News

Welsh rivers: Six of UK’s top ten sewage discharge areas found in Wales

Published

1 year ago

September 19, 2023

A DISCONCERTING report from 2022 unveiled that six of the most polluted areas in the UK, where vast quantities of sewage are discharged into waterways, are situated in Wales, including prominent locations such as Pembrokeshire.

The revelations, made public by the Welsh Liberal Democrats, indicated that from Neath up to the North Wales coast, rivers and waterways had suffered from an excess of 300,000 hours of sewage dumping throughout 2022.

Jane Dodds MS, the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, expressed her profound dismay at the findings. “It is truly appalling that, last year, six out of the 10 areas with the highest sewage discharge incidents were in our beloved Wales,” she commented.

“This not only tarnishes our environment and threatens our wildlife but also presents an imminent risk to everyone who cherishes and utilises our rivers.”

Ms Dodds did not mince words in pointing out the shortcomings of the ruling parties, criticising both the Conservatives in Westminster for their inaction regarding river pollution, and the Labour Ministers in Cardiff Bay for not addressing Dŵr Cymru’s role in the environmental crisis and the escalating water bills.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, the primary water service provider in the region, had its rating reduced to two stars earlier this year due to their inability to manage pollution events effectively. The Liberal Democrats highlighted that the company was implicated in a staggering 89 sewage pollution episodes in 2022 alone.

In a move that raised many an eyebrow, Dŵr Cymru proceeded with an announcement about price hikes last year, resulting in the average water bill in Wales skyrocketing to the second highest across both Wales and England.

A detailed list provided by the Liberal Democrats identified the six Welsh constituencies with the most egregious records for sewage discharge:

Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Preseli Pembrokeshire
Ogmore
Ceredigion
Brecon and Radnorshire

Additionally, it is noteworthy that Carmarthen East and South Pembrokeshire narrowly missed the top ten, securing the 11th spot.

With the ball now squarely in the court of the regulators and Dŵr Cymru, the people of Wales and environmental enthusiasts will be watching closely, hoping for swift rectification measures.

A spokesperson for Dwr Cymru said: “Only 9% of rivers in Wales are classified as having “poor” or “bad” ecological status and our rivers are significantly better than in England. We are committed to improving the quality of our rivers and are targeting where investment will have the biggest environmental impact.

“We have monitors on over 99.5% of our overflows – more than many other companies – and we are always open with this information by publishing it on our website and report the number of spills to our environmental regulators. As a country on the western side of the UK, we have some of the highest levels of rainfall and are seeing an increase in severe events linked to climate change. All of this means we have one of the highest numbers of storm overflows of any water company and that the number of times they operate is heavily influenced by these factors.

“Customers bills have been higher for those who live in coastal areas as greater investment has been needed since privatisation to treat wastewater to improve river quality – whereas inland companies didn’t have to make similar investments. Our investment to date in our wastewater system has delivered real improvements and helped ensure 85% of coastal bathing waters in Wales meet excellent water quality standard and Wales has over a quarter of the UK’s Blue Flag beaches while only having 15% of the coastline.

“Earlier this year we published our Manifesto for Rivers in Wales which outlines how we will be investing in our wastewater network, particularly around rivers in Special Areas of Conservation. This includes an additional £140m to be invested by 2025.”

“Our Manifesto can be viewed on our website here.“ “

Entertainment

Newport Winter Wonderland is the ideal treat for the family this Christmas holiday

Published

9 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THERE is still a chance to attend the Newport Winter Wonderland and experience a magical winter experience. Located next to Friars Walk Shopping Centre (NP20 1UH), the festive attraction opened its doors on Thursday, November 21, and will run until Sunday, January 5, closing only on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Visitors can look forward to a real ice rink under cover, ensuring skating fun whatever the weather. Alongside the rink, a large Christmas funfair offers thrills and entertainment for all ages, while stalls serving various Christmas foods promise festive treats to keep everyone warm and satisfied.

For those looking to unwind, a fire pit provides a cosy spot for roasting marshmallows, and a licensed bar offers seasonal drinks to enjoy. Entry to the Winter Wonderland is free, with tickets required only for specific attractions.

Families can also meet Santa Claus himself, making it a perfect outing for creating cherished holiday memories.

For more details, including ticket bookings and opening hours, visit www.newportwinterwonderland.co.uk.

Make sure to wrap up warm and head down to Newport Winter Wonderland for a truly festive day out this Christmas season.

Festive fun: Newport Winter Wonderland features an ice rink, funfair, and Santa Claus (Pic: Herald).

Crime

Arrest after fatal Carmarthenshire hit-and-run

Published

10 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A MAN has been arrested following a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire, on Monday (December 23), which claimed the life of 38-year-old Aaron Jones.

The incident happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm while Aaron was walking his dog. Police said the vehicle involved, a blue car with noticeable damage, was travelling northbound through the village at the time of the collision.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the vehicle believed to have been involved has now been located, and a 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a collision, and failing to report a collision.

Specially trained officers are supporting Aaron’s family, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.”

The road remains closed while investigations continue, and residents can expect an increased police presence in the area.

Anyone with dashcam footage, doorbell camera recordings, or CCTV footage from the area is urged to check their recordings and contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.

Community

Lord Nelson Hotel refunds lucky couple the full cost of their wedding day

Published

16 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WHAT an amazing Christmas present!

In an extraordinary gesture of generosity, the Lord Nelson Hotel delighted one lucky couple by refunding the full cost of their 2024 wedding. Abby and Simon Hooper, who tied the knot at the historic venue on August 3, were thrilled to learn they were the winners of this year’s giveaway.

The initiative was part of a special promotion open to all couples who celebrated their weddings at the Lord Nelson in 2024. The winners were selected through a random draw using a fair generator system, with the Hoopers emerging as the fortunate recipients.

The hotel has announced plans to continue the tradition in 2025, offering next year’s couples the same opportunity to win their wedding costs back.

A spokesperson for the Lord Nelson Hotel said: “If you’re planning to get married in 2025, it’s not too late to book with us and secure your spot in next year’s draw.

“We are thrilled to celebrate love and create moments to cherish, and this is just one of the ways we give back to our incredible couples.”

Known for its elegant venue spaces and exceptional wedding team, the Lord Nelson Hotel remains a top choice for couples seeking a perfect wedding day. This annual giveaway further cements their commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences.

Abby and Simon Hooper shared their gratitude after their special day: “From start to finish, the team at the Lord Nelson Hotel was incredibly helpful, and nothing was too much to ask.

“The day went smoothly, the food was fantastic, and the staff were polite, hardworking, and attentive. Mia and Jenna, in particular, stood out for their thoughtfulness and attention to detail.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”