Public inquiry into 'stink bomb' tip demanded
Residents claiming foul smells have returned to a landfill site just weeks after it reopened are demanding a public inquiry and considering legal action.
Withyhedge, near Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, was closed last May to try and fix odour problems but opened again on 6 January.
Colin Barnett, of campaigners Stop the Stink, said people in Crundale, Haverfordwest and Spittal, all in Pembrokeshire, were being subjected to "horrendous smells again".
In December RML, the company that runs the site, said it was satisfied historic problems had been resolved, adding: "Completion of this work will provide a high level of protection for both the site and its neighbouring communities."
Mr Barnett said "he couldn't believe" it when people began complaining about smells from the site.
It has previously been described as smelling like a "stink bomb on steroids".
Wales 'lacks plan' to tackle scale of nature loss
Welsh environment agency plans to cut 265 jobs
Nature laws to protect wildlife in Wales
He backed calls from Conservative MS Paul Davies for a public inquiry, saying: "The public inquiry is the only way to get to the bottom of what's happened."
Campaigners, he said, had been left unsatisfied by responses from public bodies.
"The public inquiry is the only way to get to the bottom of what's happened, because we've been flanneled by NRW, by public health, Pembrokeshire council," he said.
"All of these leaders need to take a back step and look at what they have not achieved. It's disgraceful."
Legal action had, Mr Barnett said, been "delayed and delayed".
"It's our only route now, because we've waited for 14 months for this problem to go away," he said.
"We're going to take a different route now and that looks like group litigation."
RML is part of Dauson Environmmental Group, owned by businessman David Neal.
Mr Neal has twice been convicted for environmental crimes, in 2013 and 2017, relating to two companies.
He was given a suspended prison sentence in 2013 for illegally dumping waste on a conservation site and four years later he was prosecuted again for not removing it.
Last year Atlantic Recycling, directed by Mr Neal, pleaded guilty to an environmental offence.
It also emerged last year Vaughan Gething's Labour leadership campaign accepted £200,000 from Dauson Environmmental Group.
NRW said it been monitoring the site since it reopened, adding: "In response to a rise in complaints in recent days, officers from NRW and Pembrokeshire County Council have been in the locality responding to odour incidents as reported.
"No odours attributable to the landfill have been detected."
It had received 34 odour complaints since 6 January, it said, with an increase since 16 January.
This, it said, coincided with the end of a period banning slurry spreading.
Mr Barnett said there was a "clear difference" between the smell of slurry and tip odours.
NRW said an inspection by it and the council will be carried out on 29 January.
RML and Pembrokeshire council have been approached for comment while the Welsh government has declined to.
But First Minister Eluned Morgan said on Tuesday: "I'll keep a very close eye on this, and if those concerns continue then we will have to just discuss with NRW what concrete additional steps will have to be taken."
Wales second in the world for recycling rates
Wales 'lacks plan' to tackle scale of nature loss
Wales plants just 12% of woodland target
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Royal Welsh bans English livestock amid bluetongue
The Royal Welsh Show is to ban livestock from England from this year's event following the spread of the bluetongue virus. In a statement, organisers said they "recognised the growing concern" around the recent outbreak. Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) said livestock entries of animals susceptible to the virus - particularly cattle, sheep and goats - will not be accepted from exhibitors located within a bluetongue virus restricted zone. The zone is to be extended to cover the whole of England from 1 July before the annual show in Llanelwedd, near Builth Wells in Powys, on 21-24 July. Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3), mainly spread by midge bites, does not affect humans or risk food safety. Warning of 'massive impact' of farm virus in Wales Bluetongue virus 'causing farmers stress and anxiety' Latest Welsh Government advice RWAS said it was committed to working with and supporting exhibitors amid the outbreak and is working closely with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Welsh government veterinary team. "Our goal is to ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place, in line with the most up-to-date guidance," the statement read. "That said, we are taking steps to provide clarity based on current guidance, while being transparent that circumstances may evolve before the Royal Welsh Show in July. "This policy has been introduced to safeguard the health of livestock exhibited at this year's Royal Welsh Show and to help reduce the risk of bluetongue spreading." The RWAS said: Entries will not be accepted from exhibitors located within a bluetongue restricted zone. Exhibitors who are required to travel through a restricted zone to attend the show will also not be permitted to attend. If an exhibitor enters the show but subsequently moves into a restricted zone, they will no longer be eligible to attend. Exhibitors unaffected by bluetongue restrictions will remain subject to the society's general rules and regulations. The RWAS said the policy could change according to any updates in government policy before the show. Current pre-movement testing exemptions apply in England, Scotland and Wales until 12 June when the Welsh government is due to announce an update. Last summer, the Royal Welsh Show celebrated 120 years since the annual agricultural show first began. Bluetongue does not affect humans and poses no risk to public health or food safety In rare instances, however, dogs and other carnivores can contract it if they consume infected substances such as aborted material and afterbirth. It affects cattle, goats, sheep, goats, deer and camelids such as llamas and alpacas. The impacts on susceptible animals can vary greatly – but in most cases seen since September 2024 clinical signs have been mild and animals have recovered. Bluetongue is classed as a "notifiable" disease, meaning it is an offence not to report it to the authorities. Signs of bluetongue in cattle include lethargy, crusty erosions around the nostrils and muzzle, and redness of the mouth, eyes and, nose. In sheep, signs include ulcers or sores in the mouth and nose, discharge from the eyes or nose and drooling from mouth, and the swelling of the lips, tongue, head and neck, as well as the coronary band (where the skin of the leg meets the horn of the foot). Other symptoms include red skin as a result of blood collecting beneath the surface, fever, lameness, breathing problems, abortion, foetal deformities and stillbirths. The disease can be fatal. We'll work with anyone for rural life, say farmers
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Exhibition shines light on River Wye pollution
A group of artists are raising awareness of the "catastrophic problem" of pollution in the River Wye with an exhibition. Campaigners from the Save the Wye group have created a display of 16 glass panels which trace the journey of the river and the build-up of pollution as it flows towards the sea. It is on display at the Forest of Dean District Council offices in Coleford, Gloucestershire until 30 June. "The new exhibition looks incredible and really helps to spread the message about the deterioration of our waterways in the Forest of Dean," said the council's river water quality champion Andrew McDermid. More news stories for Gloucestershire Listen to the latest news for Gloucestershire "After the council unanimously supported the Rivers and Oceans Motion last year, it's essential to keep this conversation alive and push for real change," he added. McDermid said tackling pollution would require cooperation from the community, local groups and government. "This is a problem of such scale it cannot be tackled alone," he said. "We want everyone to be able to enjoy our rivers long into the future, and working together we can make that a reality." The council's Water Improvement Group said it was working to identify pollution sources, monitor water quality and involve local people in caring for the district's waterways. The exhibition comes after a £1m fund to investigate the sources of pollution in the River Wye was announced by the Welsh and UK governments. Artist and Save the Wye member Mollie Meager said exhibiting at the council offices was a great opportunity to highlight the campaign. "We hope that all residents and visitors will take the opportunity to explore the artwork further and to put their voice behind the campaign," she said. "The river should be something that is enjoyed by all. "Together we can make the change." Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Governments to investigate River Wye pollution Government wins court case over River Wye pollution New law proposed over River Wye pollution Forest of Dean District Council
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Wildlife experts announce bold plan to bring back species lost for 3,000 years: 'I'd like to see them sooner rather than later'
Efforts to bring elk back to the United Kingdom are advancing. The Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire wildlife trusts secured £15,000 ($20,190) in funding from Rewilding Britain to begin feasibility studies, the BBC reported. Their goal? Reintroduce elk to the East Midlands, where they once roamed freely before hunters drove them to extinction about 3,000 years ago. Elk are impressive not only because of their features and size. They're also effective landscapers of nature. These massive creatures help shape entire ecosystems. They clear out dense vegetation as they graze. When elk wander through wetlands and grasslands, they act like a groundskeeping crew that controls overgrowth and creates clearer pathways for smaller animals. NWT's Janice Bradley noted that elk may have roamed through the Trent wetlands, making them native to the woods and the local landscape. Experts hope to bring them back to these grasslands to fulfill their role in improving habitats for other animals. She also said that while it may take time for the public to get used to the idea of elk returning to the area, they encourage people to engage and get excited. "But I'd like to see them sooner rather than later," she shared, per BBC. The initiative to reintroduce rare species and extinct wildlife isn't new. U.K. conservationists have already seen some success with rewilding projects. In Wales, marsh fritillary butterflies have made a comeback. Meanwhile, efforts by rewilding groups helped water voles thrive in the Welsh uplands after decades of absence. Bringing beavers back to the U.K. wetlands has also shown great results. In Dorset, reintroduced wild beavers created new habitats for other animals and helped reduce floods. The same positive changes occurred in Hampshire. Reintroducing elk to the U.K. is a bold move. However, if it works, it will add balance to the environment, benefiting plants, animals, and nearby communities. A healthy ecosystem means cleaner air and water, as well as a stronger connection to nature. Support biodiversity by planting native species at home to rewild your yard. Should the U.S. invest in building more wildlife overpasses? Absolutely Depends on how we do it Depends on where we do it Nope Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
