News

Ashes in black bag causes fire at amenity centre [VIDEO]

Published

7 years ago

October 5, 2018

HOUSEHOLDERS have been urged not to put potentially combustible materials in their black bag waste, following a fire in a landfill compactor skip at Winsel Civic Amenity and Recycling centre on Saturday (Sept 28).

The waste compactor had to be removed from its holdings when smoke was seen billowing out – just 30 minutes before the centre was scheduled to close.

The fire service arrived to help put out the smouldering fire and spent over an hour on site to ensure it was extinguished.

It’s believed hot ashes were the cause.

Site supervisor Nigel Cole said a major fire was only averted because of the quick reactions of the centre’s staff.

“We were lucky this was spotted just before closing time,” he said.

“It could have been much worse had it spread to the carpets and cardboard stored nearby.

“Fortunately the staff on site reacted quickly, removed the compactor away from other potentially flammable material and started to put the fire out before the fire service were able to assist.”

He said it wasn’t the first time a fire had broken out in a skip.

“Sometimes it’s because of hot ashes, but often it’s due to smaller electrical items which people have put in their black bags.

“When these are crushed, the electrical components or the batteries can sometimes ignite and start a fire.”

Nigel added: “We would ask anyone who needs to dispose of small electrical items to use the specific containers available at all civic amenity and recycling centres.

“With ashes, they are permitted on site but they should be extinguished properly and put in the rubble container not the general waste skip.

“If people are unsure where to dispose of items, our staff are always willing to assist.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.