Community

Renewed calls for undergrounding as pylon consultation draws to an end

Published

10 months ago

March 7, 2024

PLAID CYMRU politicians have reiterated their calls for a controversial proposed pylon route between south Ceredigion and Carmarthen to be undergrounded as the initial consultation period draws to an end.

The Green Gen Towy Teifi project will link Bute Energy’s proposed Lan Fawr Energy Park, north of Lampeter, into a new National Grid substation proposed for south of Carmarthen.

As part of the project, a 52km-long 132kV overhead line has been proposed – with the development in its first phase before a formal application is submitted, classified as a Development of National Significance in Wales.

As part of the initial consultation process, significant concerns have been raised by residents and businesses about the visual, environmental and economic impact of the proposed overhead line – with several public meetings and campaign groups forming over recent weeks to oppose the proposals.

Concerns have been echoed by local Plaid Cymru politicians, who have pressed on the proposed line to be buried underground – in accordance with best practice in other areas of the UK and Europe.

Concerns over the proposed Tywi Teifi network were raised in the Senedd last week with the First Minister, Mark Drakeford, by Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru’s Senedd Member for Mid & West Wales, reiterating calls for the undergrounding of the route.

Responding to Mr Campbell’s question, First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed the Welsh Government’s policy – being “electricity transmission cables should be placed underground where possible, not just in designated landscapes, but where possible.”

Cefin Campbell MS also outlined the case for the Welsh Government to consider cable ploughing in future electricity transmission projects.

The methods involves moving machinery cutting a slit in the ground and laying a cable or duct as it goes along with the disturbed ground flattened and reinstated as part of the process.

Cable ploughing allows the burial of up to a Kilometre of132kV cable in a day – and is considered to be more cost effective and less disruptive than other methods of undergrounding or pylon erection.

Speaking following his question, Cefin Campbell MS: “I’m glad the First Minister reiterated the Welsh Government’s stance that cables should be placed underground where possible. With more and more of these overhead pylon proposals popping up across the length and breadth of Wales, now is the time to put such policy into practice.

We already know that undergrounding is already commonplace in many European countries – particularly through the developing cable plough technology. Welsh Government should be placing greater emphasis for developers to incorporate such undergrounding into their proposals.”

Elin Jones MS said: “We are all keen to ensure that we produce more green energy so that we tackle climate change and improve energy self-sufficiency. Whilst wind turbines obviously have to be above ground, there is no such necessity for grid cables. I strongly believe that such cables should be underground and I’ll be pressing this case strongly on behalf of constituents.”

Ben Lake MP for Ceredigion said: “In recent weeks I have been contacted by a large number of residents and community groups regarding the Tywi Teifi proposal by Green Gen Cymru. They have expressed a range of concerns about the proposed route, and have made a persuasive case against the deployment of new pylon infrastructure.

“I have relayed these concerns to the company, in addition to the suggestion that was put to me by many residents that any necessary transmission infrastructure should be placed underground. Indeed, I understand that a number of European countries have adopted this approach for new transmission lines by embracing new methods of undergrounding the infrastructure, which I believe Green Gen Cymru should urgently consider.”

The initial deadline for Green Gen Cymru’s consultation on the proposed route was the 6 March 2024. However, following issues with the website, which were raised by Ben Lake MP, the deadline was extended to 11:59pm on 13 March 2024. The consultation can be completed by visiting their website:

https://greengentowyteifi.com/en/

Community

Castle Ward Pupils Lead Anti-Social Behaviour Art Mural Project

Published

2 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST HIGH VC SCHOOL welcomed a visit from County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who expressed his full support for the pupils’ efforts in tackling anti-social behaviour through an innovative Art Mural Project.

Councillor Tudor, representing the Castle Ward, highlighted the significance of the project, noting the area’s past struggles with anti-social behaviour in central commercial zones. “Engaging with pupils to address this issue through art is an extremely exciting venture,” he said.

The project has received a boost with £750 in funding secured from the Youth Bank initiative. Councillor Tudor commended the Youth Workers for their successful funding application, describing it as “a great achievement.”

The mural, spearheaded by pupils from the Youth Room and Haverfordwest High VC School, aims to inspire and engage the community while addressing a vital issue. “This exciting and innovative project will undoubtedly capture the imagination of those involved and reach out to all concerned,” Councillor Tudor added.

The initiative is set to bring a creative approach to community engagement and highlight the power of art in fostering positive change.

Photo caption: Castle Ward inspiration: Councillor Thomas Tudor supports the Art Mural Project (Pic: Suppled)

Community

Tips for coping with Mental Health challenges this Christmas

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CHRISTMAS is often described as the “most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, it can be a challenging period that impacts mental health. Whether due to stress, loneliness, or financial strain, the festive season is not always a time of joy for everyone. To support those struggling this Christmas, Mind Cymru has shared carefully considered advice to help navigate the season.

Why Christmas Can Be Challenging

For some, the holiday season can feel overwhelming:

Stress and Expectations: The pressure to celebrate amidst personal challenges.
Difficult Memories: Reflecting on the past or worrying about the new year.
Financial Strain: Rising costs making the season harder to enjoy.

Sue O’Leary, Director of Mind Cymru, explains:

“Christmas is a time to celebrate, but it can also be a time of year where our feelings are magnified, and not always in a positive way. Sometimes there are other, less joyous things going on in our lives that make taking time out to be ‘merry and bright’ feel like less of a celebration and more of a challenge. There are so many reasons why someone might not feel like celebrating this Christmas, and we just wanted to remind everyone that it’s ok to feel this way and that there is support available for anyone who may be struggling with their mental health over the festive season.”

Tips from Mind Cymru

Mind Cymru has shared the following tips for managing mental health over Christmas:

Looking After Yourself

Be patient with yourself; it’s understandable to find Christmas difficult.
Set boundaries and say no to things that aren’t helpful.
Take time out to focus on non-Christmas-related activities.
Remember: the season won’t last forever.

Talking to Others

Let people know if you’re struggling.
Access online communities, like Mind’s Side by Side service, for support.
Communicate how others can help and what activities you’re comfortable with.

Managing Relationships

Plan responses to potentially difficult questions ahead of time.
Discuss budgets and schedules with family to reduce stress.
Maintain distance if you must be around people you’d rather avoid.

Planning Ahead

Prepare items that help you feel comfortable, especially in unfamiliar settings.
Avoid triggering environments if possible.
Check the opening hours of key services you may need during Christmas.
Ensure you have enough medication to last the holiday period.
Plan something enjoyable for after Christmas to look forward to.

Where to Find Support

If you’re struggling this Christmas, help is available:

Mind Helplines: Visit www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/ (closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day).
Side by Side Online Community: Available 24/7 at https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/.
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (freephone). The Welsh language line is open daily from 7pm to 11pm.
SHOUT Crisis Text Service: Text SHOUT to 85258, available 24/7.
Coping with Money Worries: Visit the Mind website for advice.

Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect, and it’s okay to prioritize your well-being. Mind Cymru reminds everyone that support is always within reach.

Community

Cones now gone as Johnston gas works finally completed

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WALES & WEST Utilities has announced the successful completion of essential gas network upgrades in the Johnston area of Pembrokeshire.

The project aimed to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to homes and businesses, supporting the community’s needs for generations to come. In collaboration with Pembrokeshire County Council, the company implemented traffic management measures to minimize disruption during the work.

Adam Smith, who managed the project for Wales & West Utilities, expressed gratitude to local residents for their patience and highlighted the significance of the upgrades:

“We are pleased to finish this work and would like to thank the local community for bearing with us as we carried it out.

“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across the wider area. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner, or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe, reliable, and there when you need it.

“This work was essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future.”

Wales & West Utilities provides gas emergency and pipeline services to over 7.5 million people across Wales and the southwest of England. If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, they urge you to call 0800 111 999 immediately for assistance at any time of day or night.