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Explosions rock Wiston

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jordan1A TEENAGER from Wiston, who has been described as “desperate to join the Army” may have lost both of his hands, but is in a stable condition, after an explosion rocked his parent’s home on Thursday morning.

Jordan Smith, age 19, was seriously injured in the blast, and was airlifted to Morriston hospital by the Wales Air Ambulance at an incident which took place at around 11am. He had just completed an army preparation course at Pembrokeshire College, and was known for enjoying dressing up in camouflage gear.

Bomb disposal experts were on standby, and police cordoned the road between Wiston and Crundale. Around four neighbouring homes were evacuated as a precaution.

Neighbours told The Herald that Jordan Smith had joined the Army last year but had not got through his course because he “Wasn’t focused properly on his training”.

Mr Bernie Jones, 67, said: “There was some sort of an explosion and it looks like Jordan has suffered bad hand injuries. Police threw a cordon up around the entire village and the bomb squad moved in. Jordan was interested in the Army and had wanted to join up since he was a young boy. The Army is definitely his orientation. He was very keen and and hoped to be accepted.”

The Smith family moved to Pembrokeshire six years ago from Stoke-on-Trent. They converted the old farm buildings into two new homes called Potters Barn, after The Potteries, a nick name for their home town.

He lived at one of he converted barns with his parents Anthony and Rita Smith, who until recently were directors of a cleaning company.

Local resident Fiona Morgan, said: “Neighbours said there was an almighty bang and a bad smell. There’s been a lot of police and sniffer dogs.”

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesman told The Herald: “Dyfed-Powys Police are continuing to investigate an incident that occurred in Wiston, Pembrokeshire yesterday – where a man sustained a non life threatening injury. He remains in hospital in a stable condition. The incident occurred in a field on the property. Searches of the land and associated buildings continue, and some bird scaring equipment has been seized from the premises. The 19 year old man has been arrested on suspicion of an explosive related offence. Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with this matter.”

Blast scene: The Potteries, Wiston, Pembrokeshire

Blast scene: The Potteries, Wiston, Pembrokeshire

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Business

Homebase enters administration, putting 2,000 jobs at risk

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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.

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Community

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

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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.

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Crime

Pembroke Dock resident faces court over dog control breaches

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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.

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