Community
Carmarthen gas network upgrade completed ahead of schedule
WORK to upgrade part of Carmarthen’s gas network has been completed ahead of schedule, Wales & West Utilities has confirmed.
The project, which began last month, focused on the St Catherine Street area and was vital to ensuring gas continues to flow safely and reliably to homes and businesses across the town for decades to come.
Wales & West Utilities worked closely with Carmarthenshire County Council to plan the project, with traffic management measures in place throughout the works.
Adam Smith, who managed the upgrade on behalf of Wales & West Utilities, said: “We’d like to thank the local community for bearing with us while we completed this essential work.
“Although most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in everyday life — from heating homes and cooking meals to ensuring hot water is available when needed.
“This work was essential to keep gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, while also preparing the network to transport green gases in the future.”
Wales & West Utilities is the gas emergency and pipeline service for Wales and the south west of England, delivering energy to more than 7.5 million people through an underground network of over 35,000 kilometres of pipes.
Anyone who smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide is urged to call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999 immediately. Trained engineers are on hand 24 hours a day to respond and keep people safe.
Community
Man found dead near Carmarthen railway line died from hypothermia
A 32-YEAR-OLD man found dead near Carmarthen Train Station died after taking shelter on a bitterly cold night, an inquest has heard.
Edward Mark Owen, originally from Birmingham but living in Ystradgynlais, was discovered in a field beside the railway line on the approach to Carmarthen station on Saturday, January 10.
A Transport for Wales train driver had spotted what appeared to be a body lying face down near the track shortly after 8:30am.
Police and railway staff attended and found Mr Owen lying face down and topless in the field. His coat, T-shirt, phone and cigarettes were found nearby.
Police initially treated the death as unexplained.
Movements traced
The inquest heard that officers later traced Mr Owen’s movements from his home in Ystradgynlais to Carmarthen.
He had nowhere to stay in the town and had taken shelter under a bridge near the railway station during a particularly cold night.
The coroner said Mr Owen had “sadly succumbed to the effects of hypothermia”.
The fact that he had removed his T-shirt and coat was said to be consistent with a confused state brought on by hypothermia.
A conclusion of misadventure was recorded.
The coroner found that Mr Owen died sometime on January 10, 2026.
Community
Milford Haven firefighters prepare for key assessments
ON-CALL firefighters at Milford Haven Fire Station have been put through their paces as part of their weekly drill night.
The crew’s development firefighters were pictured carrying out a “drill by numbers” squad exercise ahead of upcoming assessments.
New firefighters spend their first 24 months in a development period, which is split into four stages and focuses on different operational skills and competencies.
At the end of each stage, firefighters attend a divisional training centre where their progress is assessed against the standards required by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
Over the next two weeks, members of the Milford Haven crew will take part in a Stage 2 interim assessment and a Stage 4 final assessment.
One firefighter is hoping to complete the final stage and qualify as a fully competent firefighter.
The station said Wednesday nights remain an important part of training for the on-call crew, helping firefighters maintain the skills needed to respond to emergencies across the Milford Haven area.
Community
Armed Forces Day exhibition opens at VC Gallery’s new Riverside home
A UNIQUE exhibition bringing together military history, art and veterans’ stories will open to the public in Haverfordwest as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations later this month.
The VC Gallery will host a special open day at its new Riverside Gallery on Saturday, June 27, inviting the community to explore an exhibition featuring works from the Imperial War Museum alongside historic wartime artefacts, trench art and pieces connected to celebrated Welsh artist Augustus John.
The event will also showcase contemporary artwork created by Armed Forces veterans who served in conflicts including Korea, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Organisers say the exhibition highlights not only military history and remembrance, but also the role creativity can play in supporting mental health, wellbeing and recovery.
Throughout the day, visitors will be able to meet members of the VC Gallery team and learn more about an ambitious new project aimed at supporting veterans, families and the wider community.
The exhibition combines nationally significant historical works with personal stories of service and resilience, offering a rare opportunity to view military history through the eyes of those who experienced it.
Families are particularly welcome, with guided family art tours available by advance booking.
The event begins at 10:00am and takes place at the VC Riverside Gallery in Haverfordwest.
Anyone wishing to reserve a place on a guided family tour should email [email protected].
The VC Gallery said it is looking forward to welcoming visitors as it commemorates Armed Forces Day while celebrating the power of art, heritage and community to bring people together.
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