News

Council’s rubbish plan goes ahead

Published

11 years ago

September 13, 2013

THE COUNTY COUNCIL has given the go ahead to controversial plans to cut domestic rubbish collections. The Council’s scheme, to change from a weekly to a fortnightly collection for black bag rubbish, was this week rubber-stamped by the Council’s IPPG Cabinet.
The new regime, affecting black bag and glass waste, will be introduced in October.
Irate residents and concerned local Councillors have already voiced their fears that the changes are potentially hazardous. Questioned have been raised about the wisdom of the Cabinet’s decision and the impact it will have on the people of Pembrokeshire. Some Councillors are unconvinced that the cut in services was implemented to meet Welsh Government recycling targets, as the Council has claimed.
Speaking to The Herald, Councillor Huw George, Cabinet Member for Environment and Regulatory Services, claimed that fortnightly collections would reduce costs by an estimated £500,000 a year. In response to the question of whether or not this saving would be passed on as a rebate to residents who have already been billed for this year’s Council Tax, Cllr. George stated that:
“With regards to the question in respect of a reduction in Council Tax, you should be aware that the vast majority of funding for Pembrokeshire County Council services comes through the Welsh Government and they have announced very significant cuts to our income for future years, with greater reductions likely to come. We do therefore need to take some difficult decisions about the services we deliver and how we do so in order that we can continue to operate within the reduced budget available to us.”
He went on to say, “As you will be aware, the orange recycling bags and the food waste will continue to be a weekly service. Typically, over 70% of all domestic household waste is recyclable, which actually means that if someone is fully using the recycling services they will have less black bag waste to store over a fortnight than they were previously generating in a week. There is no compunction upon individual householders to recycle but, clearly it is their choice if they wish to minimize the amount of waste they have to store for up to two weeks.”
Lyndon Frayling, vice chairman of the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee, supported the new policy saying, “I make no apologies for doing so. This decision will help us achieve the huge savings we need to make (like every Council in the country) and make it easier to make the tough recycling targets set by the Welsh (Labour) Government. It will mean a change of routine for people but if the rest of Wales can cope with fortnightly collections, I do not believe it is beyond the scope of Pembrokeshire householders to do so as well.”
One angry parent, who wished to remain unnamed, spoke to The Herald by stating that she would face storing soiled nappies for up to two weeks in a small flat. Liberal Democrat Councillor for Dinas Cross, Bob Kilminster picked up her point:
“My biggest concern is for the large number of adults who receive social care packages and have to use incontinence or sanitary wear on a daily basis. These people are, by their conditions, rarely mobile and rely on the refuse collection service to dispose of the products they have to use on a regular basis. Going to a two week collection for these people may well cause huge problems. We could even experience increased social care costs as a result of this.”
Castle Ward resident, Dave Chalker, expressed his fear of a return to the scenes witnessed during the 1970s during the so-called ‘Winter of Discontent’, with rubbish building up in people’s yards and gardens, causing smells that could encourage scavengers and vermin.
That view was supported by Sarah Llewellyn, Town Councillor for Castle Ward, who was sceptical about the value of the policy as a cost cutting measure. She told The Herald, “I would have thought this is a real backward step. Many householders simply do not have the space to store their household waste for prolonged periods or the means to make journeys to the nearest civic amenity sites. Who is going to clear up the mess, and at what cost?”
The Herald sought a response from Keep Wales Tidy on the issue of the carbon footprint left by motorists making additional trips to municipal sites but, even though the action group’s website states they ‘research environmental issues and identify good practice at a local and national level’, they took the position that they were ‘declining to comment because it is a local authority issue’.
A Garth Ward resident, who wished to remain anonymous, was more forthcoming in her criticism of the idea of transporting waste to a municipal refuse tip, saying, “I’m so angry. How is a mother with no car supposed to just take their rubbish to a tip some miles away? In a pram? On the bus? It is ridiculous. I will simply find the nearest area for communal weekly collection and leave it there”.
On this point Councillor David Howlett, Conservative, attempted to reassure constituents by stating that, “At last week’s meeting of the Environment Committee, concern was expressed in relation to sanitary waste, and we voted on an amended proposal that will mean this aspect will be given further consideration. Also, I understand that for certain flats and multi-occupancy properties that do not currently have food and glass collections, they will continue with weekly black bin bag collections until a solution is found.”
Councillor David Bryan, of Haverfordwest Priory ward, who supported the shift to fortnightly collections, commented on this issue, saying that, “The only caveat that is needed is that there must be consideration given to the particular problems concerned with multi occupied properties and the need to collect soiled disposable nappies. It is also extremely important that weekly food refuse collections should be retained.”
Lyndon Frayling, Councillor for Garth Ward, stated that flats and multi-occupancy properties are not affected. However, when pressed on how the Council defined multi occupancy properties, in light of the fact that several housing estates have communal collection points for multiple households, he failed to respond.
Councillor Huw George further explained the need for voters to take personal responsibility, saying, “We do acknowledge that there will be varying levels of inconvenience for some households but this can be minimized by increasing the amount recycled and as we have seen from other areas across Wales, people do adapt their habits and do cope. I do not accept that if the rest of Wales can successfully introduce fortnightly collections for the black bag rubbish that Pembrokeshire cannot also do the same, but I appreciate that it will be more difficult for some than others”.
On the issue of transportation of refuse he merely stated that, “If an individual does have more waste than they can store between collections on any particular occasion then they will still be able to take their rubbish to their nearest civic amenity and recycling centre, but obviously they would have to get it there”.
Thomas Tudor and Paul Miller, from the Labour Group, both confirmed their support of the new policy, stating it was intended to encourage recycling, whilst acknowledging the resulting difficulties it would pose, promising electors that the situation would be monitored with an expectation that it should be ‘working’ in six months’ time.
Two Councillors expressing grave concerns over this issue were Vivien and Mike Stoddart, of Hakin and Hubberston respectively, who, speaking exclusively to The Herald, issued the following statement,
“We have expressed our concern to the County Council about the impact of fortnightly black bin bag collections on our constituents, particularly those living in flats and multi-occupancy properties. We have many such properties in our wards. Fortnightly collections of black bags (residual waste which, for family households, is a euphemism for nappies and sanitary waste) will bear down especially hard on our constituents, as storing this waste will be a problem for families living in flats. At the urging of a few opposition Councillors, the Council has agreed to consider the arrangements for dealing with sanitary waste, but the Council has also stated they will not provide additional collections; nor will they provide wheelie bins. So, we are not sure what these arrangements might be and if they will solve the problem for our families”.
Both Councillors, as of Wednesday of this week, were awaiting assurances from Cllr George that face to face contact would take place between flat dwellers, landlords and Council to ensure provision of suitable storage space.
Only last year, Eric Pickles, speaking as Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, described weekly collections as a ‘basic right’ and accused Councils that were reducing the frequency of collections as actions which were both ‘lazy and unnecessary”.
From October 14th 2013 Pembrokeshire residents will have no choice but to see how this shift in policy affects them, their families, their neighborhood and their well-being.

News

Help protect Pembrokeshire’s coastal paths this Big Give Week

Published

2 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COAST CHARITABLE TRUST is inviting the public to make a double impact this December by supporting vital efforts to combat coastal erosion and climate change across Pembrokeshire’s cherished coastal paths. For one week only, donations will have an even greater impact in protecting these scenic trails for future generations.

During Big Give Week, which takes place from 3–10 December, any donations made to the Trust’s Save Our Coastal Paths campaign will be matched – allowing each gift to go twice as far in safeguarding this precious coastline and its world-class walking trails.

Regarded by many as a national treasure, Pembrokeshire’s 186-mile Coast Path winds through a breathtaking landscape of cliffs, heaths, and dune grasslands, connected by a web of adjoining trails. This iconic pathway is enjoyed year-round by residents, wildlife, and visitors alike. Yet the increasing pressures of climate change – rising sea levels, frequent storms, and extreme weather – are eroding the coast at an alarming rate, threatening the accessibility of these paths, disrupting local ecosystems, and impacting the tourism that fuels the local economy.

In response, the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust has partnered with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and the National Trails team to launch a proactive approach through the Save Our Coastal Paths campaign. Funds raised during Big Give Week will go toward vital repair work, bridge restorations, debris removal, and re-routes where necessary, ensuring the Coast Path and its connecting pathways remain open and safe for generations to come.

Jamie Owen, Journalist, Broadcaster, and Patron of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, said: “The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of the county’s greatest treasures. I have walked it from beginning to end. It would be a tragedy if it became impassable or parts of it simply disappeared. It’s crucial we all do our bit to ensure it’s preserved.”

Katie Macro, Director of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, said: “The Big Give Week is the UK’s largest match-funding event, where supporters of UK charities can have their donations doubled. It’s a fantastic opportunity to rally support and raise funds to help protect Pembrokeshire’s much-loved coastal paths, ensuring they stay resilient against climate change and remain a joy for future generations.

“If you’d like to help, please consider donating during Big Give Week by visiting https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a056900002TPSPiAAP.”

Further information on the work of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust can be found at https://pembrokeshirecoasttrust.wales/.

News

A tribute to Honey Arteya Foxx French, written by her family

Published

3 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Staff Writer

MILFORD HAVEN turned into a sea of yellow on Tuesday, 12th November, as the community gathered to bid farewell to Honey, who tragically passed away at her home on Saturday, 19th October, aged just 12 years old.

Honey was the cherished daughter of Alan and Jess, a beloved sister to Travis and Felix, and a deeply adored granddaughter, great-granddaughter, niece, and cousin. She was a bright, intelligent young girl who attended St. Davids School, leaving an unforgettable impression on all who knew her.

The funeral cortege left her home led by a convoy of bikes, passing her favourite play park, Gellyswick Beach—where she spent countless joyful hours—and her former primary school, where staff stood to pay their respects as the hearse passed.

Before arriving at St. Katharine & St. Peter’s Church, the cortege paused on the Rath for a moving tribute. Tugboats flew yellow flags and released a spectacular display of water, followed by 12 blasts of their horns to honour Honey’s age.

At the church, her yellow coffin, engraved with her name and adorned with honeybee carvings, was carried in to the song I Can’t Help Myself by The Four Tops, a nod to her name. The congregation sang All Things Bright and Beautiful, a favourite from Honey’s primary school days. As the service concluded, Little Bitty Pretty One by Thurston Harris, from her favourite film Matilda, played alongside a touching visual tribute.

At Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Honey’s personality shone through in the music choices, with Rock Superstar by Cypress Hill, her favourite song, and Sail Away by David Gray playing as the service ended.

Honey’s floral tributes were later placed at Milford Haven Cemetery on the graves of loved ones. Flowers from her coffin spray were sent out to sea from Gellyswick Bay that evening, a poignant final farewell.

Her heartbroken parents, Alan and Jess, wrote this loving tribute:

“Once upon a time, oh best beloved, there was a little girl called Honey-bee.

Honey-bee was the most loved of all little girls—before her and after her. She filled every inch of space around her with her presence. Her laugh was husky, cheeky, and contagious. Even if her jokes crossed a line, you couldn’t help but laugh—she was hilarious.

Honey loved to sing, much to her mama’s pride. Whether in the car, the garden, or pottering in the kitchen, she memorised songs with ease, belting out her favourites for all to hear. She danced too—many hours were spent grooving to James Brown or Biggie Smalls in the kitchen. Dramatic and bold, she was destined for the stage.

Honey was her Nana’s girl, and their bond was unbreakable. Sleepovers at Nana’s house meant scary movies, silly photos, and endless laughs. One unforgettable day at Scolton Manor spa, Honey, Mum, and Nana found themselves laughing like children in the rain, with Honey unknowingly pulling a rope that dumped a bucket of icy water over her. Chaos followed, but it was legendary.

Honey had a knack for mischief. She once tried to disprove the Tooth Fairy by hiding a tooth for three days, only to pen a threatening letter to the Easter Bunny demanding payment. When her dad tried to play along, she caught him red-handed, sitting upright with a grin and her hand out, saying, ‘I’ll take that.’

Her adventurous spirit extended to animals—she had a pet duck that followed her everywhere. One morning, her dad replaced the duck’s egg with a Cadbury’s Creme Egg. Honey’s delight at finding ‘chocolate-pooping ducks’ was unmatched.

On her third birthday, she was gifted a Shetland pony dressed as a unicorn, which she proudly rode to school. She even tried to save a live rat from the neighbour’s cat, much to her family’s horror.

In school, Honey shone on stage and in sports. She led a petition for a girls’ rugby team, represented Pembrokeshire in shot put, and played the Evil Queen in a school production, dazzling everyone with her confidence and talent. She was a natural leader and a cherished friend to many.

Honey’s love of life and her fearless, mischievous spirit will forever be remembered. She was, and always will be, the most loved little girl.”

Rest in peace, Honey-bee. Your light will never dim, and your memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved you.

Community

New art trail is afoot in Fishguard and Goodwick!

Published

4 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A NEW sculpture trail Art Afoot / Celf ar Droed linking Fishguard and Goodwick is due to be launched December 15th 2024.

Commissioned by Pembrokeshire County Council with UK Government funding, the trail has been designed and delivered by local creative organisation Small World Theatre, based in nearby Cardigan.

Local artists from the region have designed and fabricated the artworks in their studios. The trail also includes augmented reality artworks that the viewer can see in the landscape using their phone.

The trails make use of existing and maintained pathways such as the boardwalk on Goodwick Moor, a wildlife reserve and the Marine Walk which is an accessible coastal path.

The new artworks will also be interspersed with existing artworks and heritage monuments and tell the twin towns heritage stories while celebrating the unique biodiversity and wildlife of the area.

A hand drawn and illustrated map will guide walkers along the various route options and website will give further details about the artworks, the artists and a digital version of the map.

Six new sculptures and eight augmented reality artworks have been commissioned as well as a series of decorated waymarkers. Sculptural archways created by Bill Hamblett will mark key route directions and celebrate local wildlife and heritage.

The launch event begins 2pm at Ocean Lab, Goodwick Sunday, December 15th and the artists will lead a guided walk along one of the trail routes.

Everyone is welcome, this is a free family friendly event and the route taken will be accessible to wheelchair users.

Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, said: “This innovative project will bring the rich history of Fishguard and Goodwick to life through both physical and virtual art for us all to enjoy. It promises to be a really interesting experience, not just for those visiting the area but also those who already live in this beautiful part of Pembrokeshire.”

A stunning five metre stainless steel seahorse created by Pembrokeshire-based artist Gideon Peterson will sit at the entrance to the Marine Walk, overlooking Goodwick beach and Fishguard Harbour.

Many of the artworks are interactive or kinetic such as a wind-powered shoal of fish and a giant kaleidoscope showcasing local children’s drawings at Goodwick Parrog, made using reclaimed materials by artist duo Toby Downing and Ben Cramp.

A playful hand painted sculpture of Jemima Nicholas, created by Ann Shrosbree with painting by Sarah Hope, was originally inspired by a young person’s drawing and an augmented reality immersive experience awaits viewers with artworks by Seán Vicary and Steve Knight.

The area is known for its focus on arts and culture and these trails are the latest manifestation of this. For those who love culture as well as stunning coastal scenery and wildlife, this is an ideal combination.