Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Pembrokeshire jobs and energy security ‘more important than visual impact’

Published

on

New research suggests people across Britain are more concerned about jobs, lower bills and energy security than how major projects look — as west Wales faces major decisions over its energy future

PEMBROKESHIRE could face difficult questions over its energy future after new polling suggested the British public places greater importance on jobs, energy security and lower bills than the visual impact of major infrastructure projects.

The findings come at a critical time for west Wales, with Pembrokeshire increasingly positioned at the centre of the UK’s transition to cleaner energy through floating offshore wind, hydrogen, carbon capture, battery storage and sustainable fuels linked to the Milford Haven Waterway.

The research, commissioned by a coalition of energy industry organisations, found only 11 per cent of respondents ranked visual impact as a leading concern when considering future energy infrastructure. Instead, respondents were more likely to prioritise industrial competitiveness, reducing pollution and protecting jobs.

The polling, carried out across England, Scotland and Wales by research company Early Studies, found 39 per cent of people prioritised industrial competitiveness, 37 per cent cited reducing air pollution, while a quarter highlighted protecting existing jobs as a key issue.

The findings are likely to spark debate in Pembrokeshire, where large-scale energy projects have frequently generated fierce opposition over concerns around landscape impact, tourism, countryside views and industrialisation of rural areas.

At the same time, supporters argue that Pembrokeshire — home to one of Britain’s most significant energy hubs — cannot afford to miss opportunities for investment and skilled employment, particularly following uncertainty around the future of traditional oil and gas industries.

Milford Haven has long played a strategic role in Britain’s energy security through its LNG terminals and refinery infrastructure. Increasingly, local leaders and politicians have also promoted the county as a centre for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, alongside hydrogen production, carbon capture and low-carbon fuels.

However, proposals linked to renewable energy infrastructure have not always been universally welcomed.

Across Wales and the wider UK, objections to wind farms, substations, pylons and associated grid upgrades have often centred on visual intrusion, impacts on tourism and concerns over cumulative development in rural communities.

Campaigners opposed to some schemes argue that while energy security is important, communities should not be expected to shoulder disproportionate environmental or visual burdens without meaningful consultation or direct benefit.

The industry-backed polling argues, however, that the wider public increasingly sees clean energy infrastructure as essential to economic resilience and energy independence.

Researchers said the findings challenged assumptions often made during planning debates that visual appearance is the public’s overriding concern.

Alfred Malmros, co-founder of Early Studies, said the results showed strong backing for infrastructure focused on energy security, jobs and economic growth.

He said renewable energy offered long-term benefits because it reduced reliance on international markets and external supply shocks.

The study also suggested support was relatively consistent across political divides, with similar responses recorded among Labour, Conservative, Reform UK, Liberal Democrat and Green Party supporters.

But critics may question the independence of the findings.

The survey was commissioned by a coalition of energy trade bodies, including organisations representing offshore wind, solar, hydrogen, nuclear and carbon capture sectors — all of which have a commercial interest in accelerating infrastructure development. The groups said meaningful engagement with communities remains essential and acknowledged concerns about where projects are built.

For Pembrokeshire, the debate is unlikely to disappear any time soon.

With major energy schemes increasingly being discussed for the Celtic Sea and Milford Haven area, the county may soon face a difficult balancing act between protecting landscapes and communities while securing investment, employment and its role in Britain’s future energy system.

 

News

Large fire breaks out at Impala Terminal in Milford Haven

Published

on

Black smoke seen for miles as emergency services respond to incident at former Puma Energy site

A LARGE fire has broken out at the Impala Terminal in Milford Haven this evening, sending a thick plume of black smoke high above the town and across the Haven waterway.

Multiple fire appliances have been seen heading to the site, with police closing roads in the immediate area while emergency services deal with the incident.

The Herald understands that the fire started in the area of Tank 10, at the rear of the facility, where demolition work was being carried out.

Sources have told The Herald that the tank was in the process of being dismantled and that cutting gear was being used at the time. The tank is understood to have been empty, but there may have been oil residue or sludge beneath or within the structure.

This has not yet been officially confirmed by the fire service, police, or the site operator, and the exact cause of the fire remains unconfirmed.

Emergency services at the scene (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Pictures and video from the scene show a large column of black smoke rising from the industrial site, visible from Milford Haven, Neyland, Pembroke Dock and other areas around the Haven.

The fire started in a fuel tank that was in the process of being demolished (Pic: Helen Lindley)

Members of the public are being urged to avoid the area and allow emergency services to work. As a precaution, anyone living nearby should keep windows and doors closed until further guidance is issued.

Black smoke rising from the facility as alarms and sirens sounded (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

The site, still widely known locally as Puma Energy, is now operated as the Impala Terminal. It occupies part of the former Milford Haven oil refinery, which ceased refining operations before the site was converted into a fuel storage and distribution terminal.

The terminal has long been associated with the import, storage and distribution of petroleum products, with a large number of tanks, pipeline systems and jetty infrastructure forming part of the wider Milford Haven energy complex.

The fire could be seen for miles around (Pic: Nic Taylor)

Milford Haven remains one of the UK’s most important energy ports, with oil, gas and fuel infrastructure playing a major role in the local economy for decades.

The Herald has contacted the emergency services and site operators for an official update.

Impala Terminals said: “We can can confirm that an incident has occurred at our Milford Haven Terminal on 6 July at 17:10hrs.

“The Site Emergency Team and Emergency Services are managing our response to the emergency.

“We can confirm that all employees and contractors are accounted for.

“Our first priority is to protect the safety of our people, the surrounding community and the environment.

“At this stage it is not possible to confirm any further details. Any further updates will be provided in due course.”

 

Continue Reading

Community

Mid and West Wales fire service helps deliver life-saving aid to Ukraine

Published

on

MID AND WEST WALES FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE has helped deliver a major convoy of firefighting vehicles and equipment to Ukraine, four years on from the start of the full-scale Russian invasion.

The latest convoy, the ninth of its kind, left the UK on Monday, 29 June and reached the Polish border with Ukraine on Thursday, 2 July, where vehicles and equipment were handed over to Ukrainian partners.

The operation was sponsored by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and FIRE AID, and delivered through a national partnership involving National Resilience, the National Fire Chiefs Council, UK International Search and Rescue, and fire and rescue services from across England and Wales.

The convoy delivered 21 fire vehicles, including 17 fire engines, as well as more than 2,300 pieces of essential firefighting equipment. The donations will help replace critical resources lost during the war.

Since 2022, the UK fire and rescue community has donated 169 vehicles and more than 220,000 pieces of equipment to Ukraine.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service was represented on the convoy by Watch Manager Robert Kershaw.

He said: “I am incredibly proud of our Service’s commitment to supporting the charity and helping get vital aid to Ukraine.

“This mission holds a very special place in my heart, as my family hosted a Ukrainian family for a year, who we now consider our own.

“Knowing the impact of this conflict first-hand makes me even more grateful to work alongside colleagues who are dedicated to helping Ukrainian emergency services protect lives.”

Previous donations from UK fire and rescue services are already making a significant difference on the ground. Vehicles delivered through earlier convoys have responded to more than 6,000 incidents, while more than 2,500 Ukrainian firefighters have been equipped with fully operational PPE and breathing apparatus.

Ukrainian fire and rescue services continue to face severe pressure. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, 481 fire stations have been destroyed, with a further 106 in occupied territories. A total of 1,792 fire vehicles have also been lost.

Since the full-scale invasion began, 122 firefighters have been killed and 629 injured, with three still in captivity. The figures were correct as of 22 June 2026.

Despite these losses, Ukrainian firefighters continue to work on the frontline, saving lives, protecting infrastructure and responding to emergencies while under constant threat.

Around 80 volunteers from across the UK fire and rescue community took part in the convoy, giving their time to prepare, drive and deliver the appliances and equipment.

Fire and rescue services involved included Derbyshire, Essex, Hampshire, Hereford and Worcester, Kent, Lancashire, London, Merseyside, Mid and West Wales, North Wales, North Yorkshire, South Wales, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Surrey, West Midlands and West Yorkshire.

National Fire Chiefs Council Chair Phil Garrigan said: “The UK Fire and Rescue community remains unwavering in its support for colleagues in Ukraine.

“Four years on from the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian firefighters continue to operate in the most challenging and dangerous conditions imaginable.

“This ninth convoy demonstrates the enduring commitment of UK fire and rescue services to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian counterparts.

“The equipment being donated will help replace vital resources lost during the conflict and ensure firefighters can continue their life-saving work.

“This is about firefighters supporting firefighters. It is a powerful example of friendship that transcends borders.

“It is crucial we recognise the challenges our colleagues face and that we continue to play our part.”

FIRE AID Ukraine Lead Oksana Romanukha said: “We are once again seeing the extraordinary solidarity of communities right across the UK with Ukraine.

“These vehicles and equipment are lifelines, helping to save lives, protect firefighters and strengthen the resilience of communities under constant threat.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone across the fire and rescue community, and all those involved, who have made this collective effort possible.”

Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy Samantha Dixon said: “Ukraine has faced unimaginable suffering, and we remain unwavering in our support.

“This convoy will deliver the critical equipment needed to help Ukraine’s Fire Service save lives, respond to attacks and protect their communities.

“I’m proud of the brave volunteers from across our Fire and Rescue Service, as well as all the organisations which have played a role in mobilising these vital assets, making sure support reaches those who need it most.”

 

Continue Reading

Crime

Carmarthenshire man admits ABH, affray and damage to police vehicle

Published

on

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has been remanded in custody after admitting a series of offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray, and criminal damage to a Dyfed-Powys Police vehicle.

Justin Thomas, 33, of no fixed abode, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday, July 6.

Thomas admitted assaulting Kayleigh Marshall in Llanelli on June 27, 2025, causing her actual bodily harm.

He also admitted criminal damage following an incident in Llanelli on June 7, 2026, when a police vehicle belonging to Dyfed-Powys Police was damaged.

On the same date, Thomas was further charged with affray, after using or threatening unlawful violence towards others in conduct which would have caused a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for their safety.

He also admitted damaging a window and property fixtures belonging to Phillip’s Lane Ltd.

Magistrates committed Thomas to Swansea Crown Court for sentence, ruling that their sentencing powers were insufficient.

He was remanded in custody ahead of his next hearing, which is due to take place at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, July 27.

Court records state that bail was refused due to the nature and seriousness of the offences, his previous record and character, and concerns that he was likely to offend.

The court also noted that Thomas was subject to a conditional discharge for assaulting a police constable at the time the latest offences were committed.

 

Continue Reading

News3 hours ago

Large fire breaks out at Impala Terminal in Milford Haven

Black smoke seen for miles as emergency services respond to incident at former Puma Energy site A LARGE fire has...

Crime6 hours ago

Prosecution outlines ‘planned attack’ as Milford Haven teacher stabbing trial opens

Jury hears teenager allegedly brought kitchen knife into school before teacher was stabbed in the head THE JURY in the...

Crime9 hours ago

Boy, 15, denies attempted murder of Milford Haven teacher in ‘horrifying’ attack

Swansea Crown Court hears dramatic opening of trial over February stabbing A 15-YEAR-OLD boy from Milford Haven has gone on...

Crime23 hours ago

Fishguard man cleared after five years in prison refused compensation again

Brian Buckle’s case raises fresh questions over justice system that says a man can be cleared by a jury but...

Crime1 day ago

Wales’ police commissioners to face MPs over future of policing

WALES’ four Police and Crime Commissioners are to be questioned by MPs next week as major changes to the way...

Crime2 days ago

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay. Dyfed-Powys Police said...

Community2 days ago

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly...

Community2 days ago

Milford Haven Carnival brings colour, music and crowds to the town

MILFORD HAVEN was filled with colour, music and community spirit on Saturday as the town’s annual carnival brought crowds onto...

News3 days ago

A40 closed near Llandeilo following collision

A SECTION of the A40 in Carmarthenshire has been closed in both directions following a collision. The road is currently...

Local Government3 days ago

Award-winning Saundersfoot sauna faces refusal over location concerns

PLANS to allow an award-winning outdoor sauna to remain permanently at Saundersfoot Harbour have been recommended for refusal by Pembrokeshire...

Popular This Week