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.

RESIDENTS and businesses in Pembroke Dock are invited to attend a pop-up advice surgery this Friday at the Tesco store in Pembroke Dock, hosted by Samuel Kurtz MS.

The event is part of the Member of the Senedd’s ongoing commitment to community engagement offering an informal and accessible way for people to engage, ask questions, and receive help on a range of matters.

Samuel Kurtz MS said: “These drop-in surgeries are vital for ensuring open communication and staying connected to the day-to-day experiences of local people.”

The event follows the successful campaign for a new banking hub for the town, with attention now turning to the next phase, including delivery, location, and how the hub will operate to support local residents and businesses.

Samuel added: “This is a major step forward for Pembroke Dock. After a year of campaigning and strong community support, we now have the green light for a banking hub. This event is about keeping people informed on what comes next and making sure the hub works for everyone it is intended to serve.”

The drop-in session will give people the opportunity to receive updates on progress, understand the next steps, and ask questions about what the banking hub will mean in practice for the community.

No appointment is needed, and people can drop in at any time during the session.

PAUL DAVIES MS and Samuel Kurtz MS visited Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity at its new base in Narberth on Friday 20^th March, highlighting the organisation’s expanding role in supporting children and families across Pembrokeshire and Wales.

The charity recently relocated its administrative headquarters to Narberth as part of plans to strengthen its services and reach more families in need. Founded in Pembrokeshire, Sandy Bear has grown significantly in recent years, now supporting more than 1,000 children and young people annually across Wales.

During the visit, the Pembrokeshire Conservative Members of the Senedd met with staff and volunteers to hear first-hand about the increasing demand for specialist bereavement support, as well as the impact the charity is having on young people navigating grief.

Sandy Bear provides one-to-one and group support to children and young people, helping them understand loss, express their emotions, and build resilience for the future.

Speaking after the visit, Paul Davies MS said: “I have always been incredibly supportive of the vital work that Sandy Bear undertakes, and it was interesting seeing their new base in Narberth. It represents an important step forward allowing them to reach even more children and ensure that no young person has to face grief alone.”

The move to Narberth, based at The Old School community hub, reflects the charity’s continued growth and its focus on making the best use of resources to invest in frontline services.

Samuel Kurtz MS added: “Charities like Sandy Bear play a crucial role in supporting emotional wellbeing and preventing longer-term challenges for young people. It is essential they are recognised and supported to continue this life-changing work.”

Martin Jones, the BDM and Finance Lead for the charity said: “Last week was a special milestone for Sandy Bear as we welcomed Samuel Kurtz MS, Paul Davies MS, and their teams to our new Narberth office. It was a privilege to also have Rev. Robert Moore bless the space. Thank you to Sam, Paul, and Rob for taking the time to visit us and for their unwavering commitment to making our communities better every day.”

Sandy Bear’s mission is to ensure that no child grieves alone, providing compassionate, specialist support at some of the most difficult times in a young person’s life.