News
Prosecutions to take place over 2011 oil refinery explosion
THE HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE (HSE) is to prosecute Valero Energy UK Limited (Formerly Chevron Limited) and B&A Contracts Limited over an explosion in June 2011 which killed four refinery workers.
The two firms are to face charges under Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
The charges relate to the deaths of Dennis Riley, Robert Broome, Andrew Jenkins and Julie Jones and major injuries to Andrew Phillips who were all working on the Amine Recovery Unit when it exploded on June 2, 2011. Chevron sold the refinery to Valero in August 2011.
The HSE’s deputy director field operations, Jane Lassey, said: “Following a painstaking and extremely thorough investigation, much of which was conducted jointly with Dyfed Powys Police, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges.”
The defendants are due to appear Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on September 24.
As the families mark seven years without their loved ones, the Jenkins family told The Herald last month they will ‘not get closure until one or both of the companies involved is successfully prosecuted’.
The news comes on the same day that First Minister Carwyn Jones joined Valero executives and other dignitaries at Pembroke Refinery for the ceremony to symbolically cut the first turf for Valero’s new Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Cogeneration Unit, which is the first project to receive planning permission as a Development of National Significance process under the Planning (Wales) Act 2015.
Located within the boundaries of the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone and the Swansea Bay City Deal region, the 45 megawatt project will provide power to the refinery, as well as supplement the refinery’s steam demand, and will help Valero to achieve improved energy and cost efficiencies to ensure Pembroke Refinery continues to be successful in the competitive global market.
Following the ceremony the First Minister also addressed members of the refinery workforce and invited guests from the Pembrokeshire energy sector, local councillors and members of the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone and Swansea Bay City Deal at a celebratory lunch of fusion Tex-Mex cuisine and Welsh produce.
First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, said: “This announcement is a major boost to the economy of south west Wales which will allow the company to grow and compete successfully in a global marketplace as we face leaving the European Union. We enjoy an excellent relationship with one of our anchor companies, that continues to show a commitment to the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone. With the industry facing numerous challenges, the company keeps investing which is a true testament to the workforce and also the workforce in Pembrokeshire.”
Ed Tomp, Valero Vice President and General Manager, commented: “Today marks another major milestone in this project, which is a significant investment by Valero in Pembroke Refinery as well as a demonstration of the company’s commitment to the Welsh economy. We are delighted to have been able to welcome all our guests, especially the First Minister, and we are extremely grateful for the deep and widespread support we have received throughout the course of the project.”
Charity
Classic car events raise £2,335 for local hospice at home charity
SINCE 2007, Pembroke resident Mal Powell has been bringing together classic car enthusiasts through annual events aimed at celebrating automotive history and supporting local charities. From May to August each year, Mal organises one to two classic car meets per month across various local venues, allowing car lovers to showcase their prized vehicles. The season culminates each September with a Classic Car Run from the Plough Inn, Sageston.
Each event welcomes donations from participants, with proceeds supporting local charities. Over the years, these gatherings have benefited organizations like the RNLI, Wales Air Ambulance, and Macmillan For the last eleven years, Mal has chosen to direct the funds raised to the Paul Sartori Foundation, a Hospice at Home charity that offers essential hospice-at-home services to those in Pembrokeshire living with life-limiting illnesses. Over the years, these gatherings have benefited organizations like the RNLI, Wales Air Ambulance, and Macmillan. For the last eleven years, Mal has chosen to direct the funds raised to the Paul Sartori Foundation, a Hospice at Home charity that offers essential hospice-at-home services to those in Pembrokeshire living with life-limiting illnesses.
Together with a small team of dedicated friends, Mal’s incredible efforts have raised around £100,000 for various charities, helping them to continue their vital work.
This year, Mal presented a donation of £2,335 to Sandra Dade, Charity Manager at Paul Sartori, along with volunteers Val Harrold and Mair Evans, and Trustee Phil Thompson. Reflecting on his motivation, Mal shared, “I love organising these events for such a good cause. While the classic vehicle events depend on the weather, we’ve only had to cancel one event over the years. The Paul Sartori Foundation is a wonderful charity that provides outstanding support to our community, and I believe it deserves 100% support.”
Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator for the Paul Sartori Foundation, expressed deep appreciation for the contributions, saying, “Without the fantastic funds raised by Mal Powell and his friends who support these events, Paul Sartori would face a significant shortfall in reaching its fundraising targets; currently, our vital hospice at home services cost around £3,000 per day. We give our thanks to Mal and the classic car community for their continued and invaluable support.”
The Paul Sartori Hospice at Home offers comprehensive services to individuals in the later stages of a life-limiting illness, including home nursing care, equipment loans, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, and future care planning services. These critical services empower people in their final stages to remain at home with dignity, independence, and comfort, surrounded by loved ones, should they wish. Available 24/7 and free of charge, the services are made possible through the generosity of people like Mal, the classic car groups, and the Pembrokeshire community.
Health
MP launches survey to tackle GP access issues
MID AND SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE MP Henry Tufnell has launched a survey to address growing concerns about access to healthcare and GP services in the county.
The survey aims to gather feedback from residents, which will be presented to the Health Board in the new year.
Mr Tufnell told The Herald: “I urge constituents to complete my survey and share their experiences with healthcare and GP access. I have been meeting with local GP practices and Health Board executives to discuss the challenges facing our community.
“Each response will be taken forward to the Health Board. My aim is to ensure patients’ concerns are heard, leading to better services for everyone. Pembrokeshire deserves and needs improved healthcare outcomes.”
The survey is live on the MP’s website and can also be accessed via his social media channels.
Survey link: Click here to participate
Contact details:
Joshua Beynon, 07802 761520, [email protected]
Henry Tufnell is the MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire.
Farming
Sustainable farming scheme revamped following farmer feedback
THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced significant updates to its Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), marking a key step in its efforts to balance agriculture, climate change, and biodiversity goals. Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies revealed the revisions at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair on Monday (Nov 25), pledging to deliver a scheme that meets farmers’ needs while addressing environmental commitments.
The updates follow extensive consultation with farming unions, environmental groups, and stakeholders such as the Ministerial Roundtable and the Carbon Sequestration Panel. Among the major changes are:
- Streamlined Universal Actions: The number of Universal Actions has been reduced from 17 to 12, with revisions to 10 of these actions, making them more practical for farmers.
- Tree Cover Requirement Adjusted: The minimum 10% tree cover rule has been replaced with a scheme-wide target. Farmers can now choose where and how many trees and hedges to plant under the Optional Layer.
- Simplified Animal Health Action: A single Universal Action now covers animal health, welfare, and biosecurity, focusing on tailored veterinary advice.
- Flexible Wash Station Requirement: Mandatory wash stations have moved to the Optional Layer, recognizing differing biosecurity needs across farms.
- Social Value Payments: A new payment structure under the Universal Layer will reward farmers for the broader benefits their work brings to society.
The updated scheme retains the requirement for farmers to manage at least 10% of their land as habitats for biodiversity, with temporary habitat creation options under development to support diverse farming systems.
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies highlighted the importance of working together: “Following the consultation, it was clear changes were needed—we said we would listen, and we’ve done just that.
“Farmers are central to our rural economy and food production. As stewards of the land, they have a critical role in protecting nature and tackling climate change.
“This revised outline reflects significant progress made in partnership with stakeholders. While much has been achieved, this is not the final scheme. Further discussions, economic analysis, and impact assessments will shape the final version, due next summer.”
The updates have been cautiously welcomed by industry leaders, who praised the consultation process but emphasized the need for further work.
- Victoria Bond, CLA Wales Director:“This progress reflects the impact of stakeholders working constructively with the government. Today’s update demonstrates what can be achieved when our sector’s expertise is valued.”
- Ian Rickman, FUW President:“We’ve welcomed the opportunity to engage and believe we are in a better place as a result. However, this is just the beginning. We need a budget and payment methodology that delivers economic stability for family farms.”
- Aled Jones, NFU Cymru President:“This is an important step forward. While much remains to be done, I am confident continued collaboration can help us achieve our ambitions for food, nature, and climate.”
- Rachel Sharp, Wildlife Trusts Wales Director:“Farmers must be supported to create more woodland, ponds, and hedgerows. By increasing investment in the Optional and Collaborative tiers, we can address the climate and nature crises.”
The revised scheme will now undergo updated economic analysis and impact assessments, with payment rates and final details to be determined next summer.
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies expressed optimism about the scheme’s potential: “We’ve come a long way, and there is still more work to do. The final scheme will support rural communities, sustainable food production, and our climate goals for future generations.”
The Sustainable Farming Scheme aims to balance food production with climate and biodiversity commitments, supporting Welsh farmers in navigating the challenges of a changing world.
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