News

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

Published

2 months ago

May 21, 2026

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.

Local Government

National Park Authority confirms leadership roles after AGM

Published

3 minutes ago

July 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Dr Madeleine Havard re-elected as Chair as key committee positions are agreed

PEMBROKESHIRE COAST NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY has confirmed its Chair, Deputy Chair and key Development Management Committee roles following its Annual General Meeting.

Dr Madeleine Havard has been re-elected as Chair of the Authority, with Cllr Claire George continuing as Deputy Chair.

Cllr Dr Simon Hancock has also been re-elected as Chair of the Authority’s Development Management Committee, with John Hogg MBE confirmed as Deputy Chair of that committee.

The appointments were agreed by Members at a meeting of the National Park Authority held on Wednesday, June 24.

The Authority is made up of 18 Members. Twelve are county councillors appointed by Pembrokeshire County Council, while six are appointed by the Welsh Government.

Together, they oversee the work of the Authority and make decisions on matters affecting the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Dr Havard said: “It is an honour and a privilege to continue serving as Chair of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

“Our National Park is one of Wales’ most treasured landscapes, and the Authority has an important role in protecting it for future generations while supporting the communities who live and work here.

“I look forward to continuing to work with all Members, staff, partners and local communities as we respond to the opportunities and challenges facing the National Park.”

Cllr Dr Simon Hancock said he was pleased to continue as Chair of the Development Management Committee, which considers planning matters within the National Park.

He said: “The Committee’s work requires careful judgement, balancing the need to conserve and enhance this special landscape with the needs of local people.

“I look forward to continuing to work with fellow Members and officers in carrying out this responsibility.”

Members spend an average of two days a month on formal committee business, as well as representing the Park Authority at a range of formal and informal events.

These include Welsh Government-related meetings, workshops and seminars, formal launches, and presentations by the Authority and partner organisations.

The current Members of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority are: Cllr Maureen Bowen, Cllr Di Clements, Ms Fiona Day, Cllr Claire George, Dr Madeleine Havard, Ms Helen Gwenllian, Mr John Hogg MBE, Sarah Hoss, Cllr Dr Simon Hancock MBE, Cllr Mike James, Mr Gwynn Angell Jones, Cllr Huw Murphy, Cllr Bethan Price, Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Cllr Anji Tinley, Cllr Vanessa Thomas, Cllr Chris Williams BEM and Cllr Michael Williams.

Caption:

Dr Madeleine Havard, Cllr Claire George, Cllr Dr Simon Hancock and John Hogg MBE have been confirmed in key leadership roles following Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s Annual General Meeting.

Health

Hywel Dda rolls out new tool to help patients stay independent in hospital

Published

7 minutes ago

July 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Early warning system aims to prevent hospital-related decline and support faster recovery

HYWEL DDA University Health Board is among the first in Wales to introduce a new approach to spotting and preventing hospital-related decline in patients.

The Deconditioning Early Warning Indicator, known as DEWI, helps staff identify early signs that a patient may be losing strength, mobility or confidence during a hospital stay.

The aim is to make sure patients remain as active and independent as possible while receiving care, helping them return home at the same level of independence they had before admission, or even before they became unwell.

Deconditioning can develop quickly, even during a short stay in hospital, and can affect a patient’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

The DEWI tool uses a structured set of indicators to build a picture of each patient’s abilities and to highlight any changes at an early stage. This allows staff to put timely support in place, including help with movement, nutrition, hydration and confidence.

Developed by NHS Wales Performance and Improvement, the tool has been tested across a number of health boards and was formally launched in November 2025. It is now being rolled out across Hywel Dda hospital sites.

More than 650 patients have already been supported using the DEWI tool during their hospital stay, with early indications showing positive trends in maintaining or improving function during admission.

Sharon Daniel, Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience, said: “We recognise that deconditioning can cause significant harm to our patients, often developing quickly and impacting independence and recovery during a hospital stay.

“It is therefore highly encouraging to see the Health Board leading the way in embedding the DEWI tool, alongside the development of a complementary Action Bundle which helps patients to stay active and independent.”

Across Hywel Dda, ward teams are now building the tool into everyday care. This includes the use of visual information boards and activities designed to encourage patients to remain active, engaged and independent.

Estelle Williams, Sister on the Acute Frailty Unit at Withybush General Hospital, said the tool was already helping staff focus on practical steps.

She said: “From a ward perspective, the DEWI tool has been really useful in helping our staff think about deconditioning as part of everyday care.

“It keeps things simple and focuses on practical actions we can take, like supporting patients to stay mobile, encouraging independence and paying attention to nutrition and hydration.

“It also fits nicely alongside the initiatives we already have in place, including the use of fortified milkshakes, bringing everything together in a more joined-up way.”

James Severs, Executive Director of Allied Health Professions and Health Science, said preventing deconditioning was central to improving outcomes for patients.

He said: “Preventing deconditioning is fundamental to improving patient outcomes and reducing the long-term impact of illness.

“This work highlights the vital role all ward staff have in keeping people active, supporting recovery and maintaining independence throughout their hospital stay.

“By identifying risks early and intervening promptly, we are helping patients recover faster and return home with greater confidence.”

The Health Board said future phases will focus on further developing the DEWI tool and embedding it as part of standard care before, during and after hospital admission.

Caption: The Deconditioning Team at Withybush General Hospital. From left: Annie, Occupational Therapy Technician; Ruth and Rosie, nurses; Lauren, Health Care Assistant; Estelle, Sister; and Violet from Hotel Services.

Crime

Five seriously injured in A4067 crash near Craig-y-Nos

Published

15 minutes ago

July 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Child airlifted to hospital as two men arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving

FIVE people were seriously injured following a multi-vehicle collision on the A4067 near Craig-y-Nos, Powys, on Sunday evening.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 5:50pm on Sunday, July 5, and involved a green Ford Fiesta, a black Volkswagen Polo and a grey Vauxhall Grandland.

A five-year-old child was airlifted to hospital with injuries believed to be life-threatening. Police said the child remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Four other people were also seriously injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

The driver of the green Ford Fiesta, a 39-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and child neglect.

Police later identified a yellow Ford Fiesta as also being involved in the incident. Its driver, a 65-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Both men remain in police custody.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who was travelling on the A4067 near Craig-y-Nos at the time of the collision and may have dashcam footage.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired can text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Quote reference: DP-20260703-277