RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are gearing up for a pivotal demonstration outside the Pembrokeshire County Council at County Hall, scheduled for Thursday, May 14th. The protest, named “Stop the Stink,” aims to press the council and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) into action against the ongoing environmental issues at the Withyhedge landfill site.

From 9:00 to 10:30 AM, community members, environmental activists, and concerned citizens plan to converge on the steps of the county building to make their voices heard before the NRW’s critical deadline. This date marks when the landfill operators are required to complete necessary remediation efforts to prevent toxins from leaking into the local environment.

Colin Barnett, the organiser of the demonstration, highlighted the importance of the protest. “This gathering is crucial. It’s our final chance to influence the council’s decisions and push for real change before the deadline. Our community deserves a safe and healthy environment, and we must hold those responsible accountable,” Barnett stated.

The Withyhedge landfill has been the subject of intense scrutiny following reports that harmful toxins could be escaping into the surrounding areas, posing significant health and environmental risks. Despite ongoing investigations and some interventions by NRW, public trust remains low regarding the effectiveness and transparency of the measures implemented so far.

Demonstrators are expected to display signs with messages such as “Protect Our Children” and “No More Toxins,” calling for immediate and effective action. The protest aims to ensure that the community’s concerns are not only heard but acted upon with urgency.

As the May 14th approaches, the stakes are high for the residents of Haverfordwest, who are calling for decisive and immediate action from their local leaders.

This final “Stop the Stink” protest represents a critical moment in their ongoing fight for a cleaner, safer environment.

A 27-YEAR-OLD Romanian has been remanded in custody after stealing over £1,000 worth of items from Boots in Pembroke Dock.

Raj Domnu was arrested by police officers after being observed stealing the items on April 13. He appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on April 22 when admitted stealing items totalling £1,818.53.

The matter was adjourned for an all-options probation report to be prepared prior to Domnu’s sentencing, and this week he re-appeared before Haverfordwdest magistrates court via a video-link from Swansea Prison where he has been remanded in custody.

“The report has been prepared, but my client doesn’t understand a word of English so I’m unable to discuss it with him,” said his solicitor, Michael Kelleher.

Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson also stated that to sentence Domnu without the assistance of an interpreter would be judicially unfair to the defendant.

As a result, the matter was adjourned to May 13.  Domnu, of Frodingham Road, Scunthorpe, was remanded in custody.

A PEMBROKESHIRE farm mechanic has been sentenced by magistrates after driving his vehicle at speed towards another car when he was over the drink-drive limit.

William Griffiths was driving his Seat Leon on an unclassified road between Maenclochog and Clarbeston just before 7pm on April 22.

“Another motorist was on her way home and she slowed down when the vehicle in front of her indicated to turn right,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“But she then heard the sound of screeching tyres and saw a car travelling towards her at speed, breaking heavily and swerving across the road.”

The out-of-control car was being driven by William Griffiths, 47, of Clyn, Maenclochog.

“He shunted forward and skid marks could be seen on the road,” continued Ms Jackson. “Police officers were called and when they spoke to the defendant, they could smell alcohol on his breath.”

A roadside breath test proved positive and Griffiths was taken to a police custody suite where he gave two further breath tests, the lowest giving a reading of 67 mcg. The legal limit is 35.

Ms Jackson confirmed that during a police interview, Griffiths admitted drinking three pints of lager earlier that evening.

“It’s sad that someone at the age of 47 comes before the court with a hitherto clean character,” said his barrister, David Griffiths, in mitigation.

“This was an exceptional situation as my client had been told that one of his friends had died suddenly that day.

“Because of this, he called into a pub and drank more than he should have.”
Mr Griffiths said that his client works as a self-employed mechanic on his family farm.

After considering the facts, magistrates disqualified Williams Griffiths from driving for a total of 18 months. He was fined £440 and ordered to pay a £176 court surcharge and £85 costs.