News

Valero Refinery: Plant sounds alarm after gas leak

Published

7 years ago

March 29, 2018

VALERO have confirmed that this morning’s activation of emergency sirens was in response to a leak of gas at the plant.

Many readers contacted The Pembrokeshire Herald by telephone or social media on Thursday morning (Mar 29) concerned after hearing the warning sound, which started at exactly 8.01am.

On contacting the refinery the Herald was initially told by a security worker: “We have no information at the moment, we are not sure if its a test or not.”

Looking to clarify his answer, our reporter asked: “So you are not sure if its a test or a real emergency?”
The Herald was told: “That’s right”

Later this newspaper received a statement from Valero spokesperson and Refinery Public Affairs Manager Stephen Thornton who said: “At 8:00 am on 29th March 2018, the alarm sounded on site due to identification of a minor gas leak.

“Operations responded promptly to isolate and de-pressure the line to stop the leak.”

The statement concluded: “No personnel were injured and there is no impact on the local community or environment.”

In June last year, a loud alarm which sounded across the Milford Haven waterway early on a Saturday morning was a malfunction of the Valero Refinery alarm system, it was confirmed. This led to confusion as to if the alarm was activated in response to a real emergency.

Facebook was awash with questions and concern after an alarm at the Valero refinery started to sound at about 6.30am on that particular day, which continued intermittently until around 7.30am.

At the time Stephen Thornton, told the press: “At approximately 6:30am on Saturday June 17, the site alarm system malfunctioned causing it to sound a false alarm.
“Refinery personnel completed an initial investigation and repairs were completed. Later the same day the site alarm was successfully tested.

Speaking at the time, Mr Thornton added: “As ever, the safety and well-being of our employees, contractors and communities remains Valero’s highest priority.”

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

22 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!