Business
Llanelli MP Nia Griffith discusses Government’s proposed packaging regulations
AT A VISIT to the home meals delivery company, Wiltshire Farm Foods’ Burry Port depot (6.4.23), Llanelli MP, Dame Nia Griffith, has listened to concerns shared by the company that consumers will be bearing the brunt of pending legislation with increased costs, at a time when they can ill afford it.
The UK government plans to introduce new regulations for what is called “extended producer responsibility” (EPR), to tackle the growing problem of packaging waste. These regulations aim to shift the waste and recycling costs of packaging from local authorities to the businesses that produce it – a principle that industry is supportive of.
However, Wiltshire Farm Foods, along with the food industry at large, is saying that the government has not thought through the proposed regulations properly and it has significant concerns about some unjustifiable omissions.
Not least, that there is no recognition of responsible businesses that have invested large amounts in future-looking systems that improve rates of re-use and recycling. These businesses will in effect, be paying twice, a price which ultimately will be paid for by the consumer.
Dame Nia was shown crates of plastic trays which Wiltshire Farm Foods has collected from customers, and which under its trailblazing recycling programme are sent for recycling into completely new trays containing a minimum of 80% recycled plastic.
With a customer base that averages 83 years of age, and which is passionate to reduce waste and support environmental improvements, Wiltshire Farm Foods is proud of the scheme which it believes is a world-first and means its ready meal trays are not part of the kerbside recycling process but represents a better model with increased collection and recycling rates.
Yet having invested heavily in the process, it will now still fall under the proposed regulations and be asked to pay accordingly.
Lee Sheppard, Director of Policy for Wiltshire Farm Foods, who hosted the visit from Dame Nia says it is little more than another tax and the company is being penalised for doing the right thing and investing in responsible practice to support government policy, saying: “Whilst we fully support the principles of EPR, this is a missed opportunity for government to address packaging waste in a way that rewards good behaviour and without adding cost to consumers.
“It’s disappointing that after years of operation, only 36% of UK plastic PTT (pots, tubs and trays) are collected from households and furthermore, 59% of those collections are actually sent abroad for processing with uncertain results. The reality is that some of it simply ends up in landfill.
“With our own system, after just one year of operation, we see far better collection rates closer to 50% and furthermore guarantee that 100% of the trays we collect are reformed into new trays – results far better than achieved through domestic recycling.”
Mrs Griffith agreed that the proposals needed clarification and said she would be raising this with government ministers following the Parliamentary Easter recess. She says:
“It is vital that we tackle waste and increase recycling including through legislation, but the legislation needs to recognise the efforts Wiltshire Farm Foods have made.
“Here we have a pretty unique situation with conscientious regular customers washing the food trays and returning them directly on the doorstep to Wiltshire Farm Foods’ delivery staff when they arrive with a fresh order, and the company then recycling the whole tray to make new trays. This puts them ahead of the legislation so the question is, can we find a way to refine the proposed legislation to recognise this.
“I will be pursuing this matter vigorously with government ministers. Let’s give credit where credit is due and keep down costs.”
Wiltshire Farm Foods delivers its high-quality, award-winning, prepared meals to more than 150,000 customers across the UK.
With over 170,000 individuals over 80 years of age living in Wales, its current customer base includes an estimated 5,000 across Wales alone.
Customers can choose from a range of delicious traditional favourite mail meals and popular desserts and lighter snacks as well as meals with extra dense calories for those with small appetites.
Sheppard concludes:
“We implore the government to reconsider its EPR legislative proposals before it’s too late and customers who can ill afford to pay more are penalised”.
Business
205-unit storage site at Pembrokeshire farm submitted to planners
A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire farm to keep a storage facility for more than 200 caravans, boats, cars and farm machines as a form of diversification has been submitted to county planners.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr & Mrs Davies, through agent A.D Architectural Design Consultants Ltd, seek retrospective permission for a farm diversification scheme to accommodate the storage of caravans, boats, cars and farm machinery in four of eight agricultural sheds and on hard-standing concrete courtyards at Froghall Farm, Spittal.
The works were completed back in 2019.
A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “At present, four of the eight shed structures on the site form part of the caravan and boat storage scheme, with additional touring caravans stored externally on the concrete courtyards.”
It said the storage provision was split as follows: Shed 1 – farm workshop, and 30 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars; shed 2 – 16 caravans; shed 3 – 28 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars – 28; shed 8 – cubicle shed, 11 units of farm machines, motorhomes & caravans; courtyard storage of 120 touring caravans, for an overall storage of 205 units.
The statement added: “It would take place in an accessible location, would incorporate sustainable transport and accessibility principles and would not result in a detrimental impact on highway safety or in traffic exceeding the capacity of the highway network; access road is a no-through road with no increase in traffic due to the nature of development.
“There won’t be a constant stream/flow of traffic as the site’s used for storage. Our client offers a towing service to sites in and around Pembrokeshire, which is used by 45 per cent of their customers, who are unable or prefer not to tow themselves. This gives our client control over the flow of traffic.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
Business
Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition
WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.
The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.
The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.
The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.
Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.
Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.
“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”
The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.
Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.
For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.
The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.
Business
Pembroke South Quay boat shed expansion plans submitted
A PADDLEBOARDING and canoeing company’s call for an extension to a boat shed at Pembroke’s South Quay, below its historic castle, has been submitted to county planners.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, G Booth of Paddle West CIC, through agent James Dwyer Associates, seeks permission for an extension to the stone-built boathouse, adjacent to the cliff on South Quay fronting the Mill Pond, Pembroke.
A supporting statement says: “It is intended to erect a single storey ‘lean-to’ building, or ‘shed’ for the storage of boats, such as canoes and kayaks, and related equipment, on a vacant space adjacent to the existing stone-built boathouse.”
It adds: “The boathouse and the intended adjacent boat storage shed is located, as is to be expected, in close proximity to water, the Mill Pond. The Mill Pond is the main area of activity for Paddle West, a Community Interest Company, providing boating activities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, frequently for young people and families.”
It goes on to say: “It is intended that the structure would be lightweight, erected on the exiting hard standing. The ‘shed’ would be used for the storage of boats and related equipment.”
With regard to the historic setting, it adds: “Although the stone-built boathouse appears not to be listed, it is recognised that the walls above are listed and together they are a piece.
“Accordingly, through form and external materials proposed, timber cladding and profile sheet roofing, the aim is to ensure that the structure would be subservient and muted and not detract or compete with the visual aesthetic of the boathouse or historic walls. In effect the addition would blend into the background.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
The boathouse is sited near to the new Henry Tudor Centre in South Quay, which is due to open in Spring 2027.
The centre, expected to receive around 30,000 visitors a year, will tell the story of Henry Tudor, son of Pembroke, his Welsh ancestry and his impact on our national story, Welsh culture and our wider British heritage.
The restored derelict South Quay buildings will also house a new library and community café, and a healthcare, social services and supported employment facility in the adjoining premises.
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