#pembrokeshirecountycouncil — Public Fediverse posts

PEMBROKESHIRE: Planning application lodged for 27 giant radar dishes at Brawdy as campaigners say Morgan’s intervention doesn’t go far enough

A planning application for the controversial Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability installation at Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire has been formally submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council, as the project becomes one of the most politically charged issues of the Senedd election campaign.

The Ministry of Defence lodged the application on 23 March, following a statutory pre-application consultation period that ran from 23 February to 22 March 2026. Pembrokeshire County Council will now determine whether to grant planning permission for the scheme, which would see 27 radar dishes — each approximately 15 metres in diameter and 21 metres tall — installed at the former RAF Brawdy site.

The planning application arrived just weeks after First Minister Eluned Morgan sparked headlines by calling for the UK to halt its involvement in DARC, citing Donald Trump’s conduct and questioning whether the US remained a reliable partner. Morgan, who is also Welsh Labour’s lead Senedd candidate in the Ceredigion Penfro constituency where the site is located, stopped short of opposing the project outright — calling only for a pause while Trump remains in office.

Anti-radar campaign group PARC Against DARC — Pembrokeshire Against Radar Campaign — responded on Thursday, welcoming Morgan’s intervention but saying her position fell far short of what was needed to stop the scheme.

A spokesperson for the campaign said the issue was “clearly in the minds of voters for the upcoming Senedd election” and may have been “reported back to Morgan from the doorsteps.” The campaigners said they feared Morgan could simply reverse her position if re-elected, and argued that calling for a pause was a far weaker stance than the outright opposition the project deserved.

Their response came with sharp words for Henry Tufnell, the Labour MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, who broke ranks with Morgan to defend the scheme and cited jobs for the local area as a key factor in his support.

The campaign said it was “absolutely unbelievable how out of touch Henry Tufnell is on the whole DARC debate,” and claimed the MOD’s Environmental Impact Assessment showed that direct local employment from the scheme would amount to a maximum of 20 permanent roles, with the remainder of the operational staff made up of US personnel.

However, the MOD’s own public consultation materials, distributed to around 2,390 households in the area in August 2024, stated that the scheme would bring a permanent presence of up to 100 UK military and civilian personnel to the site, along with up to 120 short-term construction jobs. The campaign disputes those figures, arguing the full EIA tells a different story about the proportion of roles that would go to local people.

Swansea Bay News has not independently verified the campaign’s interpretation of the EIA, and the MOD has not responded to their characterisation of the jobs figures.

The campaign also alleged that the public consultation on the scheme had not been properly publicised to local residents. However, documents from the MOD’s pre-application consultation report — submitted as part of the planning application — show that community newsletters were posted to 2,390 households via Royal Mail in August 2024, and that two public drop-in events held in Solva and St Davids in September 2024 drew more than 420 attendees, with 305 feedback forms returned. A further newsletter was distributed to an extended area when the statutory consultation opened in February 2026.

The MOD’s consultation documents also include photomontages showing what the radar array would look like from locations around the site. Seen from the local road to Brawdy, several dishes are clearly visible above the hedgerow. From Trefgarn Owen to the north, the full array of dishes appears strung across the open skyline. From Penycwm village, dishes are visible above the rooftops.

The campaign alleged that the MOD’s EIA had confirmed the visual impact of the scheme would be adverse from the majority of assessed viewpoints, and substantially adverse from at least a fifth of them. Swansea Bay News has not independently reviewed the full EIA.

PARC Against DARC said it believed deep divisions had now opened within the Labour Party over the issue, and that Morgan’s intervention was a sign she was aware of the political risks heading into the May 7 election. However, the campaign also acknowledged what it described as Morgan’s bravery in publicly criticising Trump, noting his track record of targeting critics.

Both Plaid Cymru and the Wales Green Party have opposed DARC since the project was announced. A Plaid Cymru spokesperson said Morgan’s intervention was “nothing but a last-ditch attempt to cling on to her seat,” pointing out that the party had consistently called on the UK Government to prioritise rebuilding European ties in response to Trump’s foreign policy positions.

Plaid passed a motion formally opposing DARC at its annual conference in October 2024 and tabled a parliamentary motion in Westminster in March 2025. A Statement of Opinion tabled in the Senedd in January 2025 by Plaid MS Cefin Campbell attracted signatures from 15 members of the Welsh Parliament, including several Labour MSs — among them Cardiff North MS Julie Morgan, Swansea East MS Mike Hedges and Aberavon MS David Rees. The motion called on the Welsh Government to commission an authoritative independent impact assessment of the DARC scheme.

Wales Green Party leader Zak Polanski welcomed Morgan’s comments, writing on X that standing up to the US “must mean more than words,” and calling for closer ties with EU neighbours.

Downing Street has not changed its position. A spokesperson said this week that the DARC programme “will secure long-term jobs in Pembrokeshire and Wales, and help protect essential satellite communication.”

The Ceredigion Penfro constituency, which covers the Brawdy area, is expected to be among the more competitive seats on 7 May, with Plaid Cymru fielding a strong candidate against Morgan.

PARC Against DARC is urging people to vote for parties opposed to the project at the Senedd election. More information, including the campaign’s consultation response and lobbying resources, is available at parcagainstdarc.com.

As Swansea Bay News reported yesterday, the DARC programme is designed to detect and track objects in deep space up to 36,000km from Earth, forming part of a three-nation network alongside installations in the US and Australia.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Welsh first minister calls for halt to Pembrokeshire space radar project over Trump’s “contempt for our country”
Eluned Morgan said the US under Trump was no longer the reliable partner it once was.

Pembrokeshire barracks named as preferred site for new deep space radar
Cawdor Barracks in Brawdy was confirmed as the UK’s preferred location for the DARC installation in 2023.

TENBY: Five arrested as police, council and rail bosses launch joint crackdown after station stabbing shocked Pembrokeshire

Four teenagers were stabbed at Tenby station on the evening of Tuesday 7 April during a large-scale disturbance involving a group of youths on the platform. A 16-year-old and a 19-year-old man were arrested at the time on suspicion of Section 18 assault — the more serious category of wounding offence. Both have since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

British Transport Police, who have primacy over the investigation, arrested a further three teenagers on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and violent disorder on Thursday 9 April. All three were also released on bail. BTP Superintendent Jonathon Cooze said the investigation was “progressing at pace” and urged anyone who witnessed the incident, or the events leading up to it, to come forward. Witnesses can contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 916 of 7th April.

Dyfed-Powys Police Superintendent Louise Harries, BCU Commander for Pembrokeshire, described the events at Tenby station as “wholly unacceptable” and issued a clear warning to potential offenders ahead of the summer season. “Dyfed-Powys is home to some of the most picturesque and welcoming locations that our country has to offer, which our residents are lucky to have on their doorsteps, as well as attracting thousands of tourists all year round,” she said.

“As such, we do not want our spring and summer months to be in any way defined by anti-social behaviour or violent disorder taking place, which understandably causes fear and concern,” Superintendent Harries added.

Over the coming weeks and months, police say that members of the public can expect to see a visible police presence in hotspot locations around Tenby. Dyfed-Powys Police say officers will work closely with British Transport Police, Pembrokeshire County Council and Transport for Wales to provide reassurance to locals, business owners and tourists. Where necessary, arrests and prosecutions will follow for any criminal behaviour.

Officers will also be equipped with a range of powers under anti-social behaviour legislation. These include requiring individuals to provide their details under Section 50 of the Police Reform Act, as well as Sections 34 and 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act — which allows officers to direct people to leave a specific area for up to 48 hours.

Local councillors have already called for more police on the streets, with anger running high in Tenby over what many describe as a pattern of rising youth disorder in the town. Superintendent Harries acknowledged the support of the local community, saying reports received into the control room and conversations officers had while out on foot had been “extremely helpful” in building a picture of how to respond.

“Anyone with concerns should never feel like they cannot contact us for support, no matter how minor they feel the issue is,” she said. “All reports into the force help with building intelligence and an understanding of where we need to allocate our resources. We want your community to be a pleasant environment to spend time in, so please inform us of any concerns.”

Richard Brown, Assistant Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire County Council, said the incident had been “deeply concerning” and that the council’s thoughts were with everyone affected. He acknowledged that incidents of this nature cause “anxiety for residents, businesses, and visitors” and said the council was working closely with police and partners to support the ongoing investigation and address wider issues linked to anti-social behaviour.

Brown called on parents and carers to be particularly aware of where young people are spending time in the evenings. “This is a shared challenge, and effective prevention relies on early reporting, strong partnership working and timely intervention,” he said.

Transport for Wales has announced additional security teams will be deployed at stations and on board rail services across west Wales this weekend and throughout the summer. The extra presence will focus in particular on late night services and key locations across the network, supported by CCTV at stations and body-worn cameras worn by train crew.

Security Manager Simon Turton said incidents of serious anti-social behaviour were “thankfully uncommon” but that the railway was committed to ensuring customers and colleagues felt safe. “We’ll have additional security at stations and on-board services, with a particular focus on late night services and key locations across our network,” he said.

Tenby is one of Pembrokeshire’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing tens of thousands of visitors during the Easter and summer seasons. The incident — which took place during the Easter holiday period, when the town is at its busiest — prompted widespread shock and anger across the county, with residents and business owners raising serious concerns about its impact on the town’s reputation ahead of the peak summer trade.

The disorder at Tenby station is part of a wider picture of concern about youth anti-social behaviour in Pembrokeshire’s coastal towns as warmer months approach and visitor numbers rise. All four of the teenagers injured in the stabbing sustained non-life-threatening wounds and received medical treatment at the scene and beyond.

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 916 of 7th April. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Four teens stabbed at Tenby railway station as two arrested and line closed
Our original report from the night of the incident.

‘Tenby has been let down’: Councillors demand more police on streets as stabbing sparks fury
The community reaction and the calls for urgent action that followed.

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Milford Haven School to reopen on Monday as staff praised for ‘professional and calm’ response after lockdown incident

Police were called to the site on Thursday afternoon after a teacher was injured in an incident involving a weapon. A 15‑year‑old was arrested at the scene. Pupils were kept safely inside classrooms while officers secured the area, with only a small number of learners still on site at the time.

In a new statement, Deputy Headteacher Daryl John praised the way staff and pupils handled the situation.

“On behalf of the school staff and governors, I would like to thank and praise all of the staff and the small number of pupils who remained on site,” he said.

“They all conducted themselves with professionalism and were calm throughout. We are extremely grateful to the emergency services for their rapid and effective response.

“Our heartfelt best wishes go out to our colleague, and we look forward to their full and speedy recovery.”

Council leader: ‘Safety and wellbeing remain the highest priority’

Pembrokeshire County Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey said he was pleased the school would reopen on Monday and reassured families that support is available for any pupils affected.

“If there are any pupils who have been affected by the incident and require additional support, please ask teachers or staff who will be able to help with well‑being provision,” he said.

“I would once again like to thank staff and pupils at Milford Haven School for their immediate response to the incident. Thanks also go to the wider school family across the community for their support following this challenging period.”

Cllr Harvey stressed that the safety of pupils and staff remains the council’s top priority across all Pembrokeshire schools.

“Along with our partners we want to reassure the learners and parents of Milford Haven School, and all schools across Pembrokeshire, that the safety and well‑being of everyone is the highest priority. This, of course, includes our dedicated teachers and other school staff.”

‘Lockdowns are routinely rehearsed’

The council also emphasised that lockdown procedures are regularly practised so that staff and pupils know exactly what to do in the rare situations where they are required.

“As a Local Authority we will of course continue to support Milford Haven School in whatever way possible following this awful incident,” Cllr Harvey added.

Further updates are expected to be issued to parents ahead of the school’s reopening on Monday.

Swansea escapes Storm Goretti snow – but Wales still hit by thundersnow, travel chaos and power cuts

While South West Wales’ main urban centres saw rain instead of the heavy snow forecast, conditions elsewhere deteriorated sharply, with parts of Pembrokeshire even experiencing rare thundersnow as schools shut, rail lines suspended, mountain roads closed and hundreds of homes left without power.

Mountain routes shut as blizzards hit higher ground

The Bwlch mountain road (A4107) was closed at 7pm on Thursday after conditions became unsafe. The joint decision by Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taf councils followed reports of drifting snow and falling temperatures. The route reopened shortly after 8am today.

Pembrokeshire saw some of the worst conditions, with heavy snow, sleet and strong winds creating hazardous driving on higher ground. The B4329 between Haverfordwest and Cardigan, which crosses the Preseli Hills, remained closed for long periods as blizzards hit the route.

Issues were also reported on the B4313 between Fishguard and Narberth, where drifting snow made conditions treacherous across the northern foothills.

Further south, the A478 from Clunderwen to Cardigan saw significant snow in places, with drivers warned to avoid higher ground as accumulations built up.

Council teams worked through the night to clear fallen trees, deal with surface water flooding and keep primary routes open.

Thundersnow caught on camera in Pembrokeshire

A dramatic burst of thundersnow was captured in Pembrokeshire overnight, with lightning illuminating heavy snowfall as Storm Goretti swept across the county.

Local resident Harvey Harbour filmed the moment and shared it on X, showing bright flashes lighting up the sky as snow fell across the area.

You can watch the video here:

Thundersnow!⚡❄️
Pembrokeshire
Never experienced anything like this…😰#uksnow #walesnow
#thundersnow #lightning#pembrokeshire #snow pic.twitter.com/OXONFBBzFM

— Harvey Harber (@HarberHarv7128) January 8, 2026

What is thundersnow?

Thundersnow is a rare weather phenomenon where a thunderstorm produces snow instead of rain.

It happens when a strong, unstable weather system forms above very cold air at ground level. The storm still generates lightning and thunder, but the precipitation falls as snow.

The lightning often appears brighter because it reflects off the snowflakes, while the thunder sounds quieter because the snow absorbs the sound.

Thundersnow can bring sudden heavy downpours of snow, reduced visibility and rapidly worsening road conditions.

Rail disruption continues across Wales

Transport for Wales services remain heavily affected, with suspensions and reduced timetables on several lines following snow, ice and fallen trees.

Routes impacted include:

• Craven Arms to Swansea (Heart of Wales Line)
• West of Carmarthen
• Maesteg to Ebbw
• Wrexham to Bidston
• Llandudno Junction to Blaenau Ffestiniog

CrossCountry services between Cardiff and Birmingham are not running, and passengers are being urged to check before travelling.

Your earlier Swansea Bay News reporting highlighted “do not travel” warnings issued yesterday as rail operators shut lines ahead of the storm.

Schools shut and power cuts reported

Across Wales, at least 150 schools are closed today, with Powys, Blaenau Gwent and Wrexham among the worst affected.

Around 600 homes were without power this morning, with further outages reported in north and mid Wales. Pembrokeshire also saw power cuts around Clunderwen and Bridell, alongside burst water mains in Haverfordwest.

Emergency services across Ceredigion and Powys reported “numerous incidents” overnight, with police urging people to avoid all but essential travel.

Swansea spared – but warnings remain in force

Despite fears of thundersnow and blizzard conditions reaching Swansea Bay, the city avoided the worst of the storm, with rain and sleet falling instead of snow.

However, Amber and Yellow warnings for snow, rain and wind remain in place across much of Wales, and forecasters say conditions may continue to change through the day.

Bridgend Council said all routes in the county borough remain open after crews dealt with fallen trees and blocked drains overnight.

What happens next

The Met Office says Storm Goretti remains a “multi‑hazard event”, with snow, strong winds and heavy rain still expected to bring disruption in parts of Wales.

Gusts of up to 70mph are forecast along the south coast, while higher ground in mid and north Wales may see further snow and ice as temperatures fluctuate.

Swansea Bay News will continue to update readers as the situation develops.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Storm Goretti: ‘Do not travel’ warning as rail lines shut and Wales braces for blizzard conditions
Rail operators issued severe travel warnings as Storm Goretti brought widespread disruption across Wales.

Storm Goretti: Amber and Yellow warnings split South West Wales as Met Office updates forecast
Updated Met Office alerts warned of snow, rain and strong winds across the region.