#pembrey — Public Fediverse posts on home.social

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-05-12 · 13:39 UTC

CARMARTHENSHIRE: Broken sewer pipe caused Pembrey sinkhole as Dŵr Cymru called in to carry out repairs

Residents in Pembrey were left alarmed after a hole in Lando Road — which had been patched earlier in the day — collapsed, revealing what locals described as a sinkhole beneath the surface.

Photographs shared on social media showed a large void in the road surface, with the temporary repair material having given way to expose the extent of the problem underneath.

One resident reported that a driver had hit the hole earlier in the morning and had their exhaust ripped off, leaving them facing a repair bill of at least £300.

Carmarthenshire County Council highway maintenance teams carry out emergency repairs on Lando Road. Picture: Tristam Evans

Local councillor Michael Thomas, who represents the Pembrey and Burry Port area, said Carmarthenshire County Council had previously carried out what appeared to be an emergency temporary repair — standard practice to make an area safe quickly.

However, he said it appeared the issue had either reopened or that the earlier repair had not resolved the underlying problem.

Lando Road in Pembrey before repairs were carried out, showing the cracked surface and developing void. Picture: Tristam Evans

He reported the matter to the council as an emergency and stressed the seriousness of the situation. “Looking at the condition of the road surface, I do feel this will likely require more than simply filling and patching the affected area,” he said.

“It appears the section may need to be stripped back properly, with foundational support and backing inserted beneath before the surface can then be fully relaid.”

A resident examines the sinkhole on Lando Road in Pembrey. Picture: Tristam Evans

Town councillor Sharon Thomas, who contacted both South Wales Police on 101 and the Carmarthenshire County Council emergency line, said emergency workers had arrived and that temporary traffic lights would be put in place while permanent repairs were arranged.

Residents in the Pembrey and Burry Port community Facebook group had been raising concerns about the hole for several weeks, with locals saying it had been reported to the council on multiple occasions before the situation deteriorated.

Some had questioned from the outset whether the problem was a simple pothole or something more serious — a distinction that proved significant when the temporary patch failed.

Temporary traffic lights in place on Lando Road during emergency repair works. Picture: Tristam Evans

Carmarthenshire County Council has confirmed that a highways team excavating Lando Road this morning discovered a broken foul sewer pipe beneath the carriageway, which caused the road structure to wash out.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has been notified and an inspector is due on site this evening. Remedial works are expected to be arranged and programmed by Dŵr Cymru, with repairs currently anticipated for tomorrow.

#CarmarthenshireCountyCouncil #LandoRoad #Pembrey #pothole #roadRepair #Sinkhole

#carmarthenshirecountycouncil #landoroad #pembrey #pothole #roadrepair #sinkhole

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-03-10 · 11:28 UTC

LLANDYBIE: Accountants help adventurous two-year-old with ultra-rare condition take to the slopes

Mabli Strick was born with GAND syndrome, a neurodevelopmental condition that affects only around 455 people worldwide.

One of her greatest joys is skiing every week at the Pembrey Country Park ski slope with the volunteer-run charity, Ski4All Wales.

The charity, which provides life-changing opportunities for children and adults with disabilities, has now received a financial boost from Ashmole & Co accountants.

The Ammanford-based firm has made a contribution to help the charity buy urgently needed new equipment to continue offering its transformative skiing experiences.

Jim Cornock, a Partner with Ashmole & Co, visited the ski centre to meet Mabli and her mum, Gwenno.

“It was a privilege to meet Mabli and see the incredible work Ski4All Wales are doing,” he said.

“It was lovely to see the joy on Mabli’s face while she was skiing. The work that Ski4All Wales do for help families is humbling.”

He added: “We are happy to be able to give a financial contribution to this worthwhile charity and I would urge any other businesses that can afford to do the same to seriously consider it.”

Mabli’s mum, Gwenno, said the charity had made a huge difference to their lives.

“Ski4All Wales has truly transformed our lives,” she said. “Through their kindness, support and encouragement, we’ve seen Mabli blossom, gain confidence, courage and pure happiness, every time she takes to the slopes.”

She added that adaptive skiing has given her daughter “a freedom and joy that few other activities could offer.”

Ski4All Wales offers the opportunity to experience the thrill of skiing safely through the use of specialist adaptive sit-skis.

The charity has warned that without vital support to buy new equipment, many regular skiers, including children like Mabli, will no longer be able to take part.

#AshmoleCo #Carmarthenshire #Charity #DisabilitySport #Llandybie #Pembrey #PembreyCountryPark #PembreySkiSlope #Ski4AllWales #skiing

#ashmoleco #carmarthenshire #charity #disabilitysport #llandybie #pembrey

Editor @[email protected] · 2025-11-18 · 13:15 UTC

Welsh Government says South West Wales bathing waters rated ‘excellent’ – but sewage and pollution issues cast shadow

The 2025 results, published this week, show that 98% of bathing waters across Wales met strict environmental standards following monitoring by Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Officials say the findings demonstrate the resilience of Wales’s beaches and the success of ongoing efforts to protect water quality.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca‑Davies said the results reflected “our commitment to protecting water quality” and praised communities and partners for working together towards a cleaner Wales.

Mary Lewis, Head of Natural Resource Management at NRW, added:

“Our wonderful beaches and bathing waters are an important part of Wales’s identity and culture… The results reflect the dedication of our teams, partners, environmental groups and communities who protect and care for our environment.”

Local results at a glance

AreaBeaches rated ‘Excellent’Other classificationsSwanseaLangland, Caswell, Bracelet Bay, RhossiliSwansea Bay – GoodNeath Port TalbotAberafan Beach–CarmarthenshirePembrey, Pendine Sands–PembrokeshireTenby South, Castle Beach, Freshwater West, Barafundle, Newgale, Whitesands (plus many more)–Bridgend CountyTrecco Bay, Sandy Bay, Rest Bay (Porthcawl)–

Sewage spills and enforcement fines temper the good news

While the classifications are positive, they come against a backdrop of ongoing public concern about water quality.

Residents in Gower have repeatedly voiced frustration over sewage spills affecting popular beaches, saying they feel “pooped off” by the frequency of incidents. Campaigners argue that these spills undermine public confidence in official bathing water ratings.

💧 What do bathing water ratings mean?

Excellent
The highest standard. Water quality is consistently very good, giving strong reassurance for swimmers and visitors.

Good
Meets high standards but with occasional dips in quality. Still safe for bathing, though less consistent than ‘excellent’ sites.

Sufficient
Passes the minimum EU and UK requirements. Bathing is permitted, but water quality may be variable and less reliable.

Poor
Fails to meet the required standards. Official advice is against bathing due to risks to health.

Who sets the ratings?
Natural Resources Wales monitors designated bathing waters during the season (May–September) and classifies them under Welsh Government regulations.

Why it matters:
Ratings guide public health advice, tourism confidence and environmental management. They reflect long‑term monitoring, not just daily conditions.

Rivers and coastlines under pressure

Beyond the beaches, rivers in South West Wales have also been highlighted as pollution hotspots. The River Tawe was recently ranked among the most sewage‑affected in the UK, raising questions about how inland water quality connects to coastal bathing standards.

In Pembrokeshire, warnings have been issued about sewage pollution at popular beaches, prompting local MPs to challenge regulators and water companies during Welsh Affairs Committee hearings.

Calls for reform and a sewage action plan

The wider debate has led to growing political pressure. Campaigners and politicians, including Welsh MPs, have called for a national sewage action plan to tackle pollution at its source. At the same time, Welsh Government has outlined plans to overhaul water regulation, promising reforms that put “people, the environment and future generations at its heart.”

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca‑Davies acknowledged that climate change and heavy rainfall — including 170% of average levels in September — can significantly affect water quality. He said maintaining standards will require “sustained investment, innovation, and partnership working across all sectors.”

A mixed picture for South West Wales

The headline figures show South West Wales beaches performing strongly, with almost all rated ‘excellent’. But the wider context of sewage spills, enforcement fines and river pollution means the story is more complex.

For swimmers and visitors, the classifications provide reassurance about water quality at designated sites. Yet campaigners insist that behind the ratings lies a system under strain, with regulators, water companies and government facing mounting pressure to deliver lasting improvements.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Welsh Water under pressure as sewage pollution incidents hit ten‑year high
Regulators report a surge in sewage discharges, sparking calls for tougher enforcement across Wales.

Residents say they’re ‘pooped off’ with Gower sewage spills
Locals express frustration over repeated sewage incidents affecting popular beaches on the Gower peninsula.

Welsh Water fined £1.35m for over 800 breaches to sewage discharge permits
The company faces a record penalty after failing to control pollution at treatment sites across Wales.

River Tawe one of the most sewage‑filled in the UK
New analysis ranks the Tawe among Britain’s most polluted rivers, raising concerns for downstream bathing waters.

#aberafanBeach #aberavonBeach #barafundle #bathingWaterQuality #beaches #braceletBay #caswellBay #cefnSidanBeach #dwrCymru #freshwaterWest #huwIrrancaDaviesMs #langlandBay #naturalResourcesWales #newgale #pembrey #pendineSands #pollution #porthcawl #restBay #rhossiliBay #sandyBay #sewage #swanseaBay #tenby #treccoBay #waterQuality #welshGovernment #welshWater #whitesandsBeach

#aberafanbeach #aberavonbeach #barafundle #bathingwaterquality #beaches #braceletbay

Editor @[email protected] · 2025-11-06 · 13:39 UTC

Last Victorian signal boxes retired as South West Wales railway modernises

Network Rail engineers carried out a major upgrade last weekend, switching the line to modern digital technology as part of the Port Talbot West resignalling project. The work means trains will now be controlled remotely from Port Talbot, improving reliability and safety after years of disruption.

Reliability problems

The upgrade comes after a troubled period for the line. Over the past two and a half years, there have been 59 signalling failures between Carmarthen and Llanelli, causing delays for passengers and freight operators. Network Rail says the new system will reduce the frequency and duration of failures, while modern level crossing equipment will improve safety for road users.

The fate of the historic boxes

Pembrey Signal Box

Pembrey Signal Box and level crossing at Burry Port, once central to South Wales coal and harbour traffic, now retired after more than a century of service.
(Image: Geograph / Gareth James)

Opened in 1907 as Pembrey East Box, this was once the beating heart of a complex railway system around Burry Port harbour. Lines from the Gwendraeth Valley Railway, Brunel’s Great Western main line, Cwm Capel Colliery and later Carmarthen Bay Power Station all converged here.

Originally fitted with 31 levers, the box was enlarged in 1947 to handle coal traffic for the power station, with an 83‑lever frame installed. At its peak, Pembrey controlled the movement of up to 140,000 tons of coal each year.

Over its 116 years of service, the box witnessed wartime signalwomen struggling with heavy levers, and even a serious accident in 1953 when an oil train derailed and tankers crashed into the building.

Despite its heritage value, attempts by the Pembrey and Burry Port Heritage Group to secure listed status were rejected by CADW, which judged the box altered and not among the best surviving examples of its type. With no operational role left, demolition now awaits.

Kidwelly Signal Box

Historic signalling components inside Kidwelly Signal Box, which combined an 1885 base with a 1950s rebuild.
(Image: Network Rail)

Kidwelly’s box dates back to 1885, though its age is disguised by a 1950s rebuild of the upper portion.

The original Great Western lever frame was removed in 1983 and replaced by a small panel, but the box continued to operate under the Absolute Block system with its neighbours at Pembrey and Ferryside.

After more than a century of service, Kidwelly has now been retired and will be demolished.

Carmarthen Junction Signal Box

Carmarthen Junction Signal Box, built in 1956, retained for storage and future training use.
(Image: Network Rail)

Constructed in 1956, Carmarthen Junction once controlled the area with a 78‑lever frame.

Today only a small panel remains in use, but the building will be retained for storage and may be repurposed as a training facility for future signallers. Unlike its neighbours, Carmarthen Junction will continue to serve a purpose, albeit in a different role.

Ferryside Signal Box

Ferryside level crossing, upgraded with new barriers and detection systems as part of the 2025 resignalling project.
(Image: Network Rail)Mechanical interlocking system beneath Ferryside Signal Box, described as a “mechanical computer” preventing conflicting routes.
(Image: Network Rail)Ferryside Signal Box, a Grade II‑listed Victorian structure overlooking the Towy estuary, now preserved by a local society.
(Image: Network Rail)

Ferryside is believed to date from before 1884 and is the standout survivor. Now Grade II‑listed, it retains a smart Great Western double‑twist frame of 24 levers, along with 1947‑style block instruments and bells used to communicate with adjacent boxes.

Beneath the operating floor lies the interlocking — a mechanical computer of sliding metal bars and notches that physically prevents conflicting routes being set. The original double‑twist locking was replaced by standard tappet locking as recently as 1996, showing how the box evolved while retaining its Victorian character.

Even the wire adjusters, used to compensate for weather‑related changes in tension on long runs of signal wire, remain in place. Thanks to its protected status, Ferryside is being adopted by the Ferryside Signal Box Preservation Society, a community group working to safeguard the building and its equipment for future generations.

Preserving history while modernising

A Network Rail spokesperson said:

“As much as possible of the old signalling equipment will be recycled and used across other parts of the network. Ferryside is in the process of being adopted by a community group, while Carmarthen will continue to serve a purpose for training.”

Looking ahead

The signalling upgrade is designed to reduce delays and improve safety, with new level crossing systems and barriers installed at several sites. Further line closures are planned on Sundays 16 and 23 November to complete the final stages of the project.

Project Manager Scott Beech added:

“By centralising control and upgrading our signalling infrastructure, we’re not only improving reliability but also laying the groundwork for a safer and more responsive railway system that better serves our communities.”

#CarmarthenJunctionSignalBox #Ferryside #FerrysideSignalBox #FerrysideSignalBoxPreservationSociety #historicSignalBox #Kidwelly #KidwellySignalBox #NetworkRail #Pembrey #PembreyEastSignalBox #signalBox #signals #Victorian #VictorianRailwayInfrastructure

#carmarthenjunctionsignalbox #ferryside #ferrysidesignalbox #ferrysidesignalboxpreservationsociety #historicsignalbox #kidwelly

UK @[email protected] · 2025-09-15 · 16:09 UTC

https://www.europesays.com/uk/426652/ New footage shows colossal size of world’s second biggest animal left to rot on Welsh beach #Beaches #Carmarthenshire #Pembrey #Science #UK #UnitedKingdom #wildlife

#wildlife #unitedkingdom #uk #science #pembrey #carmarthenshire

UK @[email protected] · 2025-09-04 · 08:31 UTC

https://www.europesays.com/uk/396772/ Extraordinary, huge creature washes up on Welsh beach #Beaches #Carmarthenshire #Pembrey #Science #UK #UnitedKingdom #wildlife

#wildlife #unitedkingdom #uk #science #pembrey #carmarthenshire

United Kingdom News Beep @[email protected] · 2025-09-03 · 18:00 UTC

Extraordinary, huge creature washes up on Welsh beach

Exactly what kind of animal it is remains a mysteryExactly what marine animal this carcass belongs to remains…
#NewsBeep #News #Wildlife #Beaches #Carmarthenshire #Pembrey #Science #UK #UnitedKingdom
https://www.newsbeep.com/uk/112057/

#unitedkingdom #uk #science #pembrey #carmarthenshire #beaches