News

Dry fire hydrants challenging fire fighters at recycling centre fire

Published

2 years ago

August 14, 2022

FIRE crews from as far as way as Whitland, Kidwelly, and Tumble in Carmarthenshire tackling a large blaze at a recycling centre in Waterston, but a lack of water in on site fire hydrants is making their job harder.

A large plume of thick black smoke can be seen by them into the air from many miles away, and appears to have started at TBS Skip Hire & Recycling.

There are at least 15 firefighting appliances at the scene with more arriving all the time.

Aerial platform and water bowser have also been dispatched to the scene.

The fire could take days to extinguish, it has been announced (Image MAWWFRS)

There are approximately 100 firefighters tackling the blaze, in extremely hot weather conditions.

Ambipar Response and staff from TBS are providing rescuers bottles of water as they tackle the incident.

The police are also in attendance providing traffic control from the main road from Black Bridge to Waterston which has now been shut to all traffic at Venn’s Yard.

The recycling centre blaze from a distance (Pic: Jack Allerton/Herald)

Welsh Water are also at the scene, assisting firefighters to find a nearby water source. They are currently surveying the main road.

Fire hydrants in the industrial estate appear to be dry, with fire engines being diverted away from the fire to fill up their internal water tanks.

Farmers with a water tankers trailers towed by tractors have dropped what they are doing and turned up at the scene to help supply water to the fire brigade.

Fire officer Criag Thomas from the Mid And West Wales Fire And Rescue Service has thanked all the crews who helped to try tackle the blaze in Milford Haven as well as the local businesses.

“Tremendous work everyone!” he said.

Aerial platform from Haverfordwest fire station tackling blaze (Image MAWWFRS)

TBS Skip Hire & Recycling, who describe themselves as a ‘close family business’ announced the sad passing of owner Phillip Thomas on August 10. Described by many as an awesome guy and true gentleman, hundreds took to social media to leave their thoughts, and to pay their respects.

Farmers were praised on social media for helping with the fire fight (Image: Facebook)

MORE TO FOLLOW ON THIS UPDATING STORY

Editor's Note: Phil Thomas was the Herald's biggest supporter and is the only person to have taken out a full page advertisement in every one of the 471 editions of The Pembrokeshire Herald over the last nine years. As a good friend to us all, it was extremely sad to see the fire at the yard. Of course we are obliged to report this incident, but we would also like to extend our sincere sympathy to his family and friends.

Business

Ascona CEO honoured at 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards

Published

5 mins ago

November 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ASCONA GROUP, the seventh-largest independent forecourt operator in the UK and one of Wales’ fastest-growing companies for the past three years, has achieved a significant milestone. Darren Briggs, CEO and founder, has been recognised at the 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, securing wins in two prestigious categories: ‘Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year – Wales’ and the inaugural ‘Randall Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year – Wales.’

Celebrating its 12th anniversary, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards highlight innovators and trailblazers shaping the UK economy. The newly introduced ‘Randall Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year’ award celebrates business leaders whose ventures align with the foundation’s mission to save lives, improve life chances, and positively impact local communities.

Pembrokeshire-based Ascona’s commitment to community support has been a cornerstone of its success. The company established The Ascona Foundation in 2020 and has since donated over £400,000 to local, national, and community organisations.

Reflecting on the achievement, Darren Briggs said:
“It is a great honour to be recognised with such prestigious awards at this year’s Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

“I am incredibly proud of Ascona and everything we have achieved over the years. This is another milestone for our business and a testament to the hard work, commitment, and ethos of ‘Team Ascona.’

“However, I am most proud of our charitable endeavours and the team’s dedication to giving back. This year, we remain committed to our fundraising efforts, including our partnership with Wales Air Ambulance, as we continue to support the communities we serve.”

Since its founding, Ascona Group has focused on driving innovation in the forecourt sector while fostering community engagement. This dual commitment to growth and giving back has positioned the company as a leader in its field.

Ascona’s charitable initiatives have supported various causes, enhancing lives across Wales and beyond. Through partnerships with organisations such as Wales Air Ambulance, the Group continues to make a tangible difference.

Darren Briggs’ recognition at the awards underscores Ascona’s impact on both the business world and the communities it serves.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

1 day ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

2 days ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.