News

Local car dealership fined over £17,000 for selling ‘death traps’

Published

6 years ago

January 30, 2019

A LOCAL car dealer must pay over £17,000 in fines after he sold a car to a 22-year-old man that was described as a ‘death trap’.

William Frederick Howlin of Motec Autos, pleaded guilty to charges of being a trader who engaged in commercial practice which is a misleading action containing false information, producing an unsafe product on the market and fraud by false representation.

Magistrates at Haverfordwest Law Court on Wednesday (Jan 30) heard how William Howlin appeared before the court for offering up for sale ‘dangerous vehicles’, and attempted to ‘limit consumer rights’ when doing so by erecting ‘sold as seen’ signs around the forecourt.

Magistrates were told that in February last year, 22-year-old Glenn Alcock, who looks ‘much younger’ than his age, attended Motec Autos to look at an Audi with his mum. He took the Audi for a test drive and noticed that the engine light was on and there was a knocking sound, but was assured by Howlin that it would be sorted.

Mr Alcock worked as IT Technician at this newspaper until last year.

22-year-old Glenn Alcock: Magistrates were told he looked ‘much younger’ than his age

Mr Alcock proceeded to purchase the car, but continued to experience problems with it. He got back in touch with Howlin at Motec and said he wanted a partial refund or £500 for the part to fix the car, however Howlin refused, and said he was welcome to view other cars they had in stock.

Mr Alcock had seen a Mazda MX5 on the forecourt, and when he showed interest in it, he said Howlin tried to ‘put him off’ buying the Mazda, telling him the boot would be too small to fit his drum kit inside. However, the court heard that Mr Alcock liked the car, and wanted to purchase it.

Magistrates were told by Pembrokeshire County Council’s prosecutor, that Mr Alcock researched Mazda MX5s online, and found that there was a common rust problem with this particular make and model of car.

When he asked Howlin about any rust damage, he informed Mr Alcock that there was some surface rust, but it was fine. He claimed to have done the MOT on the car himself and there were no advisories.

Further down the line, Mr Alcock was informed by an employee that the Mazda MX5 he had purchased had been returned by a previous owner 12 months before. Following this, he took the car to Howarth Motors to be checked over.

He received a call from the garage asking him to come in to speak to them in person, where he was told that the car was ‘too dangerous to drive away’.

Mr Alcock called the Citizens Advice Bureau, who contacted Trading Standards. Mr Alcock was then refunded.

The court heard that there was so much corrosion on the underside of the car that when it was tapped with a screwdriver the rust ‘disintegrated’. Howarth Motors said that it was the ‘worst mechanical condition they had seen that had passed its MOT’.

Jenny Tree from Pembrokeshire County Council looked into previous MOT certificates for the Mazda MX5, and found that there had been advisories in the past regarding the rust. In May 2017, the car was bought by a man who purchased the car for £1,195. He said that he wanted to have it serviced, but didn’t get around to doing it until the August.

When he had it serviced, he was told that not to drive the car because it was a ‘death trap’, and a towing truck had to be arranged to transport it back. Mark Hicks of Motec offered him a refund and took the car back.

Ms Tree contacted Dave Ford, the person who had conducted the service on the car in August 2017. He said he was ‘horrified’ at the ‘heavy corrosion’ on the car’s wishbone, which had it come into contact with a curb would have ‘snapped’.

The court also heard that the calipers were only working on one piston as the others had seized.

The Mazda was examined by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), who said the defects were so severe that it should not have passed its MOT. Howlin said the car must have ‘hit something’ which had come off to reveal the damage, however, the VSA had noticed an underseal had been applied over the rust. Howlin then turned to accuse Howarth Motors, saying it must have been ‘hammered’ by them, but there was ‘no evidence’ of this.

The offside rear suspension components were dangerous and not roadworthy, and the Mazda was, all in all, ‘a danger to the user and other road users’.

The court heard that the underseal on the bottom of the car had been applied in what looked like an ‘attempt to camouflage’ the extent of the corrosion. The car was also noted during a brake test to be weighing in at 900kg, which is a ‘low weight’ for the make and model for the car.

When documents were reviewed, it was found that in July 2017, the automated brake test showed it weighed 1.182kg, which is the expected weight. This was described as an ‘anomaly’.

An inspection was carried out at Motec Autos by the DVSA, who were met by Mark Hicks. The court heard that Hicks seemed ‘agitated’ that they were around the back of the premises, and said that the only vehicles that were up for sale were the cars situated at the front. However, the DVSA noted that there were prices in the windows, and therefore they must be up for sale.

Six cars were selected at random for inspection, three of which were unworthy of being on the road, in particular a Vauxhall Corsa.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s prosecutor told the court that car dealerships are heavily complained about to trade centres and 26% of complaints are related to the safety of the cars.

Howlin’s defence solicitor, Mark Owen, said: “Howlin pleaded guilty on the first occasion and the case was adjourned to today two weeks ago. From the point back in May the intent was to deal with the issues constructively.

“When we first attended an interview, it’s clear that what is an important aspect of MOTs is that they are of gold standard. There are levels to MOTs that you can rely on them, but it’s not always the case. It’s not what you would expect it to be – it’s more the bare minimum.

“That was part of our argument. What became clear was this vehicle had been identified as having defects, and Howlin failed to take proper action. We have to accept information conveyed that it wasn’t good enough, and certain actions were taken immediately.

“The issues were erased with the young man, and he was refunded and an apology was given.”

Mr Owen added that the garage is a ‘heavy regulated’ part of the industry, and said: “What he may have done 30 years ago he can’t do today. He is not known to the court before, and he does have a good reputation in this area.

“His knowledge has served him well, but changes have occurred with regulations and he has failed to keep up with them. You can see from the paperwork he did take certain actions.

“He left other parties to deal with day to day sales, and there are questions of how things are passed through.”

Mr Owen continued: “The offences are accepted, the most serious being the Mazda MX5. 12 months before it had been returned and it wasn’t safe.

“This is an isolated incident. For over 38 years he has been in the trade without indication of flaw or serious problems. He wasn’t keeping up with professional developments and was failing to recognise the world had changed. It happens in farming sometimes. He is not a dodgy dealer. he wants to contribute to the community.

“He only feels remorse and shame. He will suffer reputational damage, however good his reputation has been in the past. His reputation will be damaged because he needs to build up trust again.”

Mr Owen finished, saying: “It’s going to take a great deal of time to put it right.”

Magistrates imposed fines, prosecution costs and victim surcharge of £6145 in total against William Howlin, and a further £11,215 against Motec Autos – £17,360 all together, which he must pay £500 per month for each offence.

He was also given a community order, with the requirement of completing 150 hours of unpaid work.

Mr Howlin told the Herald: “I disagree there were signs saying ‘sold as seen’ on the forecourt.

“I did not offfer Mr Alcock a partial refund, only a partial exchange on the car.”

Mr Howlin went on to deny that he told Mr Alcock that the car hit something: “I think the car must have been damaged at a third party garage.”

Community

Restoration of a pond hopes to support biodiversity in Pembrokeshire

Published

5 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AN OLD millpond at the heart of the Wallis and Ambleston community, and a site of Special Scientific Interest, has now been improved to benefit water quality and increase biodiversity in an area of South Wales, thanks to funding from Nestlé Waters UK.

Wallis Pond was created in 1836 as part of the tributary of the Wester Cleddau River to supply water to a local mill. Back in 1978, it was restored and later re-opened by HRH King Charles III, the then Prince of Wales.

Over the years, the pond had become completely silted up, restricting the waters passage and the pond’s ability to retain water, resulting in a reduced diversity of habitat in and around the millpond.

Pembrokeshire County Council, Heavyside Landscapes and Nestlé Waters UK have come together to restore the millpond with regulatory guidance from Natural Resources Wales and support from the Ambleston Community Council.

The project saw the pond re-dug and de-silted, and the old sluice gate replaced to re-establish the millpond. With the pond now able to hold more water, it is hoped to help build resilience to the increased frequency and intensity of storm events, alleviating the risk of flooding in the local area.

Retention of flows in the pond for a longer time should help reduce silt build-up and prevent nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates from travelling downstream in the Cleddau catchment, helping to protect water quality, improve aquatic habitats, and encourage eels, otters, damselflies, and other wildlife species.

Restoration of Wallis Pond is one of the projects that Nestlé Waters is working on as part of its efforts to help regenerate local water cycles and create a positive water impact everywhere the company operates.

Matthew Faulkner, Factory Manager at the Nestlé Waters site in Princes Gate, said: “We are proud to be a part of the Wallis Pond restoration work, aimed at delivering long-lasting benefits in Pembrokeshire, where we bottle at source Princes Gate and Nestlé Pure Life waters. This beautiful landscape is not only our home, but also home to some incredible flora and fauna which are vital for keeping the area rich and thriving in biodiversity.

“We’re working hard to protect this land and the water beneath our feet. Water is a shared resource and a shared responsibility, and caring for it takes the whole community. That’s why we’re grateful to be working with partners on this project that will hopefully have a positive impact on the local ecosystem and community.”

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services at the Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “We welcome this funding to enhance the biodiversity in Wallis Pond which can be enjoyed by the residents of Ambleston, the wider communities in Pembrokeshire and the visitors to our fantastic county.

“This is an excellent example of partnership working that has significant benefits for the environment and the wellbeing of generations to come.”

Eirian Forrest, Clerk at the Ambleston Community Council, said: “We are grateful to Nestlé Waters UK for the funding and wish to thank everyone who has been involved in this project, especially the Pembrokeshire County Council team, for pushing the project forwards.

“The Community Council are delighted that the work has finally been done and look forward to the positive impact it will have on biodiversity. We have already received many positive comments from members of the community. The improved pond encourages locals to take a walk around the area, as well as sit down to watch and enjoy the wildlife.”

Community

£1.7m to support families and individuals facing food poverty

Published

5 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FAMILIES and individuals across Wales struggling with the cost of food will receive vital support this winter through £1.7m of additional funding from the Welsh Government. This funding will provide help to those most in need and back community projects working to prevent and tackle food poverty in the longer term.

The funding will:

provide emergency food aid by helping local groups to store and distribute food to people who need it most, while also addressing the underlying causes of food poverty;
support FareShare Cymru by purchasing equipment to store and deliver fresh food during the winter months and running food education activities to help low-income families and individuals manage rising costs; and
strengthen food partnerships in every local authority area in Wales, helping them to address local needs and ensure resources reach those facing the greatest challenges.
The Wales-wide funding will be announced today at Cegin Hedyn community kitchen in Carmarthen. Cegin Hedyn, a Pay What You Can Canteen and Community Kitchen, is part of a network of organisations tackling food poverty, and works with Carmarthenshire Food Partnership, Bwyd Sir Gâr Food.

Bwyd Sir Gâr works closely with groups and initiatives across the region to provide targeted support to those who need it most.

Cegin Hedyn ensures that everyone can have access to fresh, organic, seasonal produce, with produce being grown steps away in their Community Allotment. Bwyd Sir Gâr Food has also been providing vegetables, grown at Bremenda Isaf farm in Llanarthne, to Cegin Hedyn and has been offering mentoring and support to the volunteers at the allotment.

Cegin Hedyn is run by chef Deri Reed. He said: “This funding is a lifeline for communities like ours, ensuring that we can continue to provide fresh, nutritious meals to those who need them most while building a more sustainable and inclusive food system. At Cegin Hedyn, we believe in the power of food to bring people together and create positive change.

“This support will help us expand our reach, grow more organic produce locally, and strengthen the food partnerships that make a real difference in tackling food poverty in Carmarthenshire and beyond.”

Food Sense Wales works closely with Bwyd Sir Gâr and Food Partnerships across Wales to help create sustainable solutions to enable everyone to enjoy healthy and sustainable food.

Katie Palmer from Food Sense Wales said: “By strengthening its support for food partnerships across Wales, the Welsh Government is recognising the importance of building resilience in local food systems – both in terms of diversifying local supply chains, and by building and organising assets and civil society in a way that is unique to the needs of the local community.”

The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said: “No one should have to worry about how they’re going to put food on the table. As a government, we are committed to tackling food poverty and ensuring support reaches those who need it most.

“This new £1.7m package of funding will provide both local relief to those struggling with food costs and lay the groundwork for longer-term solutions to prevent food poverty. By supporting emergency aid, food education, and local partnerships, we are addressing this crisis from all angles.

“Local food partnerships are vital in this effort. They work with inspiring projects, like Cegin Hedyn, which not only provides meals for people, but also brings people together and supports the wider community. Their efforts show what can be achieved when local groups and wider networks come together to support those most in need.”

The additional funding builds on the £2.8m the Welsh Government has already allocated to help address food poverty this year, and brings the total to more than £24m invested in this area since 2019.

Community

Safe, warm, and connected: community hubs helping communities this winter

Published

5 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SAFE, warm, and connected: community hubs helping communities this winter
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Safe and warm hubs are providing vital support this winter, offering welcoming spaces for people to stay warm, connect with others, and access advice and services during difficult times.

In the aftermath of Storm Darragh, which left many households without power, these community hubs have become a lifeline. Developed locally to meet local needs, Warm Hubs also offer practical support, including advice on debt and welfare entitlements; opportunities to try new activities and form friendships; and information about financial and community services.

This week, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, visited the safe and warm hub in Llanddewi Velfrey in Pembrokeshire to meet volunteers and to thank them for their dedication.

Lynda Hill, representing Llanddewi Velfrey Village Hall Committee, has volunteered at the hub since 2002 helping to manage the hall and organise events.

She said “We are particularly grateful for the help from the Warm Rooms initiative as it helps us to help those in our community who are in most need. Many homes in this area lost their electricity and water for quite a long time during and after Storm Darragh. Fortunately, this didn’t affect the hall so we opened to provide access to a warm space where anyone could use cooking facilities, toilets, charge their phones, and connect with others when they may have otherwise been isolated.

“Listening to stories of other halls and community initiatives whose representatives attended the meeting, it was inspiring to hear the huge range of support that is available across Pembrokeshire. We all want people to know we’re here throughout the winter, and that the Warm Rooms hubs provide a warm and friendly welcome for people of all ages and background.”

Across Wales, safe and warm hubs also offer practical support, including advice on debt and welfare entitlements; opportunities to try new activities and form friendships; and information about financial and community services.

In October, the Welsh Government announced £1.5m in funding to ensure hubs can continue their crucial work this winter.

The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said: “Hubs, like the one in Llanddewi Velfrey, are a great example of communities coming together to support one another during tough times. Volunteers are at the heart of these spaces, creating a warm and inclusive welcome for people in need.

“We know the winter months can be difficult for many, which is why we’re doing all we can to alleviate financial pressures and maximise incomes. Our investment in safe and warm hubs forms part of a wider package of support to help people through the cost-of-living challenges.”

Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary services has been instrumental in channelling the funding for warm spaces and hosts a regular forum for those involved with community buildings, which is invaluable for sharing ideas and experience.

Other Welsh Government initiatives to help communities this winter, include:

the Welsh Benefits Charter to remove barriers to claiming benefits;
£30 million for the Warm Homes programme to improve energy efficiency in lower-income households;
an extra £700,000 for the Fuel Bank Foundation to help those who pre-pay for their fuel and are at risk of disconnection – building on the £5.6m provided since 2022; and
an additional £1.7m to support families and individuals facing food poverty, building on the £2.8m the already allocated this year, bringing the total to more than £24m invested in this area since 2019.
For advice on financial support, people can contact the Advicelink Cymru ‘Claim What’s Yours’ helpline on 0808 250 5700.