News

Celtic saint monument could scupper Preselis polytunnel plans

Published

2 years ago

January 26, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for a north Pembrokeshire organic food producer to expand its business could be scuppered by concerns about the impact it would have on an ancient monument associated with a Celtic saint.

The application, by Cilgerran-based Southern Roots Organics, made through agent Llyr Evans Planning Ltd, seeks permission for three polytunnels for agricultural use at land near Penrallt, Felindre Farchog.

The application for one single-sized and one double-sized polytunnel would increase the number on site from an existing five to support the growing business, but concerns have been raised on the impact on the Scheduled Ancient Monument of Carningli, some three kilometres away.

Rocky summited Carningli features the remains of one of the largest hillforts in west Wales, generally dated to the Iron Age, and is associated with the Celtic saint Brynach, said to have talked with animals and birds.

The plans, to be heard at the January 31 meeting of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, are recommended for refusal despite no objections from local community council Nevern.

The additional floor area created by the proposed polytunnels would be 460m², an increase in floor area of over 50 per cent.

A report for planners states: “Whilst the site is well screened from the public highway running to the south of the site (B4582), the site is visible from the wider landscape.

“An objection has been received from the authority’s policy team based upon the cumulative impact that the existing five and additional three polytunnels would have on this part of the Newport and Carningli Special Historic Landscape and the Scheduled Ancient Monument (Carningli).

“Based upon this, a recommendation to refuse permission is made.”

Three letters raised concerns about the proposal, raising concerns on the existing impact on views from Carningli “and various other viewpoints in this otherwise beautiful part of north Pembrokeshire”.

A fear it would lead to “a proliferation of polycarbonate farms in the National Park” was also raised.

The application has seen 12 letters of support of the proposal, praising the quality of Southern Roots Organics’ operation in growing local and sustainable food.

Comments included: “Southern Roots Organics are operating a well-run successful business of the kind which meets Welsh Government’s strategic aims for land use and climate objectives,” and “The business offers a huge number of positives for our area such as shortening supply chains, creating rural employment, supporting existing businesses, developing local resilience and farming in a truly sustainable way which works with nature and not against it”.

Adam Payne of Southern Roots Organics, in a letter submitted with the application says the business supplies around 20 well-known restaurants, cafes, farm shops, caterers and a local organic wholesaler in the Fishguard -Cardigan-Crymych area, and more recently started supplying a national wholesaler, and has “developed a reputation for reliable high-quality fresh produce,” with demand continuing to rise.

“We receive frequent requests for a box scheme for local households and there is clearly more demand locally. In 2024 we plan to expand by developing a box scheme to supply local households and consolidating our existing markets. Polytunnel space has become a limiting factor to our development.”

‘Brooding presence’

The national park, in promotional literature on walks in the area, has described the importance of Carningli on the landscape: “One of the most striking hills in Pembrokeshire, rocky Carningli is a brooding presence over the town of Newport.

“When the sun is setting, Carningli’s profile against the red sky makes the hill look rather like the volcano it once was. Its hard dolerite rock is the solid core of cooled magma that was once the volcano’s heart.”

It adds: “Carningli translates as the Mountain of Angels. It may have been a holy site long before Christian times but since the Age of the Saints the hilltop has been associated with the Celtic St Brynach.

“Not a great deal is known about Brynach, who was a 6th century missionary. One of the few references to him describes him as a ‘Son of Israel’ and he is also said to have talked with animals and birds.

“Legend has it Brynach communed with angels, possibly at the top of Carningli. Listen out for the song of skylarks and you may also hear the harsh nasal call of ravens.”

Community

Concern grows after claims of illness linked to Pembrokeshire sea swimming

Published

2 minutes ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PARENT SAYS CHILD WAS ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL AFTER SWIM AT TENBY

CONCERN is growing across Pembrokeshire after a social media post claiming a child became seriously ill following a swim in the sea at Tenby prompted hundreds of comments and renewed anger over sewage pollution affecting Welsh coastal waters.

The post, shared in a Tenby Facebook group, said a boy who swam in the sea on Tuesday (May 6) later developed severe sickness and diarrhoea before being admitted to hospital.

His parent wrote: “We visited Tenby this week Monday-Thursday. My son swam in the sea on the 6th and the next morning came down with terrible sickness and diarrhoea — he’s been very unwell since and has tonight been admitted to hospital.”

They added: “It’s terrible we can’t swim in our seas and rivers safely anymore. Please be aware.”

The post has attracted hundreds of reactions and dozens of comments, with many expressing sympathy for the family and others sharing their own concerns about water quality around Pembrokeshire.

One commenter wrote: “This is a national disgrace, please put in a written complaint to Dŵr Cymru and Natural Resources Wales.”

Another said: “Why were there no signs put up on the beaches to warn people it was unsafe to swim in?”

Several people claimed they or family members had suffered illness after swimming in the sea at different locations, including Tenby, Amroth, Newgale and Coppet Hall.

One commenter alleged: “I got sepsis from a cut in Newgale surfing. Took six weeks in hospital and seven months recovery and still not right to get over it.”

Another wrote: “Please check with your son’s doctors regarding E.coli and a condition called HUS, which can develop from E.coli. My daughter swam at Amroth in 2022 after a sewage incident in the area and became seriously ill.”

No medical evidence has been published linking the latest reported illness directly to seawater exposure, and there is currently no official confirmation that conditions at Tenby beaches caused the child’s illness.

However, the discussion has intensified scrutiny over sewage discharges and pollution incidents affecting Welsh bathing waters.

Lydstep warning

The debate follows a recent warning issued at Lydstep Haven after Natural Resources Wales informed Pembrokeshire County Council of an “abnormal situation” which could temporarily affect bathing water quality.

A post shared by Pembrokeshire County Council said officers from its Pollution Control Team had installed warning notices at various locations around the beach temporarily advising against bathing while the matter was under investigation.

Some commenters questioned whether visitors were being given enough warning, particularly during busy holiday periods.

One wrote: “Why aren’t there any warnings to holiday makers and visitors to our local area? It’s not fair that they find out information after someone becomes ill.”

Another said: “There should be notices and announcements on the beaches if there is an outage.”

Others pointed out that Surfers Against Sewage’s water quality app was not showing an active alert for Tenby itself, with one commenter suggesting that some online posts may have confused the current Lydstep warning with previous NRW pollution notices affecting Tenby beaches.

Protest planned

The online row comes less than a week before a Surfers Against Sewage paddle-out protest at Broad Haven.

Campaigners are due to gather at Broad Haven beach on Saturday, May 16, at 1:30pm, as part of a UK-wide day of action calling for an end to sewage pollution in rivers and seas.

Surfers Against Sewage says communities across the UK will take to the water, shorelines and riverbanks with one demand: to end sewage pollution.

The charity has said: “We are sick of it. Sick of the lies, sick of the greed and sick of a system that’s rigged against us.”

A large banner has already been placed on the Broad Haven seafront encouraging people to attend the protest.

Tourism fears

The issue has also reignited wider concerns about the possible impact on Pembrokeshire’s tourism industry.

One commenter wrote: “Not very good for a holiday destination is it.”

Another said: “Tourism will be massively affected by incidents like this, and people’s health and lives are being put at risk.”

Others called for stronger action from Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire County Council and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water.

The Herald has approached Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire County Council and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water for comment.

Community

Milford Haven remembers those lost at sea

Published

1 hour ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

National Fishing Remembrance Day marked by Port

MILFORD HAVEN came together on Sunday (May 10) to remember those who have lost their lives at sea.

The Port of Milford Haven joined the Fishermen’s Mission, Stella Maris – Apostleship of the Sea and members of the local community for a National Fishing Remembrance Day service at St Katherine’s and St Peter’s Church.

The service was followed by a gathering at the Fisherman’s Memorial on The Rath, where those who never returned home from the sea were remembered.

Canon Chancellor John Cecil and Reverend Paul Osunyikanmi led what was described as a moving service of remembrance.

The Port of Milford Haven said it was honoured to take part in the event, paying tribute to fishing families and the wider maritime community.

The annual day of remembrance holds particular significance in Milford Haven, a town with deep fishing and seafaring roots.

Local Government

Jonathan Grimes becomes 647th Mayor of Pembroke

Published

2 hours ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

JONATHAN GRIMES has said he is “incredibly proud and deeply honoured” after becoming the 647th Mayor of Pembroke.

Cllr Grimes, county councillor for Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, thanked those who had placed their trust and confidence in him.

He said: “With the support, commitment and dedication of Pembroke Town Council and our wonderful community, I am confident we can meet every challenge together, celebrate our successes, and continue building a brighter and more inclusive future for Pembroke.

“It is a true privilege to serve as Mayor, and I look forward to working alongside the people of Pembroke in the months ahead.”

Cllr Grimes said he was also looking forward to attending this afternoon’s service at St Mary’s Church in Pembroke for the Blessing of the Bells.

He added that he hoped to meet as many people as possible as the town celebrates the return of the historic bells.