News
Call for action over ‘foam’ pollution in Milford Haven waterway
A BURTON resident is drawing attention to the pollution in the Milford Haven estuary, claiming that misinformation has been circulating regarding the pollutant responsible for the foam that has been observed in the river.
Beavis Musk says that he has been advised that certain parties with business interests around the River Cleddau and Milford Haven have been suggesting that the foam is being diluted by the volume of water in the river and the Haven.
Musk argues that the foam-causing pollutant needs to be identified and addressed to prevent further harm to the environment. He claims that agencies responsible for monitoring pollution have not been diligent enough in identifying the chemical and its source.

Musk told The Pembrokeshire Herald that the presence of the pollutant was reported to the authorities six months ago, and it is their statutory responsibility to react swiftly and diligently to control pollution incidents.
The pictures taken by Musk yesterday show the detergent foam swirling to the East of the Nato Jetty at Burton Ferry. This was about 45 minutes before low water, meaning that the detergent had taken between 6 and 12 hours to reach the area shown, on the flood and then the ebbing tide.
Musk says that the foam is persistent and stable, and that dilution is not preventing it from coating and building on the mud and beaches.

Naomi Lawrence, Head of Customer and Engagement at National Resources Wales (NRW), has responded to Musk’s claims, stating that NRW and Professor Ormerod, who was referenced in Musk’s email, were clear in all previous correspondence that no possible conclusions could be drawn as to the cause of the foam until an appropriate investigation had been concluded.
Lawrence claims that Professor Ormerod’s correspondence explicitly pointed out that the foam could be natural or caused by surfactants.
Despite initial analysis indicating that the foam was likely to be natural, subsequent analysis did find detergent present, and NRW has taken numerous additional samples to try and trace the source of the pollution. Lawrence has written to Musk to clarify this.
Musk highlighted that the alleged pollution in the Milford Haven estuary is a serious issue that requires urgent attention.
He said: “Action to be taken to prevent further harm to the ecosystem.
‘The authorities must work together to identify and address the source of the pollutant responsible for the foam in the river. Failure to do so could have devastating consequences for the environment and the wildlife that rely on it.”
News
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
Crime
Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock
Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward
DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.
Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).
Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.
A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided online, by 101.
Quote reference: 212 of February 6.
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.
Education
Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days
Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates
CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.
Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.
No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.
Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.
A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.
The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.
While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.
Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.
Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.
There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.
The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.
Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.
Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.
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