Community

Henry Tufnell MP demands urgent action on Cleddau river crisis

Published

12 months ago

March 28, 2025

Public meeting draws 150 as MP vows to raise issue in Parliament

HENRY TUFNELL MP chaired a major public meeting last week to address the worsening condition of the Cleddau River, bringing together key stakeholders, environmental experts, and community members in a call for urgent action.

The event, organised by local environmental group The Cleddau Project, took place at Haverfordwest Rugby Club and drew over 150 concerned residents. It followed Natural Resources Wales’ recent classification of the Cleddau as the worst-performing Special Area of Conservation (SAC) river in Wales.

The panel discussion focused on pollution sources, enforcement failures, and practical solutions to restore the river’s health. Panellists included representatives from Afonydd Cymru, Welsh Water, NRW, Cardiff University, and First Milk.

Speaking after the event, Henry Tufnell MP said: “The Cleddau is a vital natural resource, and last night’s discussion highlighted the urgent need for action. The insight shared by our expert panel and members of the community reinforced the importance of tackling pollution at its source and ensuring our regulatory bodies are held accountable.

“I am committed to continuing this fight for cleaner water and a healthier environment for future generations.”

Ric Cooper of The Cleddau Project said: “The Cleddau Project has worked tirelessly to bring attention to the ongoing pollution issues facing the river. It was encouraging to see so many people engaged in this discussion, but we need to ensure that words translate into concrete action.”

During a lively open-floor Q&A, residents voiced deep concerns over the lack of enforcement on illegal discharges, the role of agriculture and industry in pollution, and what they saw as a failure by regulatory bodies to hold offenders accountable.

Concluding the evening, Henry Tufnell MP pledged to bring the matter to Westminster: “This discussion was an important step, but it must be followed by action. I will be raising these issues in Parliament and pushing for stronger regulations and enforcement. The Cleddau deserves better, and I will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure its restoration.”

Notable quotes from the panel:

Jennifer Grubb, Welsh Water: “We can do better. We need to do better.”
Mark Brooking, First Milk: “The Cleddau Project has had a massive influence on First Milk … our attitude has completely changed. How good can we become? It’s not just about passing a test.”
Gail Davies-Walsh, Afonydd Cymru: “Is NRW meeting its role as a regulator in Wales and taking appropriate actions on the organisations that impact our rivers? We need much stronger enforcement against the existing regulations.”
Huwel Manly, NRW: “One of the [Cleddau] waterbodies is the worst failure of all SAC rivers in Wales (out of 330).”
Prof Steve Ormerod, Cardiff University: “There should be investment in helping farmers to farm in a better way that doesn’t have such a large negative downstream effect.”

Community

Milford Haven salon named national awards finalist

Published

2 hours ago

March 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A local beauty therapist earns recognition in prestigious UK competition

A MILFORD HAVEN beauty therapist has been shortlisted for a major national award celebrating excellence in the hair and beauty industry.

Charlotte Mitchell-Johns, of The Attic Hair & Beauty, has been named a finalist in the Hair Extensions Specialist category at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2026.

Ms Mitchell-Johns, who is a Level four beauty therapist, also works as a hair extensions specialist and beauty educator with HB Training.

Speaking about the recognition, she said she was “truly honoured” to be named among the finalists.

She added that she believes the industry thrives on collaboration rather than competition, and that supporting others is key to long-term success.

Ms Mitchell-Johns has been recognised for her technical skill, commitment to clients, and efforts to maintain high standards within the beauty sector.

The UK Hair and Beauty Awards highlight leading professionals from across the country, celebrating talent, creativity and dedication within the industry.

Community

Pembrokeshire foster carers could get council tax exemption

Published

8 hours ago

March 22, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

THE FINAL sign-off for a pilot scheme for foster carers in Pembrokeshire to be exempt from council tax payments, has been backed by senior councillors.

Last July, Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet members backed a pilot scheme, giving 100 per cent exemptions for those meeting the criteria, running from April 1 of this year, up to March 31, 2029.

In a report presented by Cabinet Member for Young Persons, Community, Well-being and Future Generations Cllr Marc Tierney, members heard the average yearly cost of a young person being supported by an in-house foster carer per year is £22,770, while the cost for those in in residential care per year is £409,812, a variance of £387,042 per year.

“It is evident that if we can support more people to foster through a council tax discretionary discount scheme, this will benefit the Local Authority by reducing reliance on far more expensive residential care placements, or independent fostering agency arrangements, whilst enabling children to remain in their own communities,” the report said.

It added: “Based on the 25/26 Council Tax (Band D) equivalent rate of £2,059.82 per annum, the cost of implementing a 100 per cent discount per year for current mainstream foster carers would be £133,888.30. It is noted that there may be some households within this cohort who are already receiving some sort of discount, however £133,888.30 should be the maximum impact.”

Offset against that, current costs for Independent Fostering Agencies placements are some £1,956,500; the spend for the same number of children placed with in-house foster carers based on average placement costs would £796,920 per annum, an annual variance of £1,159,580 less per year compared to IFA placement costs.

“Introducing this discount on a pilot basis would be with a view to identifying if additional costs incurred by implementing this scheme would be offset by reducing the number of children and young people placed with Independent Fostering Agencies and increasing the number of children being cared for via in-house foster carers,” the report said.

It added: “This proposal will also have the added benefit of creating capacity for more young people looked after to remain close to their families, their homes, their schools, and communities thus retaining crucial local links and support networks.”

At the March meeting of Cabinet, members were asked to again back the scheme, with minor amendments to eligibility, which was supported by Cabinet.

Community

Loose horse sparks police response in Pembroke

Published

15 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Animal seen galloping through residential streets and towards main road

POLICE are reportedly tracking a loose horse which strayed into a residential area of Pembroke.

The animal was first spotted in Gatehouse View before making its way onto a nearby main road.

A post on the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Citizens’ Forum said the horse had left Gatehouse View and was seen heading towards the road by Pembroke Leisure Centre.

The resident wrote: “Anyone recognise it? Police following it.”

The horse was later reported to be galloping down Buttermilk Lane in the direction of Martha’s.

Stray horses are not uncommon in the area. In January, several animals were reported loose around Pembroke and along the A477, particularly near Buttermilk Close and the Cleddau Bridge.

Those incidents created a hazard for motorists, prompting Pembrokeshire County Council to step in and return the animals. Drivers were advised to take extra care and avoid startling them.