With the lockdown period continuing, a renewed appeal has gone out for residents to be mindful of their impact on neighbours and the wider County environment, as complaints to Pembrokeshire County Council on fly-tipping, bonfires and noise increase .

Tenby town councillor Dai Morgan highlighted on social media over the weekend an instance of fly-tipping that had occurred alongside the Clicketts playing fields where Tenby AFC?play and train, including many of the town’s budding young footballers.

Clr. Morgan said that whilst out on his daily exercise, what he witnessed was ‘absolutely disgusting’ as household rubbish and beer cans had been strewn all over the place by bins in the car park, and even on the playing fields themselves.

“It’s been getting worse over the last few days but when you have soiled nappies enough is enough!” he remarked on Facebook.

He continued, stating that people had clearly made the effort to go out of their way to ‘dump’ on people’s doorstep and somewhere kids use as a green space for exercise during lockdown.

Fortunately, but unfortunately for those responsible, he pointed out, the culprits had left a letter with their name and address ‘clear as day’.

Clr. Morgan warned those responsible that he would send the pics along with the correspondence identifying an address to county council officers if they did not return to clean up their fly-tipping mess.

The Authority is in discussion with other organisations, such as the police, fire service and Natural Resources Wales in a bid to tackle the problem.

The Council remains committed to stamping out the illegal disposal of waste, and can deal with environmental crime by the use of £350 Fixed Penalty Notices for fly tipping.

The Council is making use of photographic and video evidence to identify offenders.

Residents are reminded that kerbside waste and recycling collections have not been affected by the lockdown and continue as planned.

To report fly tipping you can contact PCC?via email at: [email protected] or the dedicated fly tipping phone line: 01437 775253.

Pembrokeshire County Council is also receiving increases in complaints about bonfires and noise.

Domestic and Commercial bonfires are becoming a growing problem being reported by the Council, Dyfed-Powys Police and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

With many people shielding or self-isolating – including the most vulnerable in society – the risk of breathing in potentially harmful fumes is not acceptable.

Council Officers are still responding to complaints of this nature and repeat offenders may face enforcement action or fines. 

Garden waste collections also continue to operate for existing customers.

Residents are advised to compost grass and tree cuttings or to store waste rather than burning.

Incidences of noise complaints have also risen sharply, with residents asked to please think carefully about noise levels of music and DIY, particularly in garden areas, that will affect those living nearby.

Please remember that more people are currently at home than normal during lockdown and limit the impact of what you are doing on neighbours.

Clr. Cris Tomas, Cabinet Member for Environment, Public Protection and Welsh Language, said: “I would urge people to please think of others and the environment during this period of lockdown.

“We are all experiencing the same difficulties but this does not mean it is acceptable to burn bonfires and potentially cause major problems for those with breathing difficulties.

“Likewise, there is never an excuse for flytipping. It is simply lazy and inconsiderate and places extra strain upon already-stretched services and resources.

“We continue to experience good weather, for which we are grateful, but please be considerate to neighbours and keep noise and music to a minimum.

“We are seeing an increase in noise complaints with far more of us at home than normal but please remember we are all in this together and a little thought can help this period pass without extra stress and conflict.”