CAMPAIGNERS from across north Pembrokeshire and south Ceredigion are set to come together later this month to press for action on the growing problem of river pollution.

Representatives from several river groups will meet local Senedd Member Anna Nicholl at Haverhub in Haverfordwest on Monday, June 29, to discuss concerns about the health of local waterways and explore potential solutions.

The event follows the recent Senedd election and comes as environmental groups seek to influence policy under the new Welsh Government. Organisers say there is an opportunity to tackle what they describe as an environmental crisis affecting rivers across Wales.

Groups attending include those representing the Rivers Cleddau, Teifi, Nanhyfer and Gwaun. Members have been involved in monitoring water quality, gathering environmental data, engaging with local authorities and the Welsh Government, and promoting greater public appreciation of rivers and their ecosystems.

While each organisation operates independently and focuses on issues affecting its own river catchment, the groups regularly work together on wider environmental initiatives, including river festivals and awareness campaigns.

Organisers say the meeting will provide an opportunity for campaigners to share their concerns directly with the local Senedd Member and discuss what further action may be needed to improve river health and reduce pollution.

The session will be chaired by Fishguard County Councillor Billy Shaw and community campaigner Vicky Moller.

The public is invited to attend the meeting, which takes place from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at The Sorting Office, Haverhub, Haverfordwest.

YOUNG people have helped bring new colour and creativity to Haverfordwest Railway Station as part of a wider project to improve one of the town’s key gateways.

A partnership involving local services, transport organisations and community groups has worked together to refurbish parts of the station and install new artwork, with a strong focus on youth engagement and creative participation.

The project involved South West Wales Connected, Pembrokeshire County Council Youth Justice, The Edge Youth Centre and Regeneration Teams, Kier, Transport for Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police, The VC Gallery, Haverfordwest Action Forum and local artists.

As part of the Welsh Government-funded Haverfordwest Public Transport Interchange scheme, Kier carried out refurbishment works at the station, including cleaning and improvements to the waiting area and public facilities.

An unused building on Platform 2 was also cleaned and prepared for the display of artwork. The art installations were funded through the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund.

Young people supported through Pembrokeshire County Council services produced a series of artworks which are now on display in the station waiting area and on the Platform 2 building. Additional pieces created by local artists have also been installed.

The scheme is intended to create a more welcoming environment for passengers and visitors, while giving young people the chance to take part in meaningful creative activity.

The improvements form part of wider efforts to enhance key gateways into Haverfordwest, from the railway station to the new Haverfordwest Public Transport Interchange, and support town centre regeneration.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “It’s great to see art and culture brought to people as opposed to them actively seeking it out and we have a great tradition in Pembrokeshire of young people producing public art in this form.

“The fact that this is a wide-ranging partnership of groups only adds to the value of the project. I hope people take an opportunity to have a look at what has been created.”

Ian Rees, Regional Director for Kier Construction Western and Wales, said: “We’re proud to have supported improvements at Haverfordwest Railway Station through our work on the wider public transport interchange project, and to be leaving such a positive legacy for the local community.

“It’s been fantastic to see so many stakeholders come together to support and celebrate the creative young people involved in this project, providing a more welcoming space for passengers and visitors.”

Philip Merchant, Project Manager for South West Wales Connected, said: “As South West Wales Connected, we took on this project as a response to community feedback that the station was not a welcoming place, in its environment and for passenger wellbeing.

“It was a challenge and an opportunity to take this on as a blank canvas and it was so enjoyable to work with many partners who all had the same vision and reasons to upgrade this important railway station.”

Nathaniel Owen, Senior Customer Operations Manager for Transport for Wales, said: “Transport for Wales are delighted to have worked closely with Pembrokeshire County Council, Kier Construction, South West Wales Connected and local artists and stakeholders to deliver some small but important improvements to the station environment at Haverfordwest.

“We hope customers will enjoy looking at the artwork done by local people for local people when they travel with us.”

The partners said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to supporting young people, improving public spaces and making Haverfordwest railway station a more attractive and welcoming place for the wider community.

SEVENTY-FOUR volunteers from Valero Pembroke Refinery have taken part in one of the company’s biggest-ever community volunteering events.

Members of the workforce were joined by family, friends and residents of Angle village for a day of community work, including tree planting, a beach clean, and improvements to the village hall and local football club.

In total, volunteers gave up 650 hours of their time and used 75 litres of paint during the day.

Valero Pembroke Refinery said it was a “fantastic day of giving back” and praised everyone involved for their efforts.

Photo caption:

Community effort: Valero volunteers were joined by family, friends and Angle residents for one of the refinery’s biggest-ever volunteering events (Pic: Valero Pembroke Refinery/Facebook).