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Crabb takes on regulators and water companies during Welsh Affairs Committee

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PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb, Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, has today (15th March) been taking evidence from Welsh water companies and regulators on the work being done to improve water quality in Welsh rivers and coastlines.

The Committee questioned Wales’ two water companies, Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water), which serves the majority of Wales, and smaller firm Hafren Dyfrdwy as well as regulators NRW ( Natural Resources Wales) and Ofwat.

Leading the heated discussion, Stephen Crabb used the opportunity to speak out on behalf of Pembrokeshire residents regarding storm overflow discharges, the accuracy of discharge monitoring and the increases in household water bills.

The Committee has heard that around a third of all rivers in Wales fail to meet targets on levels of phosphorus, while five of nine Welsh rivers designated as Special Areas of Conservation are failing on phosphorus and excessive nutrients. Only 40% of rivers in Wales currently meet the criteria for good ecological status.

During the session, Stephen highlighted that “in 2021, 79,000 hours of sewage outflow was released in Pembrokeshire” and expressed his concern that not enough action is being taken to improve water infrastructure and tackle this pressing issue.

In 2020, there were 105,751 sewage spills into waterways across Wales recorded by event duration monitors (EDMs). Spills from storm overflows pose risks to river and public health due to the introduction of pollutants and bacteria. In Wales, these issues are the responsibility of Welsh Government.

Stephen also tackled Dwr Cymru why customers are being billed for sewage treatment costs when so much sewage isn’t being treated and released into open water.

In his closing remarks of the session, Stephen Crabb said, “I feel pretty depressed for my constituents in Pembrokeshire who in 2021 had more than 79,000 hours of sewage outflow in waters in Pembrokeshire, last summer they were subjected to a hose pipe ban. And we haven’t even got on to talking about water that leaks out of the system which meant that one of the rainiest parts of the country was put under a hose pipe ban last summer, and on top of that they have the prospect of higher bills but not necessarily a clear plan for reducing sewage discharges.”

He added, “I think there will be a rising tide of public concern about this issue not just for Wales but right across the UK in the years ahead.”

Following the Committee, Stephen Crabb MP said: “There has been a lot of media interest and a strong public reaction to the issue of sewage and water pollution particularly around storm overflow discharges. In my own constituency in Pembrokeshire, water quality is an important issue as we have so many water-sports enthusiasts, wild swimmers, and tourists who spend time in, on and under, rivers and the sea year-round. I’m pleased I was able to challenge water companies and regulators about their record in Pembrokeshire – and what is really needed now is for Welsh Government to step up and take action to protect our waters.”

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Crime

Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case

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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.

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News

Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police

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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.”

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Business

Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’

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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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