News

Traffic held on M4 after crash leaves car in central reservation

Published

12 months ago

January 26, 2025

TRAFFIC on the M4 motorway in Wales came to a halt following a crash that left a car stranded in the central reservation on Sunday (Jan 26). The incident occurred on the westbound carriageway between junction 48 at Hendy and junction 49 at Pont Abraham. Emergency services, including fire crews, responded swiftly to the scene.

In addition to the collision, standing water on the road caused by heavy rain earlier in the day created hazardous driving conditions. The adverse weather, part of Storm Herminia’s impact on Wales, added to the challenges. A yellow weather warning for wind and rain had been issued across various regions of the country.

Queues formed near Pontardulais Road close to Llanelli, with traffic monitoring system Inrix reporting growing delays in the area. Traffic on the westbound lane came to a standstill, raising safety concerns for road users. Fire crews worked quickly to manage the situation, ensuring the safety of all involved.

Drivers faced further challenges due to reduced visibility and slippery conditions caused by the persistent heavy rain. Emergency services urged motorists to exercise caution and adhere to instructions as they worked to clear the scene.

The crash disrupted travel for commuters and motorists relying on the M4, with delays and congestion building near the accident site. Authorities advised drivers to remain patient and vigilant as efforts to restore normal traffic flow continued.

The incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety during adverse weather. Motorists were encouraged to adjust their driving to account for challenging conditions, such as standing water and high winds, to prevent further incidents.

With traffic now moving cautiously through the affected area, the incident underscores the unpredictable nature of motorway travel and the importance of preparedness, particularly during stormy weather.

Charity

Christmas jumper fundraiser raises £360 for youth counselling

Published

52 minutes ago

January 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CHRISTMAS Jumper Day fundraiser held by staff at W.B. Griffiths & Son Ltd has raised £360 for the Megan’s Starr Foundation, helping fund vital mental health support for young people.

The money, presented to the charity by Carla and Liam, will pay for 10 professional counselling sessions for young people who are struggling and in urgent need of support.

The Megan’s Starr Foundation said the sessions provide a safe space for young people to talk, be listened to, and feel supported at a time when it matters most.

In a statement, the charity thanked the firm and its staff for getting involved, adding that access to timely support can be life changing and can help young people realise they are not alone.

The foundation said it was grateful to everyone at W.B. Griffiths & Son Ltd who took part, describing the donation as one that will have a real and lasting impact on local young people and their mental health.

News

Investigation launched after man found dead near Carmarthen railway line

Published

60 minutes ago

January 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man whose body was found in a field close to the railway track near Carmarthen railway station.

Emergency services were called to the area at just after 8:30am on Saturday (Jan 10). Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended alongside paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service.

Witnesses reported seeing police and ambulance vehicles outside the station’s main entrance, with officers also in an adjacent field near a railway bridge.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

A police spokesperson said enquiries are ongoing and the death is currently being treated as unexplained.

No further details, including the man’s age or identity, have been released.

Crime

Former Gwent detective would have been sacked after off duty assault conviction

Published

2 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Ex officer found guilty of gross misconduct following Devon incident and magistrates court conviction

A FORMER Gwent Police detective sergeant has been found guilty of gross misconduct after being convicted of assaulting a man while off duty in Devon.

Joanne Marston resigned from the force shortly before an accelerated misconduct hearing was due to begin at Cwmbran on Monday. The panel went ahead in her absence.

The hearing was told the incident happened in February 2024 while Marston was off duty in Devon. She was later arrested and charged with common assault, and was convicted at Exeter Magistrates’ Court in March last year.

A professional standards investigation concluded she had breached the police standards of professional behaviour relating to discreditable conduct. The panel upheld the allegation and found it amounted to gross misconduct.

Had she remained a serving officer, the panel ruled she would have been dismissed without notice.

Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend, who chaired the hearing, said the former officer’s actions were “shocking and unacceptable” and warned that such behaviour damages public confidence in policing.

Marston will now be placed on the College of Policing barred list, preventing her from serving with any police force in the UK.