FOUR children were taken to hospital after smoke began filling a school bus outside Ysgol Bro Gwaun in Fishguard on Tuesday afternoon (Nov 4).

The incident occurred on the 503 school route operated by Richards Bros, when a fault in the vehicle’s heating and air conditioning system caused a foul-smelling smoke to pour from the vents.

Witnesses said the bus was stationary outside the school when pupils first noticed the problem. Some attempted to leave via the emergency exit but were reportedly told to remain on board. The driver then moved the bus a short distance to the school’s astro-turf area, where the pupils were briefly allowed off.

Parents later reported that some children developed headaches, sore throats and nausea after inhaling the fumes. Four pupils were later taken to hospital as a precaution after contacting NHS 111 for advice. All were discharged the same evening.

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesperson confirmed that the issue was caused by a melted electrical component within the heating system, which had produced the smoke.

They said the bus was immediately stopped, the fault isolated, and the vehicle removed from service for inspection. A full safety check has since been completed, and the problem has been rectified.

The council added that pupil safety “remains the highest priority” and that it continues to work closely with the transport provider to ensure all school buses meet required safety standards.

The Herald understands that the driver acted promptly once alerted to the problem and that the bus was around 15 minutes late leaving the school site as a result of the incident.

Union accuses company of ‘refusing to pay monies owed’ – First Cymru says negotiations are ongoing

INDUSTRIAL tensions at First Cymru have intensified as hundreds of bus drivers across South and West Wales prepare for an extended period of strike action in a long-running dispute over pay.

The walkout, due to begin on November 20 and continue until January 21, will affect depots in Swansea, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Ammanford, covering much of the company’s network across the region.

The union Unite says its members are “furious” that the company has refused to backdate pay from the annual pay review and has instead offered what the union called a “£50 bung payment” to encourage drivers to cross picket lines.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “First Cymru is trying to take industrial relations back to the dark ages with its refusal to pay monies owed, attempts at union-busting to get staff to cross picket lines, and all the while paying some of the lowest wages in the industry.
Unite never stands for such behaviour. First needs to think again about how it is treating its workforce.”

According to Unite, First Cymru currently pays £13.40 an hour, compared with £15 at Cardiff Bus, £15 at Arriva North Wales, £14.44 at Stagecoach, and £14.50 at Newport Transport. The union says the company may soon be the only major operator still applying a lower “new starter rate” for the first year of service.

Unite regional officer Alan McCarthy added: “Driving a bus is a highly skilled job, yet First Cymru drivers are treated like second-class citizens. They’ve reached the end of their tether and are struggling to make ends meet. Unite will be backing them every step of the way.”

The union says drivers are seeking a “reasonable” rise that reflects the cost of living and inflation.

Company response

In response to the ongoing dispute, First Cymru said it remains committed to reaching a resolution and has made what it described as a “fair and sustainable” pay offer in line with other transport operators.

A company spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that Unite has chosen to escalate strike action rather than continue meaningful discussions. We value our drivers and are keen to reach an agreement that recognises their hard work while ensuring the long-term viability of our services for passengers and communities across South and West Wales.”

Background

First Cymru is part of the First Group, which reported profits exceeding £200 million last year, with its chief executive receiving more than £3 million in pay and bonuses. The company operates bus services across South and West Wales, including key routes connecting Swansea, Carmarthen, and Haverfordwest.

Previous industrial action earlier this year caused widespread disruption across the region, with some routes reduced or cancelled entirely.

The latest announcement marks a significant escalation in what has become one of the longest-running industrial disputes in Wales’ transport sector this year.

Victim taken to hospital as police close Charles Street for several hours

A NEYLAND man has been remanded in custody following a serious assault in Milford Haven at the weekend.

Benjamin Cullen, aged nineteen, of Gordon Parry Road, Neyland, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Nov 10) charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm after an incident on Charles Street late on Saturday night (Nov 8).

The court heard that the victim, Nicholas Hammond, was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Cullen did not formally enter a plea.

The case was committed to Swansea Crown Court, where he is due to appear on Monday, November 24.

He was remanded in custody after magistrates heard details of his previous record and concerns that he may offend or interfere with witnesses if released on bail.

A second man, aged thirty-six, was also arrested in connection with the incident and has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Police and ambulance crews attended the scene at around 11:30pm on Charles Street, which remained closed for several hours during the investigation.