News

Valero shutdown contractors ‘put at risk’

Published

4 years ago

April 6, 2021

THE HERALD has been contacted by employees at a local firm working at a local oil refinery have been told that they had to continue working whilst awaiting coronavirus test results. The local authority says it is investigating.

Several Hertel employees (A subsidiary of Altrad), who wish to remain anonymous, have contacted this newspaper to express their concerns, explaining their employer is putting “their lives and their families lives in danger.”

Sources have told us how two employees of Hertel, who are currently subcontracted to work on the shutdown at Valero, Pembroke, received a positive coronavirus test result, however they claim that Government guidelines are not being followed by the company.

One worker told us how a group of around eighteen employees were told last Tuesday (Mar 23) they would have to go for a coronavirus test as a precautionary measure as they had been in contact with two employees who had tested positive a few days previous.

It is reported that Hertel management told the employees that they must book a test through the NHS testing centre, then once they had the test return to work while they await their result, or they will be penalised financially.

One source said: “They were told by bosses to go get the test and come back to work or you will not get paid. If you come back, you won’t lose anything.”

“If you don’t come back you get nothing.”

Current government guidelines state that those who have taken a test must self-isolate until they receive their results.

Whilst at the coronavirus testing site in Prendergast, Haverfordwest, the employees were told that they must self-isolate until they receive their results.

A source told us that only four employees followed the NHS and Government guidance and stayed at home until they received their test results.

Which left approximately 14 employees returning to the Valero site to continue with their shifts.

Two of the employees who returned to work received positive test results the next day, we have been told.

A source told The Herald how they feel both the individuals who returned to site and the company are both responsible for breaking guidelines.

They added: “It’s all about bums on seats and getting paid.”

They said: “Everybody knows the guidelines, I don’t know what these guidelines that Hertel are following are or where they are getting them from, but they are not the Government guidelines”.

“This virus is killing people.

“It’s either health or wealth, they’ve chosen wealth.”

One source told us that the Council had contacted Valero who in turn spoke to Hertel and asked them to get the employees who had been in contact with the individuals to get tested.

A source alleges that Hertel have issued the same guidance, that employees go for their test, then return to work while awaiting their results.

Another source told us that the way the company is operating is putting people’s lives at risk, they said: “They are letting people back on site with a potentially life-threatening virus, well it is life-threatening.

The Herald contacted both Valero and Pembrokeshire County Council for a statement.

Stephen Thornton, spokesperson for Valero said that they were working with Pembrokeshire County Council.

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesperson said: “Pembrokeshire County Council is aware of this incident and has been working closely with Public Health Wales to ensure that it is managed appropriately.

“Any confirmed cases and all identified ‘close contacts’ are required to isolate for 10 days and asked to take a test.

“In certain situations, as part of the Health Protection response of ‘Case finding’, it can be appropriate to offer COVID-19 tests to a wider group of individuals, even though they have not been identified as close contacts.
Individuals who have not been identified as close contact but who have been asked to take a Covid-19 test as part of case finding would not be expected to self-isolate. However, if any of these individuals test positive or they develop symptoms, they would be required to self-isolate as a case and their close contacts would be traced and asked to self-isolate.

“The local authority and Public Health Wales have worked with the businesses concerned and anyone identified as needing to self-isolate would subsequently have been unable to gain access to the site until after the completion of any self-isolation.”

The Herald has also contacted Hertel for a statement, we await their response.

Community

Fire crews join St Davids Cathedral on collaborative training day

Published

7 mins ago

January 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CREWS from the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service joined staff at St Davids Cathedral on Thursday for a collaborative training day, blending skills and expertise in a unique historic setting.

The fire service conducted a series of exercises, including a dramatic rescue simulation, where they practiced retrieving a ‘body’ from the cathedral tower. The exercise demonstrated the precision and teamwork required for emergency scenarios, particularly in complex environments like heritage buildings.

Such training is essential due to the unique challenges posed by historic landmarks. St Davids Cathedral, with its ancient architecture and narrow stairways, presents potential obstacles in emergency situations. Fire crews must be prepared to navigate these complexities to ensure the safety of visitors, staff, and the preservation of the structure itself.

Additionally, the presence of large numbers of visitors during peak periods increases the need for effective response strategies. Collaboration between the cathedral’s staff and emergency services ensures everyone is prepared to act swiftly and efficiently in the event of a fire or medical emergency.

A spokesperson for St Davids Cathedral said: “It was great to have the fire crews join us – their training exercises added an exciting and valuable dimension to our day. Their work highlights the importance of being prepared for any eventuality.”

The fire service also benefited from the day, as training in real-world settings like St Davids Cathedral helps refine their approach to tackling emergencies in historic and culturally significant buildings.

Photo caption: Rescue simulation: Fire crews conducted a ‘body’ rescue from the tower during a joint training day (Pic: St Davids Cathedral).

Business

Residents meet with local politicians over A477 road safety concerns

Published

27 mins ago

January 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MEMBERS of the Eglwyscummin Community Council and residents of the village of Red Roses today (Friday 17^th January) called a road-side meeting with local politicians Samuel Kurtz MS, Cefin Campbell MS and Ann Davies MP to highlight what they consider to be an ‘unsafe’ junction.

Growing concerns about the safety of the Red Roses junction brought about by the increase in near misses and accidents from users of the junction was evidenced during the meeting. The community hope that continued pressured on Welsh Government will deliver the additional safety modifications needed to reduce the number of incidents happening at the junction.

The local Member of Senedd for Carmerthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Samuel Kurtz, has been leading the campaign with the Community Council and has been liaising with SWTRA and Welsh Government Ministers to call for action on this junction.

He has already delivered a successful campaign to change the road layout of the notorious A477 Nash Fingerpost junction following several serious accidents, which is already being of real benefit to the local community. He hopes to build on this success by continuing to fight for further improvements in Red Roses and address the speeding issues being experienced on the A477 through the village of Milton.

Following the community meeting, Samuel Kurtz MS commented: “The Community Council have been extremely active in sharing the experiences that drivers are having at this junction and have put forward some recommendations that they believe will make it safer. Sadly, it’s a typical case of the junction meeting all the criteria on paper, but in practice, it’s dangerous and needs addressing.”

“ In this case, traffic travelling Westward towards Pembroke at speed have no turn off lane before having to slow down to virtually a standstill to make the narrow sharp lefthand turn off the A477 to Red Roses. On this fast busy road, it has been the root cause of the sign being crashed into on several occasions as drivers have failed to make the turn. There are crashes or near misses, as cars break sharply to try to make the turn as safely as possible.”

He added: “I believe that there are some relatively straight forward steps that can be taken which will deliver improvement and I’ve been asking Welsh Government for a review of the A477 and will invite road officials to see for themselves the junction in use. But I do need feedback from the local community to help make the case to Welsh Government. I’m asking people to get in touch with me via my Facebook page or email to share their experience, opinion, or example of any issues they may have had or witnessed using this stretch of road.”

Pictured above: Members of the Eglwyscummin Community Council at the road-side meeting with local politicians Samuel Kurtz MS, Cefin Campbell MS and Ann Davies MP discussing safety concerns at the Red Roses junction.

Business

Haverfordwest Farmers Market: Local producers and fresh produce

Published

35 mins ago

January 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

AS County Councillor for Castle Ward, Thomas Tudor expressed his delight after visiting the Haverfordwest Farmers Market. Held in Castle Square, the market showcases a variety of high-quality local produce, offering a vibrant community shopping experience.

Fresh produce every Friday

The Haverfordwest Farmers Market takes place every Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm in the heart of Pembrokeshire’s bustling county town. Visitors can explore a wide range of stalls offering fresh produce, meats, crafts, and organic goods directly from local farmers, growers, and artisans.

Market Manager Joanne Welch explained: “Customers enjoy a memorable shopping experience in a vibrant, friendly atmosphere, have confidence in the producers, their products, and can always rely on the high-quality produce available at every market.”

Why shop local?

The market serves as a hub for supporting local businesses and reducing food miles. “Buying local makes sense,” Joanne continued. “Not only does it benefit the local economy, but it guarantees the freshest produce that is great value for money—and tastes fantastic too!”

What you need to know

Purpose: Farmers markets provide a unique opportunity to connect with local producers while enjoying fresh, quality food. Supporting these markets ensures a sustainable future for local farmers and reduces the environmental impact of long food supply chains.
Hygiene standards: Stallholders adhere to the same strict hygiene regulations as other food retailers, ensuring safety and quality for customers.
Cost: While prices may not always be cheaper, the quality and freshness of the products offer excellent value for money.

For those looking to enjoy a unique shopping experience, Castle Square in Haverfordwest is the place to be every Friday. Explore the best of Pembrokeshire’s local produce and craft while supporting your community.