Drive-by flytippers targeting a Pembrokeshire church’s cemetery have been slammed by a local councillor.

County councillor for Saundersfoot’s south ward Cllr Chris Williams who has been working with Pembrokeshire County Council to tackle illegal waste disposal around the village, highlighted recent abuse of bins that sit inside the grounds of St Issells Church, with occupants of vehicles driving past, disposing of their rubbish at the spot.

“Whilst work was being done on behalf of Saundersfoot Community Council at the cemetery, it was noticed that these bins were being added to by cars pulling up. One vehicle was witnessed disposing of their rubbish just over the wall!” he remarked.

“These bins are for the users of the cemetery and they are collected each week by the Community Council.

“My view is that the cemetery is a place for peaceful thoughts and everyone who attends their loved one’s graves always clears up their discarded flower and bouquets and disposes them into the bins provided,” he continued.

ST Issell's cemetery
Cllr Chris Williams highlighted recent abuse of the bins that sit inside the grounds of St Issells Parish Church cemetery. (Observer pic)

“This is a cost that Saundersfoot Community Council can’t keep covering and they are now potentially looking at moving the bins from the side of the road to a more suitable position in the cemetery for their users, so they don’t get abused.

“I will fully support the Community Council on this and welcome its swift action in making the cemetery as clean as possible for anyone who visits.”

A list of holiday let accommodation around Saundersfoot has been included in a trial to ensure that proper waste trade agreements are in place at properties, in line with Government guidelines regarding waste and recycling.

“The majority of organisations have this in place and the transition period has gone relatively smoothly across the village,” said Cllr Williams.

“However, there are still a few holiday let properties who continue to flaunt the rules and dispose of their rubbish into the many local bins.

“One property guest showed me the information that was in the property pack recently, which I will quote – ‘Alternatively, you may wish to dispose of your non-recyclable household rubbish on a daily basis by using the local street bins’

“This is totally unacceptable and actions by a very small minority of unscrupulous holiday homeowners are giving the majority a bad name.

‘“The matter was dealt with immediately and the property in question will now have to provide an agreement for their waste to PCC as they didn’t have one.”