Nearly 50,000 pounds in littering fines were issued across Wales in a single year, new figures reveal.

A REPORT analysing local authority data found that 564 Fixed Penalty Notices were handed out between April 2023 and March 2024, generating £47,190 in fines.

However, almost a quarter of those fines – 126 in total – remain unpaid, with some cases now progressing through the courts.

The data, compiled by waste management company Panda, suggests the true scale of littering enforcement could be even higher, as not all councils submitted figures.

The Vale of Glamorgan recorded the highest number of fines, issuing 111 penalties, closely followed by Cardiff with 107. Carmarthenshire and Rhondda Cynon Taf councils each issued 88 fines.

A spokesperson for Panda warned that littering carries wider consequences beyond appearance.

Recycling expert Colin Hayes said: “Littering isn’t just a harmless act; it’s a visible sign of disregard for the places we all share.

“Every dropped wrapper or bottle doesn’t just spoil how an area looks, it sends a message that our environment is disposable, when it is actually fragile and worth protecting.”

He added that litter can pose serious risks to both wildlife and people.

“The dangers go far beyond aesthetics. Litter can injure wildlife, contaminate soil and waterways, and create hazards such as broken glass or blocked drains that increase flood risk.

“What is thrown away in seconds can cause damage that lasts for years.”

Hayes said tackling litter requires both enforcement and public responsibility.

“Protecting our environment must be a joint effort. When individuals take responsibility for their waste, communities become safer, cleaner and more resilient.”

Local diving club showcases the importance of rescue skills as part of British Sub-Aqua Club training

A LOCAL diving club has been highlighting the importance of life-saving skills after hosting a rescue-themed training session this week.

Cardigan Sub Aqua Club, which is part of the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC), held a structured pool session focused on practising emergency rescue techniques and drills.

The club shared that the session was designed to simulate real-life scenarios divers may face, helping members build confidence and competence in dealing with potential underwater emergencies.

BSAC is the UK’s national governing body for recreational diving and is known for placing a strong emphasis on safety. Unlike some other training organisations, such as Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), BSAC integrates rescue skills and emergency response training from the very beginning of a diver’s learning journey.

This means that even novice divers are introduced early to essential techniques such as assisting distressed divers, controlled ascents, and managing incidents both in and out of the water.

A spokesperson for the club said the session had a clear focus: “Last night’s pool session had a rescue theme. One of the main differences between PADI and BSAC is that rescue scenarios and drills are embedded in training with BSAC from the very start.

“It’s always good to practise rescue skills and drills.”

Clubs like Cardigan Sub Aqua Club regularly use swimming pools as a controlled environment to rehearse these scenarios before applying them in open water, such as along the Pembrokeshire coastline.

The training not only improves diver safety but also ensures members are prepared to assist others in emergency situations—something that can be critical in a sport where conditions can change quickly.

With Pembrokeshire offering some of the UK’s most popular diving spots, the club says ongoing training and refresher sessions are key to keeping divers safe while enjoying the county’s waters.

Community visit promotes understanding of faith and culture

PUPILS from Broad Haven Community Primary School were given a hands-on lesson in faith and culture during a visit to the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven.

In Wales, Religious Education forms a key part of the curriculum, with children learning about a range of faiths including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Sikhism. The aim is to help young people understand different beliefs, traditions and values, while encouraging respect and tolerance within diverse communities.

During the visit, pupils were shown how Muslims pray, with demonstrations inside the mosque helping to explain daily worship and the importance of the Qur’an. They were also given an insight into wudu, the ritual washing performed before prayer, as part of understanding the wider customs of Islamic life.

Staff at the centre welcomed the pupils and answered questions, giving them the opportunity to explore a different culture in a relaxed and engaging environment.

Teachers say these kind of experiences help bring classroom learning to life, allowing pupils to better understand the beliefs and traditions of others.

The Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre has become an important hub for the local Muslim community and regularly supports educational visits aimed at building understanding and respect across different faiths.

Milford Haven and Neyland Police said the visit was “excellent learning about Ramadan and different cultures,” with PCSO 8090 Adam also attending on the day.