Saundersfoot volunteers get behind scenes look at Pembrokeshire Council's Eco Park

It was a special day out for members of the Saundersfoot Rotary’s Environment Team and the seaside village’s volunteering Wombles this month, as they enjoyed a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Eco Park facility.

The visit to the site in Milford Haven was organised as a thank you for the tremendous contribution these dedicated volunteers make to the environment and community of Saundersfoot.

Their hard work, enthusiasm and commitment to keeping the village clean, attractive and environmentally friendly is much appreciated throughout the locality.

The group received a warm welcome and enjoyed an informative presentation from Joan Lilley, PCC’s Head of Waste and Environmental Services, who explained the work carried out at the Eco Park and gave an insight into recycling and waste management across Pembrokeshire.

There was plenty to see, learn and discuss, and the two-hour visit proved both hugely enjoyable and enlightening. It gave everyone a much better understanding of the work involved in managing waste, improving recycling and protecting our environment.

County Councillor for Saundersfoot’s south ward, Cllr Chris Williams is pictured with members of the team during their tour of the facility.

Perhaps even more importantly, the visit could mark the beginning of a closer working relationship between Pembrokeshire County Council and Saundersfoot’s environmental volunteers.

A spokesperson for Saundersfoot Rotary remarked: “There is real potential to share ideas, experience and knowledge, particularly around recycling, waste collection, enforcement and, just as importantly, public education.

“By working together, we can hopefully make an even greater difference to the environment we all share and take pride in.

“A huge thank you to Joan Lilley, Chris Williams and everyone at PCC for their hospitality and for making the visit such an enjoyable experience.

“And, of course, a very big well done to all our Saundersfoot Rotary Environment Team and Saundersfoot Wombles. Your hard work really does make a difference, and today was a fitting way to recognise everything you do for our community,” they added.

Cllr Williams said recently, following the busy summer season for the seaside village: “I’m very happy to talk about waste, because I genuinely believe we have seen an incredible improvement in Saundersfoot and the surrounding roads over the last two years.

“That has been down to a huge amount of work by residents, volunteers, local groups, businesses and the PCC cleansing teams, all working together.

“There is no doubt that residents have been impacted by fly-tipping over the years and unfortunately, by a small number of holiday properties that continue to advise guests to take their waste home or dispose of it in the nearest PCC bin.

“I have personally witnessed some of these selfish actions, although I want to stress that this is a very small minority of holiday accommodation properties. The vast majority of professionally managed letting properties make the appropriate arrangements and ensure their guests’ waste is dealt with correctly.

“We all have a responsibility to dispose of waste properly. Residents have been segregating their waste for many years and do this exceptionally well. There is no reason why holiday accommodation providers and their guests cannot do the same.

Cllr Williams continued: “I also want to praise the vast majority of our local businesses. They have completely bought into the importance of keeping Saundersfoot looking its best and understand that maintaining high standards benefits everyone – residents, visitors and businesses alike.

“There are still one or two businesses where I believe there is room for significant improvement, this isn’t a criticism of the staff, this is aimed at the management of these businesses, who could do so much more to support and work with organisations around the village and where I would like to see greater support for the wider community.

“Some of these areas have unfortunately become regular locations for our volunteers to litter-pick, which is disappointing and, particularly when we are promoting Saundersfoot as a destination to visit.

“However, I don’t want the actions of one or two businesses to overshadow the fantastic work being undertaken by so many others. Visitors should know that their accommodation has to have provision for waste disposal and landlords should be asked that question.

“If there is sufficient publicity both in the village targeting those that are guilty and online targeting visitors before they book, it will be much harder for guilty parties to get away with this irresponsible behaviour,” he added.