News
Local MS raises concerns over viability of mine water heat projects
SAMUEL Kurtz MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Economy and Energy, has expressed reservations about the feasibility of using mine water heat schemes as a solution to the rising cost of energy in Wales.
Speaking on the potential for these low carbon initiatives, which involve harnessing water from abandoned Welsh coal mines, Kurtz, from Pembrokeshire, said: “While I would never criticise ambition, projects such as this should not be pursued at the expense of more viable options previously explored by the former UK Conservative Government.
“To secure our energy future, it is crucial that Labour commits to nuclear energy, an area they have been hesitant to explore in the past. Additionally, there must be significant investment in developing floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.
“Ultimately, any initiative aimed at reducing energy bills is welcome, but it must offer clear value for money for the taxpayer.”
The comments from Kurtz come in response to news that energy bills could be significantly reduced through the use of low carbon heat schemes which extract heat from water in abandoned coal mines across Wales. According to the Coal Authority, about one in five properties in Wales is located above areas with the potential for such a scheme.
The temperature of mine water ranges between 10°C and 20°C, depending on the depth, making it a viable source of heat. The Welsh Government is currently investing in several low carbon heat projects, aiming to meet future energy demand while contributing to the decarbonisation of heating systems across the country. However, critics have raised questions about the cost-effectiveness and practicality of these schemes.
Work is already under way to explore mine water heat projects in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Caerphilly, and North East Wales. Research has indicated that approximately two trillion litres of warm water sit in old mine shafts across the UK, which could be tapped to support the transition away from natural gas, currently the primary source for heating.
Gareth Farr, leader of the Coal Authority’s mine water heat project in Wales, highlighted the potential for replicating the success seen in Gateshead, where the UK’s first large-scale mine water heat scheme is already operational. “From mine water heat in the North East of England, it has shown to be delivering heat at 5% below the gas heat price to customers, so that is really important especially during a cost of living crisis,” Farr said.
Ffynnon Taf primary school in Taff’s Well, Rhondda Cynon Taf, has already benefitted from a small-scale project, using the village’s natural thermal spring to heat the school and a pavilion. However, not all such schemes have been successful. A project in Caerau, Bridgend, was scrapped after a feasibility study revealed costs were too high, although the local authority has promised to explore other options in the future.
The Welsh Government remains optimistic about the role mine water heat could play in the country’s decarbonisation efforts. Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Transport, and North Wales, stated: “With heating accounting for 50% of energy use in Wales, mine water heat could improve the sustainability of the places where we live and work.”
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding such innovative solutions, Kurtz and other critics are urging caution. They stress the importance of ensuring that public money is spent on schemes that provide tangible results, especially during a time of economic uncertainty. While the Welsh Government is pushing forward with renewable energy initiatives, including mine water heating, Kurtz believes the focus should remain on tried and tested methods, such as nuclear energy and offshore wind development, to secure a stable and sustainable energy future for Wales.
Crime
Whitland fraudster admits accessing vulnerable woman’s bank account
BRUCE Nankervis, of Flat 3 Farmers Arms, Whitland, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court facing charges of fraud by false representation. The court heard that Nankervis committed the offences in April and May 2023 by accessing the bank account of Angela Chatfield, intending to cause her loss.
On 24th April 2023, 25th April 2023, and 2nd May 2023, he dishonestly accessed Chatfield’s account without her knowledge or permission, taking advantage of his position of trust. Nankervis pleaded guilty to the charges on 28th August 2024.
The magistrates sentenced Nankervis to a suspended custodial period of 24 weeks, with a supervision period of 12 months, citing his flagrant disregard for people and their property and the fact that the offences were committed against a vulnerable person. The sentence was suspended to allow for his rehabilitation, maintain his recently acquired home, and enable him to reconnect with his daughter. He was also ordered to comply with rehabilitation activity requirements for up to 15 days and perform 50 hours of unpaid work within 12 months.
Additionally, Nankervis was ordered to pay £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service, a £154 surcharge, and £1,484 in compensation to Angela Chatfield. Payments are to be made in monthly instalments of £40 starting from 16th October 2024.
Business
Council denies responsibility for The Range store’s snub of Haverfordwest
THIS week Pembrokeshire County Council has refuted claims circulating on social media that it was responsible for The Range’s decision not to open a store in the former Wilko unit in Haverfordwest.
The rumors, which gained traction on Facebook this week, suggested that the discount retailer pulled out due to issues related to car parking charges in the nearby Perrots Road car park.
A council spokesperson addressed the situation, on Wednesday (Sept 18) telling The Herald: “There is absolutely no truth in the rumour that The Range decided not to take on the former Wilko store in Haverfordwest due to car parking charges in the nearby Perrots Road car park. The Council is unaware of where this rumour has come from.”
This statement comes in response to a flurry of social media activity, where several residents expressed their disappointment and frustration. One user, Stephen Hughes, sparked conversation with a post claiming, “Range wanted to go to Wilko and the council refused free parking at Haverfordwest absolutely shocking.” The post received multiple comments, reflecting the growing frustration among the community.
Chris Wilson said: “The council seemed determined to wreck Haverfordwest,” while Julie McIntosh added, “OMG we will never have them now.”
These sentiments echo a broader dissatisfaction with the current state of the Haverfordwest town centre.
The council, however, has made it clear that The Range’s decision was independent of any car parking policies. “While The Range ultimately decided not to proceed, the Council is currently in detailed discussions with a prospective tenant for the unit and very much hope to have the building brought back into use as soon as possible,” the spokesperson added.
The speculation on social media highlights the ongoing concerns about the town’s retail prospects and the council’s role in facilitating or hindering economic development.
Recent reports indicate that The Range is expanding in the UK, with five new branches opening by Christmas in locations such as Walkden, Cwmbran, Leamington Spa, Chelmsford, and Oswestry.
Additionally, The Range’s parent company, CDS Superstores, has announced plans to reopen up to 300 Wilko stores after acquiring the brand, with five concept stores expected to open by Christmas 2024
Despite Haverfordwest now being off the list, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and whether the prospective tenant will bring a new chapter to Haverfordwest’s retail scene.
Crime
Parc Prison now much more stable, says Welsh Social Justice Minister
A SOUTH Wales prison where 10 inmates have died this year has made “considerable progress” in its management, according to a Welsh government minister.
Jane Hutt, the Social Justice Minister, stated that HMP Parc in Bridgend, which houses man prisoners from Pembrokeshire, is now “much, much more stable.” The prison, operated by security company G4S, has faced allegations of drug misuse but maintains it has a “zero-tolerance policy towards drugs.”
Minister Hutt said she received reassurances from Ian Barrow, who oversees the management of Welsh prisons, that there had been significant improvements at Parc following the appointment of a new director in June.
The minister announced plans to visit Parc later this month alongside the UK government’s prisons minister, Lord Timpson.
Will Styles was appointed as the new director of Parc after Heather Whitehead stepped down. Styles, who has been with G4S for a year managing HMP Five Wells in Northamptonshire, took over the role following Whitehead’s departure. G4S stated that her immediate exit in August 2023 was “not in response to one single incident.”
Since February, 10 inmates have died at the prison, with at least four of the deaths believed to be drug-related. In June, three prisoners were also hospitalised following disorder at the facility.
South Wales Police reported in March that a synthetic opioid, Nitazene, had been identified in connection with all four drug-related deaths, with another synthetic drug, Spice, also identified in two of the cases. G4S reiterated its “zero-tolerance policy towards drugs” in response to these findings.
The deaths have sparked protests from the families of inmates who died while in custody. In May, they demonstrated outside the prison, demanding answers from authorities regarding claims of drug misuse within the facility.
At the Social Justice Questions session in the Welsh Parliament on Wednesday, Conservative Senedd member Altaf Hussain expressed concerns about healthcare at Parc. In response, Jane Hutt extended her thoughts to the staff and families affected by the “deeply concerning” deaths in custody earlier this year.
Hutt stated that she met Ian Barrow last month and received “reassurances on the progress made at Parc” since the new director’s appointment. “My understanding from that meeting is that Parc has made considerable progress since the spring,” she added. “It’s now much more stable.”
She confirmed her upcoming visit to the prison with Lord Timpson on 30 September.
HMP Parc is one of the UK’s largest category B prisons, housing convicted male adult and young offenders, as well as convicted sex offenders or those awaiting trial for sex offences.
-
Health4 days ago
Man dies following nine-hour wait for ambulance in Pembroke Dock
-
Health4 days ago
Ambulance error admitted in 999 call before Pembrokeshire mother’s death
-
Crime7 days ago
Man arrested following violent Incident in Pembroke Dock
-
Crime1 day ago
Victim left unconscious after unprovoked attack in Haverfordwest
-
Community2 days ago
Affordable homes plans for fire-ravaged Cleddau Bridge Hotel site
-
Education7 days ago
Whitland School goes into lockdown following threats to pupils
-
Crime6 days ago
Man with limited mental capacity sees child grooming conviction overturned
-
Crime4 days ago
Disgraced former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards faces sentencing over indecent images