Welsh Labour have vowed to clean up our rivers and seas with a complete overhaul of Wales’ water system - with the First Minister, who resides in Pembrokeshire, stating: “Our beaches and rivers mean so much to so many of us across Pembrokeshire.”

If they lead the next Welsh Government, Welsh Labour says it will create a new ‘Welsh water watchdog’, introduce a new Clean Water Bill Wales, and will have a dedicated fund to crack down on water pollution.

The Welsh Government’s Green Paper - ‘Shaping the Future of Water Governance in Wales’published on February 3, pledges to improve every part of the system to deliver clean rivers and seas, fair and affordable services, modern infrastructure that’s fit for the future, and safe, high quality drinking water.

This will also work towards cleaning up the River Cleddau, after a petition to address pollution in the river attracted more than 2,200 signatures last month.

The pledge will tackle pollution in beaches in Saundersfoot, Amroth, Broad Haven and Little Haven, an issue very important to the people of Pembrokeshire.

Eluned Morgan, Welsh Labour leader and Mid and West Wales regional MS, supported the announcement, after meeting with the ‘Cleddau Project’ and hearing the concerns of those who are working to protect our rivers for future generations.

As part of these measures, a Welsh Labour-led Welsh Government will create a brand-new standalone regulator focused on economic regulation. It will have the authority and independence it needs to act decisively and hold every sector to account.

Recognising the key work of local activists, such as the Cleddau Project and Surfers Against Sewage who have toiled tirelessly to highlight the insufficiencies of the current system, Welsh Labour have promised to work with campaigners and others to bring forward a Clean Water Bill for Wales.

This would make water regulation simpler and stronger, and strengthen the voice of the people of Wales as citizens and consumers.

Steps have already been laid out today to take immediate action to combat pollution.

The Welsh Labour Government’s Budget, passed at the end of January, committed to another year of dedicated funding for water quality enforcement, after it was brought in for the first time last year.

This funding allows a dedicated team of experts to crack down on water pollution.

Wales’ First Minister Eluned Morgan remarked: “Our beaches and rivers mean so much to so many of us across Pembrokeshire and we want to ensure that current and future generations can enjoy them for years to come.

“Welsh Labour’s Clean Water Bill will take on the polluters and champion the highest environmental standards. We will protect our beaches, rivers and waterways across Pembrokeshire.

“We have seen the tireless campaigning on this issue here in Pembrokeshire, and we’re acting. This Welsh Labour offer will have a real impact here.”

Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies said: "Our ambition is clear and bold: clean and thriving rivers, safe and high-quality drinking water, fair and affordable services, and modern infrastructure ready for the future.”