Council confirms around 4,750 locations linked to historic land use as campaign raises environmental concerns

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has confirmed that around 4,750 potentially contaminated land sites are recorded across the county, following the release of environmental data by campaigners ahead of the 2026 Senedd election.

The figures emerged after analysis published by Friends of the Earth Cymru highlighted pollution risks across the Ceredigion Penfro constituency, including contaminated land, flood risk, sewage discharges and fly-tipping.

Responding to questions from The Herald, the Council said it holds records relating to historical land use throughout Pembrokeshire in digital mapping format, alongside investigation reports and planning files connected to previous developments.

Officials confirmed that approximately 4,750 sites are currently identified as potentially contaminated, although only one site has been formally designated as contaminated land under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act and is listed on the Council’s public register.

The authority stressed that the larger figure reflects historical activities rather than confirmed contamination.

A spokesperson said: “The potentially contaminated land sites are categorised by risk (low to high) and include former industrial sites, historical sites, quarries, landfills, cemeteries, garages and petrol stations.

“It would be difficult to comment on the accuracy of the information as these are based on historical land uses that may or may not have carried out activities that could have led to some form of contamination.”

The Council explained that the records are primarily used as an oversight tool within the planning system. Where land is proposed for redevelopment, developers are typically required to undertake investigations and agree remediation measures depending on the intended use.

Monitoring work is currently focused on the single designated contaminated land site, where a remediation and monitoring programme is managed by the landowner and reviewed by the Council’s Pollution Control Team.

Officials added that potential contamination does not automatically mean there is a risk to the public.

“In terms of any potentially contaminated sites, if the site doesn’t pose a risk there would be no need to require investigation or remediation,” the spokesperson said. “You would require the presence of a source of contamination, a sensitive receptor and a pathway for the contamination to affect the receptor. Without all of these there is no real risk posed.”

The Council also confirmed it has recently reviewed and updated its Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy for 2026.

Fly-tipping concerns

The Friends of the Earth analysis also referenced hundreds of fly-tipping incidents recorded locally. The Council said it is currently exploring new enforcement measures, including the possible installation of CCTV surveillance in known hotspot areas, subject to approval.

In addition, a team of waste advisers continues to carry out patrols across the county focusing on monitoring, community education and enforcement action where necessary.

Environmental debate

Campaigners have argued that pollution and environmental risks should be key issues for voters ahead of the Senedd election. However, the Council suggested that most land contamination issues are effectively managed through existing planning and regulatory processes.

“The report seems to suggest that there is a problem with contaminated land across the area,” the spokesperson said. “Most if not all remediation will be driven through the planning process where a developer will take the lead on carrying out an investigation, which is then reviewed by the Council.”

Friends of the Earth Cymru has also highlighted flood risk affecting thousands of residents across the wider constituency area, alongside sewage discharge data drawn from national monitoring systems.

Image: Black Bridge (Pic: Martin Cavaney)

Key figures from hospitality, tourism and culture to headline major county event

THE VISIT Pembrokeshire Tourism Summit will return on Wednesday, Marcn 26, bringing together leading voices from across the visitor economy for the county’s flagship industry event.

Hosted once again at Folly Farm, the annual summit is open to anyone involved in — or with an interest in — tourism in Pembrokeshire. This year’s theme, Shaping the Future Together: Sustainable Growth for Pembrokeshire, will focus on collaboration, innovation and long-term development across the sector.

Organisers say the event is the largest in Visit Pembrokeshire’s calendar, attracting tourism professionals, business owners, strategic partners and representatives from the public and third sectors.

The keynote speaker will be Kate Nicholls OBE, Chair and former Chief Executive of UKHospitality, widely regarded as one of the UK’s most influential advocates for the hospitality and tourism industries. She has played a central role in shaping national policy and championing the sector’s contribution to local economies.

Jason Thomas, Director of Visit Wales, will provide an update on national tourism priorities, while John Davies, Chair of the Executive Committee for the 2026 National Eisteddfod, will also address delegates. A former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr Davies brings extensive experience of both local government and national organisations.

Emma Thornton, Chief Executive of Visit Pembrokeshire, will open the summit by outlining the organisation’s ten-year vision for the Pembrokeshire visitor economy.

She said: “The Visit Pembrokeshire 2026 Tourism Summit will be a day to unite our industry, strengthen our voice, and shape the future of tourism in our county. Attendees will have the opportunity to make new connections, share innovation and best practice, and above all champion our visitor economy.

“Be in the room. Be part of the conversation. Be part of the future.”

Tickets for the summit are available via Eventbrite.

Visit Pembrokeshire is the county’s official Destination Management Organisation (DMO), operating as a business-led public-private partnership. The organisation provides tourism leadership and advocacy, destination marketing, campaign delivery, business support, and research and intelligence.

It also coordinates delivery of Pembrokeshire’s 2024–2028 Destination Management Plan, a shared strategy aimed at growing tourism sustainably for the benefit of communities and businesses.

Welsh youth icon to be celebrated with music release, Aberystwyth artwork and St David’s Day events

ONE of Wales’ most recognisable youth icons is marking a major milestone this year as Urdd Gobaith Cymru launches celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Mistar Urdd.

The red, white and green mascot — created in 1976 — has become synonymous with the Urdd and its mission to inspire children and young people through the medium of Welsh. To launch the anniversary year, the organisation has unveiled a series of projects including a newly recorded version of the anthem Hei Mistar Urdd!, a large public mural in Aberystwyth, and a community celebration linked to St David’s Day.

The new recording, released on Thursday (Feb 20), features singer-songwriter Aleighcia Scott alongside Dom James and Lloyd, with backing vocals by Mared Williams. The track has been newly arranged by Morgan Elwy and recorded at the iconic Sain studios in Llandwrog — the same studio where the original version was produced almost half a century ago.

Siân Lewis, Chief Executive of Urdd Gobaith Cymru, said the anniversary was a moment of pride for the organisation and for Wales.

“Mistar Urdd has remained close to the hearts of the people of Wales for 50 years, and that is something to be proud of,” she said. “The character has evolved into a symbol of hope and represents the friendship, fun and pride that we share with children and young people across the country.

“Over the decades, Mistar Urdd has travelled to space, helped the Urdd break a Guinness World Record, greeted presidents and prime ministers, and even lent his name to a brand-new train. He also plays a key role in opening doors to the Welsh language and showing that the Urdd belongs to everyone.”

Aleighcia Scott said she was honoured to be part of the new recording.

“It’s an absolute privilege to be part of the new version of Hei Mistar Urdd! — what an icon, what an anthem,” she said. “As a Welsh learner, I love the work the Urdd does to inspire children and young people across Wales, and it’s been a joy to celebrate that spirit through this song.”

Kev Tame, Chief Executive of Sain, said the collaboration continued a long-standing partnership between the label and the Urdd.

“The anthem was originally released on Sain in 1977, and we are very proud to release this new version almost 50 years later,” he said.

The anniversary programme also includes a major public mural in Aberystwyth, due to be unveiled on Wednesday (Feb 25). The artwork has been designed by internationally recognised Welsh artist Pete Fowler — known for his work with the Super Furry Animals — with support from Cardiff-based creative studio UNIFY.

Pete Fowler said: “Mistar Urdd brings a smile to everyone’s face, and it was a pleasure to reimagine him for this milestone. I wanted to create something colourful and joyful that feels contemporary while respecting the character’s history.”

The Aberystwyth celebrations will also include school visits by Aleighcia Scott and a live performance of the new anthem at the mural site, with Mistar Urdd making a special appearance. The event has received support from the Welsh Government’s St David’s Day Fund.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “Mistar Urdd has been a part of so many childhoods in Wales and it is heartwarming to see him inspiring the next generation. This project shows how creativity, education and community can come together to celebrate who we are as a nation.”

Mistar Urdd was originally created by Wynne Melville Jones shortly after he became the Urdd’s publicity officer. By adding arms, legs and a face to the organisation’s triangular logo, he brought to life a character that would grow into a national symbol of Welsh youth and inclusivity.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Wyn Mel said: “Fifty years later, Mistar Urdd is still a firm favourite among the country’s children and young people. I can say hand on heart that all the hard work has paid off.”

Further anniversary activities are expected to be announced throughout the year.