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Plaid calls for halt on wind and solar projects in Carmarthenshire

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PLAID CYMRU councillors are calling for a temporary halt on large-scale wind and solar projects across Carmarthenshire, warning that rural landscapes are being “scarred by countless pylons” and that the Welsh Government must impose tougher planning safeguards.

A Notice of Motion from the party will go before the full council on Wednesday (Nov 12), calling on the Welsh Government to pause all new Developments of National Significance (DNS) and Strategic Infrastructure Projects (SIP) for onshore wind and solar farms until major concerns about infrastructure and cumulative impact are addressed.

Cllr Handel Davies, who represents Llandovery, said current plans are damaging the very communities they are meant to support.

He said: “Although we agree that as much renewable electricity as possible should be generated and consumed locally to directly benefit the local community, that’s just not happening. The landscape along the Brân, Tywi and Teifi valleys will be unnecessarily scarred by countless pylons. This will have a negative effect on tourism and the quality of life of people who live in rural areas. Undergrounding the cables is unquestionably the sensible and acceptable solution.”

Fellow Plaid councillor Arwel Davies, of Cilycwm, said residents were increasingly alarmed by the scale of new wind turbine schemes emerging in the north of the county.

He said: “We can be proud that renewable energy in Carmarthenshire is already making a substantial contribution towards Wales’ net zero target. However, many people living in the countryside have been alarmed by plans to erect even more and bigger wind turbines on the hills and forests. The Welsh Government must make a very serious assessment of the cumulative impact these windfarms would have on our rural communities.”

Cumulative impact and underground cables

The Notice of Motion urges ministers to clarify how they will ensure the cumulative impact of multiple overlapping energy schemes is properly managed, and to confirm a firm policy of undergrounding new power lines carrying 132kV or more.

It also demands a coherent national plan to upgrade Wales’ energy grid so that electricity generated locally can be used within Carmarthenshire rather than exported elsewhere.

Plaid says that while it supports local renewable generation and green hydrogen production, it is concerned about the spread of large solar farms on agricultural land, which it warns could displace food production.

The motion reflects growing tension between renewable energy targets and local planning pressures, with several wind and solar proposals currently under consideration by the Welsh Government’s Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).

The Herald understands that if passed, the motion would mark the strongest opposition yet from a Welsh local authority to the pace and scale of onshore renewable energy development under Labour’s current framework.

The motion will be debated at Carmarthenshire County Council’s full meeting on Wednesday (Nov 12), and, if approved, will be sent formally to the Welsh Government.

Photo caption:

Brân, Tywi and Teifi valleys: Plaid says pylon plans would ‘scar’ Carmarthenshire’s landscape (Pic: Alun Lenny).

 

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

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A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

 

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Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

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A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

 

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Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

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YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.

 

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