EMERGENCY SERVICES are tackling a property fire in Ceredigion, prompting the closure of the A475 Drefach-Rhydowen road.

Dyfed-Powys Police have shut the road between the B4338 (Llanybydder turn-off) and the B4459 (Capel Dewi turn-off) to safeguard the public. Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

A police statement shared on Facebook said: “The road is currently closed due to an incident. Please avoid the area and find alternative routes for your journey.”

The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the Wales Ambulance Service are on the scene, responding to the incident. Authorities were alerted to the blaze shortly after 2:00pm.

AA Traffic reports indicate significant delays in both directions due to the closure. Drivers are advised to plan ahead and expect delays.

Further updates will follow as the situation develops.

(Image: File)

THREE MEN from Merthyr Tydfil are facing serious charges following a violent incident at The Boathouse in Saundersfoot on Friday (Oct 28) 2022.

James O’Neill, 53, is accused of grievous bodily harm with intent. His son, Aron O’Neill, 25, and nephew, Shaun Nicholas, 24, are charged with causing actual bodily harm.

Confrontation caught on CCTV

The altercation, captured on CCTV, began after a reported dispute involving James O’Neill and the complainant, Stephen Kanauros. Witnesses testified that O’Neill struck Kanauros to the ground after an earlier confrontation with staff and an alleged incident involving Kanauros’ wife.

James O’Neill has previous convictions for actual bodily harm, dating back to 1989.

Witness accounts

Key witnesses gave evidence at Swansea Crown Court today, detailing the events leading up to the violent encounter.

Jasmine Kanauros, the victim’s daughter, recounted how her stepmother, Kate, was shoved by James O’Neill while dancing near the door. “She stumbled backwards, and that got everyone’s attention,” Jasmine said. Her father intervened, shouting, “That’s my wife,” before rushing to her defence. Jasmine described the moment their heads collided and hearing someone shout, “He’s biting him.”

Adam Bolwell, who was with Jasmine at the time, also described the escalation. “Stephen got up between Kate and the man, and then the kerfuffle happened again,” he said, adding that he later saw James O’Neill latch onto Stephen’s face during the struggle.

Harry Lewis, another witness, described the chaotic scene. “There was grappling, grabbing—so many people around him. It was like a tornado of people,” he said. Lewis also saw blood on the victim’s lip and a towel being used to stem the bleeding.

James Olliet, another onlooker, testified about seeing punches thrown and the aftermath of the fight. “I couldn’t tell if the blood on the man’s face was his or someone else’s,” he said. After the defendants walked away, shouting at staff, police arrived and reportedly recovered a piece of the victim’s lip near the pub’s entrance.

Gruesome discovery

Colin Barrett, a member of the band playing at the pub that night, testified about the gruesome discovery. “We had just started playing ‘Proud Mary’ when I noticed something going on,” Barrett said. Later, while loading equipment into a van, he found a piece of the victim’s lip outside the pub door. “I took a photo and zoomed in—it was the lip,” he told the court.

Medical testimony

Medical experts highlighted the severity of Stephen Kanauros’ injuries. A facial and plastic surgeon testified that the victim suffered a significant wound to his lower lip, a gum tear, and puncture wounds to his face and fingers. “The patient was taken to the theatre under local anaesthetic,” the surgeon said.

The trial continues.

RECENT research has revealed that 78% of pet owners believe there should be greater transparency regarding the cost of veterinary treatments. Alarmingly, over a quarter (28%) said they were not always informed about the costs before agreeing to treatment.

The study, commissioned by John Lewis Pet Insurance and conducted among 2,000 UK pet owners, aimed to understand perceptions of veterinary care costs and the role of pet insurance. It found that just over half (52%) of pet owners said their vet practice clearly displays pricing information. Regional differences were notable, with only 38% of practices in Northern Ireland displaying prices compared to 75% in London.

Lack of clarity impacting treatment decisions

The research highlighted how unclear pricing can affect pet care. Over a third (38%) of respondents believed they were charged more than initially quoted, leading 23% to discontinue treatment for their pets due to unexpected or increased fees.

Advice from a veterinarian

Veterinarian Martin Stevens advises pet owners to ask detailed questions about treatment plans to avoid surprises:

• “Ask about potential medicines, overnight stays, and post-treatment needs,” he said.
• “Understanding the full scope of care and associated costs ensures owners feel informed and prepared.”

Tips to manage vet fees

Stevens shared practical advice for pet owners:

• Consider pet insurance: This provides financial cover and peace of mind.
• Register with a vet early: Having a vet in place ensures you’re prepared for emergencies.
• Shop around: Compare costs for routine check-ups, X-rays, or ultrasounds across practices.
• Annual health checks: Spotting issues early can reduce long-term costs.
• Understand treatment journeys: Ask about every stage, including recovery, follow-ups, and associated costs.

Niall Lownie from John Lewis Pet Insurance added:
“What’s clear from our research is that many pet owners are sadly unprepared for veterinary expenses. Pet insurance can provide much-needed support, covering treatments like behavioural care and dietary needs.”

For more details, including the average costs of common veterinary treatments in the UK, visit John Lewis Pet Insurance.