News

Valero fined £400,000

Published

8 years ago

September 12, 2016

valero THE OPERATORS of one of the largest oil refineries in Europe have been fined £400,000 today (Sep 12) for breaching health and safety at work regulations.

Valero Energy UK Ltd must also pay £60,614 in prosecution costs as well as their own defence costs.

The company admitted breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act by failing to ensure a safe working environment.

Swansea Crown Court heard how David Thomas, now aged 55, fell from a walkway linked to an oil tanker being unloaded at Berth 6 at the Rhoscrowther refinery on March 5, 2012.

The access tower had suddenly descended and his legs became tangled in loose cables.

Rupert Lowe, prosecuting, said he ended up dangling over the side after a plunge of more than 10 feet.

But he managed to use his experience as a rock climber to remain calm and to grab hold of a cross beam to take the weight from his legs.

Mr Thomas was rescued by crew members from the tanker and Valero workers and taken to Withybush hospital, Haverfordwest, before being flown by air ambulance to Swansea’s Morriston hospital for specialised treatment to his injured legs.

Mr Lowe said he suffered fractures to both his legs and his left knee was dislocated. He spent 17 days in hospital and may one day need a replacement knee.

The injuries had proved to be permanent, added Mr Lowe, and Mr Thomas had now developed arthritis and had been unable to return to work.

The cause of the accident, said Mr Lowe, was the poor design of the access walkway, where there had been an accident in 2010 when, again, it descended without warning.

There were many mechanical difficulties, he added, and one was the tendency of the control cables to operate but not for the walkway to actually lower until someone stepped onto it.

A maintenance company employed by Valero had reported various issues over the years, and at one stage warned of “a potentially fatal accident waiting to happen.”

Mr Lowe said the prosecution accepted that Valero had responded to some of the issues raised by the maintenance company, but not adequately. A proper risk assessment had not been carried out, there had been insufficient training and instructions, previous incidents had not been investigated properly and some recommendations had not been acted upon.

Mark Watson, representing Valero, said the company had an excellent safety record and had inherited the walkway from Chevron, the previous owners of the refinery.

In hindsight, he said, it was the very design of the equipment that had led to the problems.

The walkway had since been mothballed and another system was under design.

Judge Peter Heywood said the breaches were serious, as were the injuries suffered by Mr Thomas.

”Clearly, this piece of equipment had problems from its inception. There were significant design problems,” he added.

But Valero had failed to “focus” properly after a series of incidents and the “strident” warning from the maintenance firm had proved to be true.

Mr Watson said the fine and costs order would be paid in full within 28 days.

Business

Homebase enters administration, putting 2,000 jobs at risk

Published

39 mins ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HOMEBASE, the beleaguered home improvement chain with stores in Haverfordwest and Bridgend, has collapsed into administration, placing 2,000 jobs in jeopardy. The company has struggled with rising costs and shifting consumer demand, which led to the closure of other Welsh stores in Newport, Brecon, Mold, and Cardiff in recent years.

Hilco, Homebase’s owner, had been attempting to sell the struggling retailer but failed to secure a complete buyer. The owner of The Range, CDS Superstores, has agreed to acquire up to 70 Homebase locations along with the brand itself, protecting approximately 1,600 jobs. However, this deal leaves 49 stores without a buyer, with thousands of additional jobs at risk in stores and at the head office. Teneo, the appointed administrators, declined to specify which locations face potential closure.

For now, the 49 stores will continue trading as Teneo seeks a buyer, with no immediate redundancies planned. In the new arrangement, CDS Superstores has acquired Homebase’s brand name and intellectual property, ensuring the Homebase brand will persist online, while physical stores will convert to The Range.

Damian McGloughlin, CEO of Homebase, described the past three years as “incredibly challenging” for the DIY sector. He cited the downturn in consumer spending following the pandemic, persistent inflation, global supply chain disruptions, and unusual weather patterns as factors that impacted Homebase’s performance. Despite restructuring and investment efforts, the business has not been able to turn its fortunes around.

Teneo joint administrator Gavin Maher acknowledged the uncertainty this announcement brings, urging any interested buyers for the remaining stores to make contact.

The current administration marks the end of a troubled chapter for Homebase, which Hilco bought for £1 in 2018 after Wesfarmers, its previous owner, admitted to several strategic missteps, including underestimating winter demand and cutting popular product lines. Homebase reported an £84.2 million loss last year, highlighting its continued financial struggle amid competition from budget-friendly rivals such as B&M and Home Bargains, which have thrived in the value-driven market.

Homebase was founded in 1979 by Sainsbury’s and the Belgian-owned department store chain GB-inno-BM. Over the years, it expanded rapidly, absorbing the Texas Homecare chain in the 1990s before changing hands several times in the 2000s.

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

57 mins ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.

Crime

Pembroke Dock resident faces court over dog control breaches

Published

4 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Court Reporter

PHILIP Murray, 52, of 11 Picton Place, Pembroke Dock, will appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 14) to face several charges of breaching a community protection notice. The notice, issued under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, required Murray to control his dogs in response to repeated disturbances.

The charges relate to incidents from May to September 2024, when Murray allegedly failed to comply with the restrictions set out in a notice issued on January 3, 2024. Court documents state that despite multiple warnings, Murray continued to disregard the order, leading to ongoing issues linked to his dogs’ behaviour.

If found guilty, Murray could face a Level 4 fine for each offence. The hearing is scheduled to take place from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in Courtroom 1, presided over by the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Adult Panel.

The case underscores the role of community protection notices in addressing persistent anti-social behavior.