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Deposit Return Scheme needed now more than ever says Keep Wales Tidy

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KEEP WALES TIDY’S All Wales Report shows significant upwards trend in drinks litter on Welsh streets

Environmental charity, Keep Wales Tidy, has published its annual All Wales Report for 2023-24, which provides the only consistent and robust measure of street litter data for the whole of Wales.

This year, Keep Wales Tidy surveyed 3,161 streets across Wales between April 2023 and January 2024, with results representing streets adopted by local authorities alone and not extending to parks, beaches or busy roads, meaning results likely present a significant underestimate.

Drinks litter was present on 43.6% of streets, with levels in individual counties ranging considerably from 19.4% of streets to 86.1%.

Aluminium cans are consistently the most common drinks receptacle, found on 18.1% of streets, 3 percentage points higher than 2022-23, and the occurrence of glass bottles has more than doubled over the last four years, increasing to 5.2% of streets.

With a clear upwards trend for cans, glass and plastic bottles, all of which provide good quality materials for recycling, Keep Wales Tidy is again calling on Ministers to implement a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) by 2025.

Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive Owen Derbyshire said: “The All Wales Report provides vital insight into the standard of street cleanliness across Wales and we will continue to use this data to advise on change and policy revision.

“The prevalence of drinks litter is beyond frustrating when the solution – a comprehensive DRS – is within our grasp. We’re urgently calling on governments across the UK to prevent further delays and proceed with rolling out the scheme.”

A recent YouGov poll showed that two-thirds of the UK public support the introduction of a DRS scheme, and 36% support a deposit of up to 20p per container.

More than 40 countries have already successfully implemented a DRS, including Latvia where a 61% reduction in littered plastic containers has been seen since introducing the scheme in 2022.

Keep Wales Tidy hosted a webinar, on Monday 11 March, with Reloop, Friends of the Earth Cymru and Circular Economy experts from Latvian NGO, Green Liberty, for Members of the Senedd to hear about the international context of DRS, the benefits of Wales’s current approach to DRS and how implementing this must continue at pace.

Keep Wales Tidy Policy and Research Manager Jemma Bere said: “This webinar aims to maintain momentum on the subject of DRS in Wales, and we as an organisation hope that this ongoing engagement from the Senedd will ensure that DRS remains a priority for the incoming First Minister in 2024.”

The All Wales Report 2023-24 Summary and Full Report are available here: https://bit.ly/48LHBgF

 

Community

Public invited to have say on Council Tax premiums for second homes

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PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is asking residents and other interested parties for their views on Council Tax premiums for the 2027-28 financial year.

The consultation focuses on the future level of additional Council Tax charged on second homes and long-term empty properties across Pembrokeshire.

A Council Tax premium is charged on top of the standard Council Tax bill, which also includes contributions towards the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner and town and community councils.

The council said feedback received through the consultation would help inform future decisions about the level of the premiums and how any additional income raised should be used to support local priorities.

Councillor Jon Harvey, Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, said: “We want to hear from as many people as possible on this important issue.

“By taking part in the consultation, residents and stakeholders can help shape future decisions and ensure that a wide range of views are considered before any recommendations are made.

“Please have your say by the closing date of Monday, August 10, 2026.”

The consultation includes background information on Council Tax premiums, the current position in Pembrokeshire and the legal framework within which the authority must operate.

Residents can take part online through the Council Tax Premium Setting for 2027-28 consultation on Pembrokeshire County Council’s website.

Paper copies are available by calling 01437 764551 or emailing [email protected].

A final decision on the premium levels and the use of any money raised is expected to be made by the full council at its meeting on October 15, 2026.

Any changes agreed will take effect from April 1, 2027.

 

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Milford Haven EarthCam back online after brief technical issue

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MILFORD HAVEN’S popular EarthCam is back in action following a brief technical issue.

The camera, positioned on top of the Pembrokeshire Herald building at 11 Hamilton Terrace, provides panoramic views across the town, marina and the Milford Haven Waterway.

The live feed captures shipping movements and changing weather conditions along the Haven, with striking views towards the refinery and energy terminals further upstream.

Viewers can also follow the progress of the new block of flats being constructed on Charles Street, on the former Motorworld site.

The camera has proved popular with residents, former Pembrokeshire residents living further afield, maritime enthusiasts and visitors keen to check conditions around the town and waterway.

 

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Neyland Carnival hailed a huge success after streets fill with colour and crowds

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NEYLAND CARNIVAL organisers have thanked the community, volunteers and local businesses who helped make this year’s event a memorable success.

Crowds lined the streets on Saturday, July 11, as a colourful parade made its way through the town before the celebrations continued at Neyland RFC.

Organisers said the day had exceeded expectations, with families turning out in the sunshine to support the parade, musicians, stalls and activities.

Carnival King and Queen: Malcolm and Margaret

Posting after the event, Neyland Carnival said: “Yesterday certainly didn’t disappoint. What a fantastic day we had.

“We hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did. It’s always great to see how well the carnival is supported.

“Thank you to all that entered the parade and to everyone that lined the streets.”

Organisers also thanked Margaret and Malcolm, who served as the town’s King and Queen, along with everyone who entered the parade and helped create the floats and costumes.

Audrey John donated fabric to help decorate the Prince and Princess float, while Becki Lorch provided hair styling for the princesses.

Sinclair Neyland supplied the vehicle used by the town’s King and Queen, with John Gidman acting as driver.

Neyland RFC provided the use of its pitch, with members of the junior section helping with the clean-up. The Hub and its staff were also thanked for hosting and supporting the event.

Green Light Traffic Management provided vehicles and helped manage traffic, supported by Valero volunteers and other volunteers working on the gates and road closures.

The carnival’s three main sponsors were Ron Skinner & Sons, Community Interest Care and Neyland Town Council.

Further sponsorship was provided by Hart Windows & Doors, The Plaice to Eat, No Mercy Wrestling and Cleddau Memorials.

Organisers also thanked Rob Hymers for providing the stage, Communic8 for equipment hire, Phil Haskett-Smith for photography, Junk Monkey for skip hire and Pro Scaffolding Pembrokeshire.

Rose and Willow helped keep children hydrated during registration, while Arthur Day managed the carnival field.

Thanks were also extended to all of the musicians, stallholders and volunteers who supported the event, including those who returned on Sunday morning to help with the clean-up.

Stuart Rice was thanked for helping with advertising.

The parade was judged by Neyland Mayor Peter Hay, Pembroke Dock Mayor Tony Wilcox and Neyland East county councillor Simon Hancock.

Organisers said the strength of support from residents, businesses and volunteers had once again shown the community spirit behind one of Neyland’s most popular annual events.

Pictures: Neyland Carnival / Pembrokeshire Herald

 

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