Natural Resources Wales is investigating a pollution incident on the River Ritec near Tenby that could be impacting on water quality at the bathing water beaches in Tenby and Penally.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water informed NRW of a burst rising main near Tenby which has resulted in sewage entering the River Ritec, which flows to the sea at Tenby South Beach.

NRW has declared an abnormal situation, as defined by the Bathing Water Regulations, at the following designated bathing waters:

• Tenby South Beach
• Castle Beach
• Tenby North Beach
• Penally Beach

Andrea Winterton, Duty Manager for Natural Resources Wales said: “Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has informed us of a burst rising main near Tenby which has resulted in sewage entering the River Ritec.

“The rising main has been isolated so there should be no further pollution into the river from the burst pipe.

“Due to the potential for the pollution to impact the downstream bathing waters, we’ve declared an abnormal situation and informed Pembrokeshire County Council who will place signs at the beaches to warn people of the potential pollution risk.”

Nathan Miles, Pembrokeshire County Council Public Protection Manager, said:

“Officers from the Council’s Pollution Control Team have been working closely with Natural Resources Wales and liaising with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water following notification of this incident.

“As required by the abnormal situation declaration, the Council will place signs on the potentially affected beaches, Penally and Tenby, North, South and Castle beaches on Tuesday morning.

“We understand that the spill is under control and Officers will continue to assess the situation alongside NRW as further information is received.”

Suspected pollution can be reported to NRW by calling the 24/7 incident hotline on 03000 65 3000

TESCO in Milford Haven is set to bring back its café after a hiatus of over twenty years. This move is part of a significant refurbishment project aimed at enhancing customer experience and revitalising the store’s offerings.

The new café will serve as a focal point for the store, offering a fresh space for customers to relax and enjoy a variety of beverages and meals. This reintroduction marks a nostalgic return for many long-time shoppers who remember the café from years past.

In addition to the café, Tesco is implementing several updates, including reconfigured aisles and the installation of environmentally friendly fridges and freezers, set for completion by September. A new F&F clothing department is also scheduled to open on 9 August.

The store’s petrol station closed early at 5 PM yesterday (Jun 30) for maintenance, and customers were advised to plan accordingly.

Tesco said that with these developments, they aims to create a welcoming environment in Milford Haven that combines convenience with sustainability.

WALES’ senior RAF officer, Air Commodore Rob Woods, sampled Pembrokeshire’s rich aviation heritage when he paid his first official visit to the county on Friday (Jun 21).

Appointed Air Officer Wales in March, Air Commodore Woods – joined by his Staff Officer Flight Lieutenant Ella Fortune – was welcomed to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre by trustees and many members of the volunteer team.

His tour of the centre took in the extensive displays on the RAF flying boat station at Pembroke Dock , including the wartime Sunderland which sank in the Haven waterway.

There was a surprise reunion with Air Commodore Woods meeting again with retired Squadron Leader Mike Hayes who was part of his team when commanding officer at RAF St Athan, Cardiff. Mike is a volunteer at the centre.

Also greeting him were representatives of several organisations and individuals involved in recording and remembering Pembrokeshire’s aviation history.

The Heritage Centre has developed very close connections with the RAF Wales team on several projects and plans for future links were discussed.

Later, Air Commodore Woods was welcomed at Carew Cheriton Control Tower museum where other chapters in Pembrokeshire’s aviation story are told.