News
Outcry as leaked documents confirm plan to erect huge pylons across Wales
CPRW, The Welsh Countryside Charity, have told The Herald that they have been shown a leaked document from Bute Energy confirming that they plan to connect their projects across Wales with an extensive pylon network stretching across Wales.
The Welsh Countryside Charity have asked Bute Energy repeatedly to come clean on their plans on how they intend to connect their proposed wind farm projects, like Nant Mithil in the Radnor Forest to the National Grid, fearing a network of transmission cables and pylons stretching across the countryside.
Now, CPRW have been shown a leaked document from Bute Energy that has been sent to landowners across Wales talking about their plans to construct a transmission network from New Radnor, on the border with England in Mid-Wales, to the National Grid connection at Pont Abraham in Carmarthenshire!
Ross Evans, Spokesperson for the Countryside Charity, says that this plan will scar the landscape as much as any wind farm:
“These plans leaked from Bute Energy confirm our worst fears! Connecting any of the plethora of proposed projects in rural Wales was going to be at best a challenge, given that the Minister, Julie James, has said that the National Grid in Mid Wales is not-fit-for purpose*, but building a transmission network across huge swathes of scenic countryside is simply unacceptable!”
“This would leave a huge 60+ mile long transmission cable and pylons across the heart of Wales. Meanwhile, the National Grid are in the process of burying transmission cables in Gwynedd as they have accepted that they are an eyesore.” said Evans.
THE NATIONAL GRID
In the UK, the National Grid are responsible for constructing the energy transmission network. So, it is unclear how Bute Energy are proposing to build this new “network” says CPRW’s spokesperson: “This is not the first time an energy company has claimed something that is outside the realms of their remit, but the fact Bute Energy have put these claims down in writing has worrying implications.
“We would be very interested to know what both the Welsh Government and the National Grid think about these proposals!” said Evans.
CONCERN ACROSS WALES
The Welsh Countryside Charity has been inundated with calls from concerned members of the public who have received these letters from Bute Energy over the last few days, many of which have been accompanied by proposals to “sign up” to the project.
“A community group in Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire wrote to us today stating that they have received letters from Bute Energy and Bruton Knowles concerning their plans to connect the Nant Mithil wind farm project to the national grid.
“The letters initially went to all residents in a 4 km corridor and then followed up, they believe, to a further 12 landowners in our area to “conduct surveys” for the installation of 27-metre-high pylons through their community. We are urging everyone to consult a solicitor before signing the agreements.” Said Evans.
“This letter raises a lot of concern and a lot of questions that NEED answering!” He added.
Crime
Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case
A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).
On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.
When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.
Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.
Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).
While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.
After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.
The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.
“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.
“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.
“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.
“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”
On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.
If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
In an emergency, always call 999.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
News
Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police
DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”
In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”
Business
Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’
THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.
“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”
Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”
“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”
Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.
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