Community

Residents say Carmarthenshire risks becoming ‘Wild West’ of renewables

Published

5 months ago

July 11, 2025

Campaigners condemn Glyn Cothi wind farm plan as threat to landscapes and communities

A RESIDENTS’ group has hit out at plans for a major wind farm in north Carmarthenshire, warning that the county is being turned into the “Wild West” of renewable energy.

CRAiG Sir Gâr (Carmarthenshire Residents Action Group) has issued a strong objection to the proposed Glyn Cothi Wind Farm, a 162 MW development that would see turbines rise above the scenic Cothi Valley and Brechfa Forest.

The proposed scheme follows an earlier 48 MW wind farm at Llanllwni Mountain, rejected over a decade ago after a fierce campaign by local residents.

Concerns over damage to environment and tourism

The group says the development—three times the size of the rejected Llanllwni proposal—would “scar the landscape, wreck communities, and sound the death knell for many tourism businesses.”

They argue that thousands of tonnes of concrete and steel would be needed to construct turbine foundations, while extensive new roads and bridges would carve through the county’s historic rural heartlands. Residents fear access to parts of Brechfa Forest could also be lost due to new infrastructure.

Blame levelled at Welsh Government and County Council

Havard Hughes, spokesperson for CRAiG Sir Gâr, said the development is a direct result of planning policies laid out in the Welsh Government’s Future Wales 2040 strategy, which designated large parts of the county as suitable for industrial-scale wind energy.

“These proposals for Glyn Cothi were utterly predictable when the Welsh Government imposed an industrial wind zone on a third of Carmarthenshire,” Mr Hughes said. “This monstrous scheme will see turbines hundreds of feet high with aircraft warning lights blazing day and night. The dark skies of the Brechfa Forest and Cothi Valley will be gone forever—replaced by a permanent Net Zero glow.”

Mr Hughes also criticised Carmarthenshire County Council’s decision to scrap the Cothi Valley’s Special Landscape Area designation in its draft Local Development Plan, warning that this had left the area vulnerable to industrialisation.

‘Open season for turbines and pylons’

The group further claims that local authorities have removed protections from 18 landscapes across the county while also investing the council’s pension fund in energy infrastructure firms.

“It’s no wonder that one of the largest electricity substations in the UK is being planned for Llandyfaelog,” Mr Hughes said. “It’s open season for turbines and pylons in an area larger than the width of Greater London.”

Calling for a moratorium on individual energy schemes, CRAiG Sir Gâr is urging Welsh and local government to consider the cumulative impact of multiple renewable energy projects across Carmarthenshire.

Background information

The Glyn Cothi Wind Farm would generate 162 MW of electricity.
The recently proposed Nant Mithil development by Bute Energy is expected to generate 198 MW, using steel pylons across Carmarthenshire.
By comparison, the existing Brechfa Forest wind farm produces 57.4 MW and uses wooden poles.
Page 94 of Future Wales 2040 outlines the areas designated for large-scale wind development in Carmarthenshire.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

13 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

13 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).