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Successful prosecution brought against owners of NRJ Motor Company Ltd

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CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S Trading Standards team have successfully pursued a prosecution against the officers of NRJ Motor Company for mis-selling a car as being in an ‘excellent condition’, when in fact it was in a dangerous and unroadworthy state.

On 22 June 2023 David Bonner-Evans, Susan Bonner-Evans and James Bonner-Evans pleaded guilty to engaging in a commercial practice which was misleading, contrary to regulations 9 and 13 of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and supplying a product which they knew or should have known to be dangerous, contrary to regulations 8(1)(a) and 20(1) of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.

In May 2022, a 22-year-old student, purchased a Fiat Punto from NRJ Motor Company. The Fiat Punto was advertised as being ‘very well maintained’ and would include a ‘brand new service’. The advert claimed that NRJ Motor Company was an ‘AA Trusted dealership’ and a ‘family business with over 40 years’ experience’. It also stated that the vehicle had last received an MOT on 19 December 2021, had been serviced in February 2022 and was described as being in an ‘excellent condition’.

An additional advert on the car reiterated that the vehicle had a ‘brand new service’, ‘free warranty’ and ‘one year’s AA breakdown cover’.

Before purchasing the car and having taken the vehicle for a test drive, the customer was informed by the salesman, who identified himself as the owner of the company, that the car was in ‘excellent condition’ and said that it had only one owner and was very well maintained. He had said that the car had relatively very low mileage, was cheap to tax and excellent on fuel. The co-owner of the business told her that the car had a current MOT and service, and these documents were in the car.

However, in the first week of June 2022, it became apparent that the car had significant problems. The airbag warning light on the dashboard had come on and the motor of the window on the driver’s side had failed and the back wheel kept deflating every few days.

NRJ Motor Company agreed to take the car in for repairs, with the window being repaired, and the business stating that there was nothing wrong with the airbag, but the warning light remained on.

On 8 July 2022, the tyre on the back passenger side of the car burst whilst the vehicle was being driven. On 11 July, having replaced the tyre, the young student heard a very loud clanging noise whilst driving. On inspecting the car, her father noticed that there was a serious problem with the rear passenger wheel and told her not to drive the car.

Despite the 1-year warranty on the car, David Bonner-Evans of NRJ Motor Company refused to collect the car or rectify the problems.

The student and her parents then contacted Carmarthenshire County Council’s Trading Standards Team, who appointed an expert to inspect the car. A detailed examination revealed a particularly serious fault with a corroded rear axle, making the vehicle not only unroadworthy but dangerous.

The judge stressed the offence was extremely serious and could have caused an extremely serious accident.

A number of additional problems that would render the vehicle unroadworthy and attract failure notices during an MOT were also found.

Following the guilty plea, David Bonner-Evans, Susan Bonner-Evans and James Bonner-Evans were sentenced to a fine of £1500 each, costs in total of £6678.60 with one third to pay each, £1760.75 compensation to the victim, and £150 surcharge.

Cllr. Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Lead for Trading Standards said: “The outcome of this case could have been tragic as the vehicle that was sold to the victim by David Bonner-Evans, Susan Bonner-Evans and James Bonner-Evans was not fit to be on the road.

“I would like to thank our Trading Standards Team for holding these people to account and bringing them to justice.”

 

Entertainment

Cardigan musician to perform climate fundraiser concert

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CLASSICALLY trained Cardigan musician Rosalind Powell will perform a concert of original alternative pop songs next month in aid of Cardigan Extinction Rebellion.

The concert, Singing for the Future, takes place at St Mary’s Old School Hall, Cardigan, on Saturday, June 6, at 7:00pm.

Rosalind, who has a music degree from Cambridge University, is a composer, pianist and teacher of piano, singing and music theory.

The concert will show another side of her musicianship, with a programme of original songs drawn from her three albums, Sound Eagle, Circumference and Dragonfly.

It follows a successful recent launch event for Sound Eagle at the Cellar Bar.

Rosalind said: “Climate change and biodiversity loss are issues that I care deeply about, and I’m so pleased to be able to give my support through music.

“Our future is threatened by the climate and nature crises, but so many people are doing positive things to improve the situation and bring us hope. I’m glad this fundraiser will help towards that.”

Tickets will be available on the door, with a suggested price of £8, although those who cannot afford the full amount can pay less. Teas, coffees and cakes will also be available.

Rosalind’s Sound Eagle album recently received a warm review from The Pit London music site, which described it as “a dreamy and reflective world” and praised its blend of alternative pop, soft jazz influences and classical piano.

Rosalind said she has already been featured on 15 radio stations, will perform at Llangollen Fringe’s Music Around Town event in September, and is planning a West Wales tour later this year.

The concert falls on the first day of Great Big Green Week. Weather permitting, Cardigan Extinction Rebellion will also hold a street stall on Wednesday, June 10, giving away plants, seeds and information about gardening for wildlife.

 

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Car bursts into flames near Redberth Croft as road closed after incident

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Nobody injured after vehicle fire near A477 prompts emergency response

A CAR was destroyed by fire near the entrance to Redberth Croft on Tuesday evening (May 19), prompting a road closure while emergency services made the area safe.

The incident happened just off the A477 at Redberth, where a vehicle caught fire and rolled into a hedge and the new entranceway to Redberth Croft.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and successfully extinguished the blaze.

In a statement shared on social media, Redberth Croft thanked firefighters for their rapid response.

The business said: “A huge thank you to the Fire Brigade for their swift response in safely putting out a car fire that rolled into our hedge and new entranceway at Redberth Croft.

“Thankfully nobody was hurt, and we’re incredibly grateful for the professionalism and quick action of the emergency services.”

Photos from the scene show the vehicle completely burnt out, with extensive damage to the engine bay and interior, as firefighters worked nearby.

Motorists were warned to avoid the area while the road remained closed for safety reasons.

Redberth Croft added: “Please be aware that this is just off the A477 next to our new entrance, and the road is currently closed while the area is made safe. Please avoid the area and take care if travelling nearby.”

It is not yet known what caused the fire or whether any other vehicles were involved.

Photo caption:

Burnt out: Fire crews at the scene after a car rolled into the hedge near the entrance to Redberth Croft (Pics: Redberth Croft)

 

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Milford Haven mourns loss of ‘legend’ Muci Power

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Tributes pour in for former Lord Kitchener landlord

TRIBUTES have flooded in from across Milford Haven following the death of Alan Edward Thomas “Muci” Power, remembered as a “true legend” and one of the town’s best-known characters.

Mr Power, affectionately known as Muci, passed away suddenly but peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Sunday, May 10, aged 79.

Best known to many as the former landlord of the Lord Kitchener public house in Milford Haven — affectionately known as “The Kitch” — Muci became a familiar and much-loved figure in the town, known for his humour, friendship and larger-than-life personality.

The devoted husband of Meryl, father, grandfather and great-grandfather leaves behind a family at the centre of Milford life, while countless friends have spoken of the memories they shared with him over many years.

The Royal British Legion paid tribute, saying: “Rest in peace, Muci. You will be dearly missed by us all here at the Royal British Legion. Thank you for the memories and your presence in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones during this difficult time.”

Hundreds of tributes have also been posted online, with many describing Muci as a “Milford legend” whose passing marks the end of an era.

Friends remembered good times at The Kitch, where Muci was at the heart of local life for many years.

Ryan Hackett wrote: “Will have a T.A.C. for you mate on Tuesday. Will miss you Matey. Another Milford legend gone.”

Simon Jenkins said: “Muci was one in a million, a true legend. Milford has lost a true gent.”

Many spoke of his warmth and generosity, with Nigel Hackett thanking him for “being there when I needed someone.”

Muci was the devoted husband of Meryl, dearly loved father and father-in-law of Karl and Claire, and Hayley and Roy, proud grandfather of Morgan, Sam, Caitlin and Jay, and adored great-grandfather of Amalie.

His funeral service will take place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, on Tuesday, May 26, at 11:30am.

For those wishing to pay their respects, the hearse will leave the Lord Kitchener, Charles Street, Milford Haven, at 10:40am.

Immediate family flowers only.

All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd, Funeral Directors, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven, SA73 2AN. Tel: 01646 693180.

 

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