Welsh Water fined £1.35 million for sewage including Powys
A Welsh water company has been fined £1.35 million after it admitted more than 800 breaches of environmental permits to discharge sewage across the country - including locations in Mid Wales.
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water must also pay £70,237.70 in court costs after it was brought before Wrexham Magistrates' Court on Thursday (May 15) for sentencing.
Some of the locations include Llandrindod Wells in Powys, and coastal towns Tywyn, Pwllheli and Abersoch in nearby Gwynedd.
The charges relate to the company's self-monitoring data submitted to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) as part of its 2020 and 2021 annual reports. Due to the volume of non-compliances, the charges were summarised into 18 offences for the court's benefit.
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water pleaded guilty to 15 out of the 18 charges at Llandudno Magistrates Court on October 16, last year, before accepting the remainder of the Taken into Consideration (TIC) charges, on December 17.
Since 2010, there has been a requirement on water companies to carry out self-monitoring of their effluent discharges from their sewage works and water treatment works.
Following the sentencing hearing, a spokesperson for NRW explained that they were alarmed to find that the quality of the information provided in the water company's 2020 annual report had noticeably deteriorated compared to previous years, with over 600 breaches recorded across some 300 sites in Wales and Herefordshire.
In interviews, and in their defence in court, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water explained that an internal restructure of the sampling team and IT-related scheduling issues coupled with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic were the main factors in the deterioration.
Help support trusted local news
Sign up for a digital subscription now: www.countytimes.co.uk/subscribe
As a digital subscriber you will get
Unlimited access to the County Times website
Advert-light access
Reader rewards
Full access to our app
While the situation had significantly improved by the submission of the 2021 annual report, a number of non-compliances were again identified, albeit these were less in number.
NRW added that missing samples and data from the 2020 reporting year meant that NRW was unable to fully assess or respond to any environmental impacts.
Siân Williams, Head of Operations from Natural Resources Wales said: 'This case highlights inadequacies in the processes at Dŵr Cymru which led to widespread permit breaches across Wales and over the border during a period of two years.
'While we appreciate the disruption all businesses faced during 2020 with the Covid-19 pandemic, we believe the failings shown by Dŵr Cymru were avoidable should better contingency planning have been in place.
'Dŵr Cymru's performance has continued to decline for a number of years now, and this is a stark warning to the company that we will not hesitate to use our enforcement powers to secure the improvements we expect to see.'
NRW has downgraded Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water from a four-star (industry leading) company in 2020 to two-star (requires improvement) company in 2022 and 2023 as part of its annual Environmental Performance Assessment.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leader Live
an hour ago
- Leader Live
North West growth plans for planning consultancy firm
Cadnant Planning, based in Pulford, near Wrexham, Conwy and Chester, is one of the industry's most respected firms. With associate planner Sioned Edwards stepping up to become managing director, the future looks bright for the award-winning chartered town planning consultancy. Their team of six has worked with a raft of big names on some of the region's landmark projects including infrastructure developments, leisure operators, further education providers, landowners, commercial developers and leading private housebuilders and RSLs (Registered Social Landlords). Sioned Edwards and Rhys Davies. Alongside founder and director Rhys Davies - who launched the business 20 years ago before rebranding to become Cadnant Planning in 2012 - Sioned is excited to focus on continuing to support existing and new clients in the future on projects across North Wales and into Cheshire, Wirral and across the North West, where they have enjoyed success in past years. "Together we have built up the reputation and client base of the company, and nothing will change from that perspective, but we have taken a long-term view in terms of the future of Cadnant, and I am very excited to step forward into this new role," she said. Read more: Flintshire accountants make move to relocate to former pub "That growth has been organic and happened quite naturally over the last decade, so we are now looking more specifically at new areas, both geographically and in the private and public sectors." Rhys added: "I will still be a director and integral part of the business but it's about looking ahead now, with Sioned leading on that vision and our long-term strategy. "That strategy includes strengthening our presence in Flintshire, Wrexham and over the border, where we have collaborated on some major projects over recent years. Read more: New equity partner announced at leading Wrexham law firm Providing a wide range of services from planning appraisals/strategies, applications, appeals and specialist planning documents such as Welsh language impact assessments to land promotion and expert witness representation, the firm is proud of its Welsh roots and "local values" centred on sustainability, bilingualism and providing opportunities for the next generation of planners. Sioned joined the practice as a graduate 13 years ago and is determined to build on its history while embracing technological and legislative advances in the sector. Read more: Village pub's new owner ready to serve 'warm welcome' to community As she prepared to take her place on the panel at Place North West's sub-regional briefing event earlier this week, she admits there is a need for a more simplified, joined-up approach to the current planning system, given the differences in England and Wales. "There are consultations ongoing via the Welsh Government with regards housing, and there is planning reform in England, but a lot of people are unaware of the big changes ahead and differences in each country," said Sioned. "That is a USP for us, that we are on top of the legislation on both sides of the border and have fed into a task group in Wales looking at affordable housing, another crucial issue given the need for more funding, better infrastructure in rural areas especially, and leadership to provide solutions and identify targets, because at the moment the process is far too complex." Read more: North Wales firm launches paid internship scheme with over 50 jobs up for grabs Looking ahead to the future, she said: "I have been a part of Cadnant from the beginning, so I'm very excited to see where we go from here. "There have been a lot of changes along the way, we have expanded our base at Riverside Business Park and navigated the Covid pandemic - where the breadth of our offering ensured we were relatively unaffected. "Rhys and I have kept moving forward and have been busy throughout. We now have a very strong team at present having been successful in recruiting in a tough market over recent years. Read more: Wrexham business lands Heathrow grant boost "We have a brilliant team here and we're looking to do even more from our Conwy office and from our Pulford base in Wrexham, Flintshire, Chester and beyond - we can't wait for the next chapter." Rhys, says the business is in "very safe hands" and is proud of its legacy. He added: "The business was set up from nothing, initially it was just me in a small office in Conwy, then the two of us and now there is a core team of six across several disciplines - we have worked very hard to establish ourselves over that period. "From this point it will be Sioned driving things forward. I am delighted for her and know Cadnant Planning will continue to go from strength to strength." • For more information email info@
South Wales Guardian
2 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Sweet Williams in Pontardawe wins gift shop of the year
Mrs Emma Doyle runs Sweet Williams on 6-8 Herbert Street in Pontardawe. The shop has 96 reviews on Facebook and a recommendation ratio of 96%, specializing in beautiful handmade gifts. Sweet Williams is located on 6-8 Herbert Street. (Image: Emma Doyle) Mrs Doyle said: 'I am very much proud of our achievement. We have worked so hard. You only need to look at Trustpilot to see how many positive reviews we have. Now, to have recognition for that is fantastic. 'It's quite a big award. It started out as a hobby. We started in 2011 at home and then we got our first shop in 2016. So, we have had a presence on the high street for a number of years. We first had a studio and then we eventually got a shop. Mrs Doyle started her business in 2011. (Image: Emma Doyle) 'The shop became available at the start of COVID, and we have been here ever since. My background before I started this business was in law. I started the business while I was on maternity leave. 'I'm always trying to put Pontardawe on the map. We are a huge champion of shopping local and independent and feel privileged to have a space to do this in Pontardawe. 'This is important because in the last couple of years it's been tough for businesses on the high street. So, to have support from the local community is fantastic.' The store specialises in handmade gifts. (Image: Emma Doyle) Mrs Doyle was informed via email that she was nominated for the award, before a panel of judges looked at her business, including her reviews. She will attend Ashton Gate Football Stadium in Bristol next month to attend an award ceremony and receive the accolade in person. Mrs Doyle continued: 'We have supplied products for the Royal Family and received an award from Theo Paphitis from Dragons Den. But this award has been the icing on the cake. 'We just want to keep building our customer base. We still have so many people coming in who didn't realise we were here. 'We are a family business. My husband chips in, as do my children. My mum and dad also get involved. We even offer sowing workshops." The business creates its own brand of textile products. (Image: Emma Doyle) Sweet Williams is a gift shop consisting of several retail spaces set over 4 floors. The business has recently reopened its basement following a yearlong renovation project, which is now home to Welsh/locally sourced foodie treats and a pre-loved bookshop. On the fourth floor, Sweet Williams creates its own brand of textile products, which are then supplied to over 200 stockists, helping other independent retailers to grow their presence on the local high street.
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
All the shops closing this weekend including iconic department store shutting after 124 years
We reveal why the retail sector is struggling below SHUTTERED UP All the shops closing this weekend including iconic department store shutting after 124 years A HOST of stores are shutting for good this weekend including a historic department store. Retailers have struggled over recent years as shoppers' wallets and purses take a hit from high inflation. Advertisement 1 A range of stores are shutting this weekend Credit: Alamy An increase in employer National Insurance contributions and wage costs since April has added to the pressure. Combined with soaring business rates, energy and rental costs, some retailers have been forced to hike prices and even shut stores. It's worth bearing in mind of course that retailers close shops for a host of reasons and not always because of a poor economic backdrop. Sometimes chains will shut a poorly-performing branch in one area and open another further afield where they think they'll see better footfall. Advertisement Plenty of retailers are moving away from high streets and towards out-of-town retail parks too. In any case, five shops will shut this weekend including a more than 120-year-old department store. Here is the full list of shops we know are closing down permanently. Ginger Norwich-based Ginger will pull down its shutters for the final time on Saturday. Advertisement The shop was founded by David and Rodger Kingsley in 1978 following the success of their sister company Jonathan Trumbull in 1971. But current store manager Beckie Kingsley said the store will close due to the economic climate and aftermath of Covid-19. Britain's retail apocalypse: why your favourite stores KEEP closing down She said: "It's with truly heavy hearts that, after 46 unforgettable years, we have made the incredibly difficult decision to close the doors at our beautiful, beloved and historic Timber Hill home. "We've weathered many storms over the decades, but there's been ongoing challenges of today's financial climate - coupled with the lasting impact and huge shifts within the retail landscape since Covid. Advertisement "This led us to ask - does it still work for us? After deep reflection, the answer, sadly, is no." Daniel of Ealing Historic department store Daniel of Ealing, in London, will shut for good on Sunday, after opening 124 years ago. Prices have been slashed across homeware, fashion, toys, sportswear and shoes, with up to 50% off. Shoppers finding out the iconic shop will close have shared their dismay online. Advertisement One posted saying: "Loved this shop and it's top floor restaurant." While another added: "Ealing has lost its heart, soul and uniqueness!" The Works Stationer The Works is shutting its Margate store on Sunday, with shoppers' next nearest branches in Westwood Cross Shopping Centre or Ramsgate Garden Centre. A spokesperson for the chain said the decision to shut the branch had been made "as part of ongoing plans to optimise our store portfolio". Advertisement The move has been met with sadness by shoppers, with one online stating: "No I love The Works." Another dejectedly added: "Be nothing left in the town soon." Emporium Worthing Independent bar and shop Emporium Worthing is closing to the public on Sunday "with a heavy heart". The owners posted a lengthy statement on Facebook announcing the closure. Advertisement It said: "We share the challenging decision to close Emporium Worthing after five memorable years of serving you. "This has been a tough choice for us, but after careful reflection, we believe it is the best path forward and the right choice for us at this time." A huge closing down sale has been launched to clear stock, even including fixtures and fittings from inside. It's not all bad news though as the Emporium will be moving online and selling hardwares. Advertisement New Look New Look is closing its branch in the Northfield Shopping Centre, Birmingham, on June 8. A picture recently posted on Facebook of the shop window advertised the closure and signposted customers to the retailer's website. Customers finding out about the closure have been left gutted. One posted on Facebook: "Will soon be a ghost town, absolutely nothing left." Advertisement Another commented: "Online (retail) is killing shops." A New Look spokesperson said: "We would like to thank all of our colleagues and the local community for their support over the years. "We hope customers continue to shop with us online at where our full product ranges can be found." RETAIL PAIN IN 2025 The British Retail Consortium predicted that the Treasury's hike to employer NICs would cost the retail sector £2.3billion. Research published by the British Chambers of Commerce earlier this year shows that more than half of companies planned to raise prices by early April. Separately, the Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has also warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year. It comes on the back of a tough 2024 when 13,000 shops closed their doors for good, already a 28% increase on the previous year. Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the CRR said: "The results for 2024 show that although the outcomes for store closures overall were not as poor as in either 2020 or 2022, they are still disconcerting, with worse set to come in 2025." Professor Bamfield has also warned of a bleak outlook for 2025, predicting that as many as 202,000 jobs could be lost in the sector. "By increasing both the costs of running stores and the costs on each consumer's household it is highly likely that we will see retail job losses eclipse the height of the pandemic in 2020." Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Advertisement Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
