Residents evacuated after early morning blaze on Lady Street, Kidwelly

A MAJOR emergency response was launched in Kidwelly in the early hours of Tuesday (Mar 24) after a fire broke out at a three-storey terraced property on Lady Street.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to the scene at 4:06am, with multiple appliances attending from Kidwelly, Pontiets, Llanelli, Morriston, Tumble, Carmarthen and Port Talbot.

The fire was located on the third floor of the building, with dramatic scenes as flames could be seen through an upstairs window while firefighters worked from ladders and an aerial platform to bring the blaze under control.

Eight breathing apparatus sets were deployed, alongside two hose reel jets, two 45mm hoses, thermal imaging cameras and other specialist equipment. Additional support came from water bowser units and an aerial ladder platform from Morriston.

Several neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution, while other residents were advised to remain indoors during the incident.

Crews remained at the scene for several hours, finally leaving at 1:45pm after ensuring the fire was fully extinguished and surrounding buildings were safe. Firefighters also carried out reassurance visits, offering safety advice to nearby residents.

Lady Street remains closed, with access to a number of properties still restricted due to safety concerns.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed the cause of the fire is currently being treated as unexplained and have launched an appeal for information.

A spokesperson said anyone who may have CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage between 11:00pm on Monday (Mar 23) and 4:00am on Tuesday (Mar 24) should come forward.

Information can be reported online, via email at [email protected], or by calling 101, quoting reference 027 of March 24.

PASSENGERS at Tenby railway station are set to benefit from step-free access as a major £8.3 million upgrade moves into its next phase.

Network Rail, working with contractor AmcoGiffen, is delivering the scheme as part of the UK Government’s Access for All programme. The project will introduce a new footbridge with lifts, providing full step-free access between both platforms.

Bridge removed as work progresses

Earlier this month, engineers removed the station’s existing footbridge using 220-tonne and 60-tonne cranes. A temporary walkway has now been installed to allow passengers to continue moving between platforms while construction continues.

The milestone was marked by a visit from local schoolchildren, who were given the chance to watch the crane operation and learn more about careers in engineering.

Complex infrastructure work underway

Behind the scenes, teams have carried out significant work to relocate and recommission signalling and telecommunications equipment. New ducting has also been installed, and cabling rerouted to support the upgraded infrastructure.

Work will continue over the coming months, with the new accessible bridge and lifts expected to be completed in autumn 2026.

Improving access for all

The Tenby project forms part of a wider national programme to improve accessibility across the rail network. Since its launch in 2006, the Access for All scheme has upgraded more than 200 stations across Britain.

Theo Smith, Senior Portfolio Manager at Network Rail Wales and Borders said: “This is an important milestone for Tenby and the local community, bringing us closer to a station that everyone can use with confidence.

“We’d like to thank passengers and residents for their patience as we continue these major improvements.”

James Gough, Customer Operations Director at Transport for Wales added: “It’s great to see real progress being made at Tenby. This investment will make a lasting difference for both local people and visitors.”

Campaigner and Senedd Member urge residents to respond as consultation deadline approaches

FRESH calls have been made to block the proposed expansion of Withyhedge Landfill, with residents warning that allowing further waste operations would be “outrageous” given the site’s recent track record.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is currently consulting on a permit variation application submitted by Resources Management UK Ltd (RML), which operates the Pembrokeshire site.

The consultation, which could allow the site to accept additional waste including up to 50,000 tonnes of “waste soils” per year, will remain open until Thursday (Mar 26).

The Herald has previously reported on ongoing issues at Withyhedge, including complaints of strong odours, gas emissions and concerns about potential health impacts in nearby communities.

In a formal objection submitted to NRW, long-time campaigner Colin Barnett said the regulator should not consider expanding the site while problems persist.

He said: “The public have had enough of ineffective regulation of Withyhedge Landfill by NRW’s hands-off minimal inspection process.

“We don’t want to breathe toxic gases from this landfill. We don’t want to be woken up in the night by poisonous gases trapped in our house and we don’t want to step out into our gardens to be chased inside from the insidious stink still being emitted from the pit of corruption.”

The objection raises concerns about the operator’s compliance record, claiming the site has been among the worst-performing permitted installations in Wales in recent years, with further issues identified following its reopening in 2025.

It also points to reported hydrogen sulphide emissions, which residents say have at times exceeded recognised odour guidelines and caused distress to those living nearby.

Barnett added: “RML, the waste company, will say they spent £10 million on resolving this problem. We would advise them to ask for their money back as we still get horrendous spikes of gas drifting into our communities.”

The proposed variation would also include revised restoration levels and changes to monitoring of groundwater, surface water and leachate.

However, objectors argue that the term “waste soils” is too vague and could include contaminated materials. Particular concern has also been raised about the site’s existing licence to accept asbestos and the potential risks of handling multiple hazardous waste streams.

Barnett said: “Of specific public concern is their request to tip asbestos on this site. Beggars belief.”

The objection also questions whether the permit process is being advanced ahead of any decision by Pembrokeshire County Council on increasing the site’s capacity.

Concerns have further been raised about what has been described as a “daisy chain” of companies linked to the site’s ownership, which objectors claim allows waste to be transported with limited oversight.

Barnett said: “The documents identify our concern with the ‘daisy chain’ of companies owned by David Neal that allow him to transport waste into our county with minimal inspection.”

Preseli Pembrokeshire MS Paul Davies has also urged residents to take part in the consultation, warning that local voices must be heard before any decision is made.

Mr Davies said: “This consultation is an important opportunity for residents to make their views known about the future of the Withyhedge landfill site.

“There have been ongoing concerns about the site’s environmental performance and its impact on local communities, and it’s vital that Natural Resources Wales hears directly from the people who live in the area.

“I have made clear to the Welsh Government that I believe the site should be looking towards closure rather than expansion, and that Pembrokeshire must not become a dumping ground for waste.

“I would strongly encourage residents to take part in the consultation and submit their views before the deadline.”

NRW’s consultation process is ongoing, and no final decision has yet been made.

The proposed changes are likely to intensify an already heated debate around Withyhedge, which has become one of the most contentious environmental issues in Pembrokeshire in recent years.