las, which will be held in north Pembrokeshire from August 1 to 8.
The festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors and will showcase Welsh music, literature, performance, art and culture.
The Lord Rhys journey has already visited communities across west Wales and will culminate in Cardigan, the historic birthplace of the Eisteddfod tradition.
Photo caption:
Crowds gathered in Fishguard as the Lord Rhys procession passed through the town as part of the build-up to the 2026 National Eisteddfod.
Community
Man admits deliberately putting human faeces in public swimming pool
A 19-YEAR-OLD man has admitted deliberately placing human faeces in a public swimming pool, causing it to close for cleaning.
Dyfed-Powys Police said officers investigated a series of alleged criminal damage incidents at Newcastle Emlyn Leisure Centre between November 2025 and May 2026.
The man, from the Cardigan area, was identified and interviewed by police.
During interview, he admitted deliberately placing the waste in the pool, which led to its closure while cleaning was carried out.
Police said the matter has been dealt with by way of an Adult Community Resolution and the investigation is now closed.
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