News
Valero facing six figure fine in Crown Court
ON MONDAY (March 14) Magistrates sitting at Haverfordwest, committed oil refinery operator Valero Energy UK Ltd for sentence at Swansea Crown Court, after the Company’s guilty plea to a serious breach of Health and Safety laws.
The charge related to a failure on the company’s part to maintain a safe working environment on the tower walkway on Berth Six at its Rhoscrowther refinery.
The breach of the rules was so prolonged that the charge before the Court referred to previous operators Chevron from whom Valero acquired the plant.
The charge to which Valero pleaded guilty was one under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act, which includes the maintenance of workplaces in a safe condition that does not present risk to workers and the provision and maintenance of means of access to and egress from the workplace that are safe and risk free.
The Court was told that were was no control over the access gates to the gangway and that, if those gates had been designed and built to a safe standard, there would be no risk of the gates opening unexpectedly.
Magistrates also heard that there had been three incidents between 2010 and 2012 relating to the platform that should have resulted in prompt remedial action being taken to solve the safety issue. The platform, which can be raised, became stuck at a height on three occasions, and dropped about uncontrollably 1.5 metres, causing a slack cable to damage the sensors.
The HSE representative told Magistrates that Valero Energy UK Ltd failed to act on concerns raised by contractors, despite those incidents and that failure to act resulted in a serious injury to an employee, David Thomas, in March 2012.
Due to the company’s turnover exceeding £50m, the fine imposed could be in excess of £1m.
In light of the seriousness of the breach and the level of the fine that could potentially be levied against Valero, Magistrates committed the matter for sentence at the Crown Court in Swansea.
The case will be heard on April 15.
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
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