News
Valero ordered to shut down two pipelines following oil spill

NATURAL RESOURCES WALES (NRW) has issued an enforcement notice to suspend the use of two fuel pipelines on the Valero Refinery jetty in Milford Haven.
The notice was issued after pollution incidents affected water, land and wildlife along the coast in December and the first week of January.
It means that the two pipelines believed to be behind the pollution are shut down until NRW is satisfied that they can be used without threatening the environment.
A multi-agency response including clean-up work continues on the affected section of coastline following the most recent oil spill.
Valero and its contractors are working on cleaning the coastline at Milford Haven while NRW, Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority monitor and advise.
Since the initial report of pollution, efforts have focused on minimising the impact of the oil on the area and its wide range of wildlife.
The affected sites have continued to be cleaned and the oil from the leak has been contained.
Andrea Winterton, Operations Manager from Natural Resources Wales said: “Protecting Wales’ waters is a huge part of our job and we have acted to make sure that the estuary and its wildlife is protected.
“A quick, multi-agency response to this incident has helped reduce the impact of the oil spill in the area.
“Beach surveys continue and as a precautionary measure booms remain in place to protect the salt marshes around Sandy Haven and the Gann Estuary.
“Valero has already implemented additional measures to minimise any further impact and is co-operating as our investigations continue.
“We ask people to remain vigilant, avoid any oil if they discover it, particularly if they have dogs, and contact the NRW incident hotline on 03000 65 3000 if they become aware of any pollution.”
A spokesman from Valero said: “Following an enforcement notice by NRW to suspend the use of two fuel oil lines at Pembroke Refinery, Valero continues to assist the multi-agency response on the Haven. Valero’s other pipelines and infrastructure remain unaffected and operational capacity remains unaltered.
“In co-operation with Milford Haven Port Authority, NRW and Pembrokeshire County Council, booms were deployed and remain in place to protect sensitive locations and specialist personnel have been deployed to beaches to minimise impact.
“We are continuing to work with agencies to monitor and protect the environment. Valero’s top priority remains the safety and the well-being of our employees, contractors and communities at all times.”
Community
Tumble dryer fire in Milford Haven sparks safety warning

A TUMBLE dryer fire at a home in Milford Haven has prompted a fresh warning from firefighters about the dangers of electrical overloading and white goods.
Fire crews from Milford Haven Fire Station were called to a domestic property in Steynton at 5:52pm on Wednesday (Apr 9), after a tumble dryer caught fire. The blaze was caused by the use of a block adapter.
Fortunately, the occupiers were at home at the time and were able to raise the alarm quickly. The fire service said the incident could have ended very differently had the property been empty.

Crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) left the scene at 6:15pm.
Following the incident, MAWWFRS issued a safety reminder about the risks of using extension leads and adaptors incorrectly, and the importance of maintaining white goods safely.
A spokesperson for the service said: “Most households use extension leads or adaptors to increase the number of appliances that can be plugged into a wall socket. It is important that these devices are fused to minimise the risk of overheating and fire.”
The fire service shared the following advice:
- Never plug in appliances that together exceed 13 amps or 3000 watts.
- Don’t leave tumble dryers running when you go out or go to bed.
- Don’t overload your tumble dryer or dry items soaked in flammable substances such as cooking oil.
- If you smell burning or clothes seem excessively hot after a drying cycle, stop using the appliance and have it checked by a professional.
More information is available on the fire service’s website: www.mawwfire.gov.uk
News
A40 closed after serious crash near Wolfscastle

AIR AMBULANCE LANDS AT SCENE AS TRAFFIC DISRUPTED
THE A40 between Wolfscastle and Haverfordwest was closed in both directions on Friday afternoon (Apr 11) following a serious road traffic collision.
The crash, which was first reported at 12:10pm, prompted a significant emergency services response, including Dyfed-Powys Police and the Wales Air Ambulance, which was seen landing at the scene shortly after the incident.
AA Roadwatch confirmed that the road was shut in both directions, with slow-moving traffic and congestion reported in the surrounding area for several hours after the collision.
Police urged motorists to avoid the area and to seek alternative routes while emergency crews dealt with the incident.
At the time of writing, no official update has been given on the number of vehicles involved or whether there were any injuries. Dyfed-Powys Police have been approached for comment.
Traffic disruption remains ongoing, with live road maps showing long delays approaching Haverfordwest from the east.
More updates will follow as information becomes available.
Crime
Police investigate alleged assault at Milford Haven property

OFFICERS from Dyfed-Powys Police have been maintaining a presence at a property on Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, as part of an ongoing investigation into an assault.
The Herald understands that the front door of the property has been boarded up with plywood, prompting concern and speculation from local residents.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Officers have been undertaking scene preservation in relation to an investigation of assault.”
No further details have been released at this stage, and it is not yet known whether any arrests have been made.
Residents told The Herald they noticed police activity at the address earlier this week, with officers attending the property and cordoning off the area.
The Herald will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
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