Heating oil believed to have entered water via culvert as investigation and clean-up continue

AN UGENT investigation is underway after a suspected heating oil spill contaminated the Commons Stream and spread into Castle Pond in Pembroke.

Pembroke Town Council first raised the alarm, warning residents of a potential pollution incident affecting the watercourse. Officers from Pembrokeshire County Council’s Pollution Control Team and Natural Resources Wales are now on site working to identify the source and contain the spill.

Further information from local county councillor Aaron Carey suggests the oil likely entered the stream through a culvert near Foundry House, indicating the source may lie somewhere to the south of that location.

The substance is believed to be domestic heating oil. It is not yet known whether the spill was accidental or the result of a possible attempted fuel theft.

Residents in St Daniel’s Hill, South Road and Orange Gardens are being urged to check their heating oil tanks for any signs of damage or unexplained loss.

Witnesses reported seeing a blue-green sheen on the water near the castle side earlier today, raising concerns about the extent of the contamination.

Clean-up efforts are ongoing, and members of the public may notice increased activity around the stream and pond while teams work to manage the incident.

Anyone with information or concerns is advised to contact the relevant authorities.

PEMBROKESHIRE Coast National Park committee members are to see their basic salaries rise by just under 6.5 per cent following recommendations backed at its full authority meeting.

At the Park meeting of March 25, members were asked to note the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru’s decisions in relation to the basic and senior salaries payable to national park authority members for the financial year 2026/27, and to determine which post(s) should be remunerated with a senior salary.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has 18 Members, 12 nominated by Pembrokeshire County Council, the remaining six appointed by the Welsh Government.

A report for members said: “The Commission has agreed that the basic salary for elected members will rise by 6.4 per cent, reflecting the increase in average earnings.

“In summary, the main changes to members’ remuneration for the financial year 2026/27 are: that the basic salary for ‘ordinary members’ is increased by £360 to £5,936 per annum; the senior salary for the chair of the authority will increase by £996 to £16,458, and the senior salary for the deputy chair of the authority and any other committee chairs or other senior posts will increase by £613 to £10,144.”

The new salary framework will come into effect on April 1.

The report stated: “In reaching its determinations, the Commission consider that a fair and reasonable remuneration package will continue to support elected and appointed members and not act as a barrier to participation.”

It added: “The annual report also reiterates the following facts: that a senior salary is paid inclusive of the basic salary; that there is a restriction on receiving double remuneration where a member holds more than one post.”

Three senior salaries are currently paid by the authority; the posts of chair and deputy chair of the authority, together with the chair of the development management committee, the report said.

Members unanimously approved the recommendations, with the remuneration rates for the three senior posts continuing as before.

School says religious item worn by pupil is secured, symbolic and non-functional

YSGOL HENRY TUDOR has moved to reassure parents after confirming that a pupil is wearing a ceremonial kirpan as part of their Sikh faith.

The development comes after around a dozen parents with children at the school contacted The Herald expressing concern about the situation.

In a letter sent to parents on Wednesday (Mar 25), the school explained that a Sikh family had recently joined the school community, and that the pupil is an Amritdhari Sikh — meaning they are required to wear certain articles of faith.

One of these is the kirpan, a small ceremonial blade which holds deep religious significance within Sikhism.

The school stressed that in this case the kirpan is “small, sheathed and secured,” and cannot be unsheathed. It added that the item is worn purely as a symbol of faith and “not as a functional item.”

Parents raise concerns

Around a dozen parents have contacted The Herald expressing concern about the situation, with some questioning both safety and how the decision was communicated.

Posts on local social media groups also reflect unease among some parents. One parent wrote that they were “not at all comfortable” with their child returning to school until the issue was resolved, while others questioned whether enough notice had been given before the decision was implemented.

Another commenter raised concerns about safety, suggesting that allowing any form of blade on school premises could set a precedent.

However, some claims circulating online — including suggestions that similar cases have led to violent incidents without prosecution — have not been substantiated.

Reassurance over safety

The letter made clear that appropriate steps have been taken to ensure the situation is managed safely and in line with safeguarding responsibilities and UK law.

School leaders said they remain committed to respecting the religious beliefs of all pupils while maintaining a safe environment, adding that the matter will continue to be monitored “sensitively and appropriately.”

In some settings, schools may agree adjustments to how a kirpan is worn — such as ensuring it is very small, secured, or sealed — so that religious requirements are respected while maintaining safety.

Understanding the kirpan

The kirpan is one of the five articles of faith — known as the Five Ks — observed by initiated Sikhs. It symbolises a duty to stand up against injustice and to protect others.

Under UK law, Sikhs are permitted to carry a kirpan for religious reasons. In schools, these are typically very small, kept in a sheath, and often secured so they cannot be drawn.

Across the UK, many schools have policies in place to accommodate the wearing of the kirpan while ensuring appropriate safeguards are followed.

Promoting inclusion

The school’s letter reflects a wider approach across education settings in Wales and the UK, where inclusivity and respect for different faiths are balanced with clear safety measures.

Pembrokeshire County Council has since confirmed it was aware of the situation and had provided guidance to Ysgol Henry Tudor when the matter was raised. A spokesperson said the authority is satisfied that appropriate safeguarding measures are in place, and that the school is following its procedures as outlined to parents in its communication. The update comes amid some concern from parents, including comments shared with The Herald and on social media, although no incidents relating to the matter have been reported.