HALFORDS extended an offer of interviews to all members of staff affected by the closure of the ATS Euromaster branches in Brecon, Pontypridd and Llanelli

This follows ATS Euromaster’s recent announcement that 86 of its service centres are set to close.

With 639 garages nationwide, including branches in these affected towns, Halfords is one of the UK’s largest employers of automotive technicians. The company services, maintains, and repairs vehicles for 1,400,000 customers annually.

The UK is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified automotive technicians, with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) estimating 20,000 vacancies in the sector.

Halfords remains committed to creating rewarding career pathways, offering opportunities for qualified technicians looking to develop new skills—such as EV servicing—as well as young people entering the industry through apprenticeships.

In addition to supporting ATS employees, Halfords is also stepping in to help customers affected by the closures, ensuring they continue to have access to trusted and competitive automotive services.

Support for ATS customers

To assist those whose bookings are impacted by ATS branch closures, Halfords garages will prioritise MOT and other service bookings originally made with ATS wherever possible, helping customers avoid delays and ensuring their vehicles remain roadworthy.

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with ATS to explore employment opportunities for affected colleagues, while also ensuring that motorists in this part of Wales continue to have access to competitive, convenient, and trusted automotive services,” said Chris Rose, Halfords. Divisional Director

THE PEMBROKESHIRE YOUTH JUSTICE TEAM has been rated ‘Good’ following an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.

Inspectors highlighted the team’s commitment to supporting young people, despite ongoing challenges. The service was praised for its child-first and trauma-informed approach, with staff demonstrating ‘genuine care’ in achieving positive outcomes.

Challenges and successes

Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones, acknowledged the pressures faced by the team. He said: “Pembrokeshire YJT has experienced a challenging period of transition, which has placed increasing demands on practitioners and managers. Services are maintained by staff routinely going above and beyond to meet the needs of children, parents, carers, and victims.

“Despite these challenges, this is a forward-thinking and reflective service where staff show genuine care in achieving positive outcomes.”

Inspectors found strong engagement with children and their families, with plans co-produced to ensure meaningful involvement. Regular reviews and effective information sharing were also highlighted as key strengths.

However, concerns were raised over delays in out-of-court disposals, linked to the absence of a joint working protocol with Dyfed-Powys Police. Inconsistencies in the use of diversionary outcomes and deferred prosecutions were also noted. Inspectors recommended that a senior police representative be appointed to the YJT management board to help address these issues.

Recommendations for improvement

The inspection report sets out eight recommendations:

• Four for the Pembrokeshire YJT, including ensuring managers have the capacity to provide consistent oversight of out-of-court work.
• Two for the management board.
• Two for Dyfed-Powys Police.

Mr Jones added: “Moving forward, the management board has a critical role in ensuring the YJT is sufficiently resourced so they can build on their existing strengths and make important improvements in service delivery.”

What happens next?

The Pembrokeshire YJT works with children aged 10 to 17, many of whom have complex needs or are in the care of the local authority. The full report will be published on the HM Inspectorate of Probation website on March 11, 2025, at 00:01.

COMMERCIAL fishermen and sea users have voiced their anger over the latest military range activity schedule for Castlemartin Range in 2025, which will see significant restrictions on access to coastal waters.

The schedule, released by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), confirms that military exercises will take place across June, October, and November, with extended firing times drastically limiting the ability of commercial and recreational vessels to navigate the affected sea areas.

According to Huw Baker, Chair of the Freshwater East Boatmen & Fishermen’s Association, the closures will have a devastating financial impact on local inshore fishermen who rely on these waters for their livelihoods.

Mr Baker said: “None of the fishers have been contacted about these increased range activities or the sea area closures. There has been no consultation to discuss alternative access routes that would allow us to continue earning a living. The military has effectively blocked off access during prime fishing months, leaving fishermen struggling to stay financially afloat.”

Under the new schedule, the sea areas off Castlemartin will only be accessible during limited hours—between 3:00am and 8:00am, and again between 6:00pm and 8:00pm—making it near impossible for many commercial fishers to operate efficiently.

“This decision comes at a time when the cost of living is hitting everyone hard,” Mr Baker added. “With weather and tides already limiting access, these additional restrictions from Castlemartin and Manorbier firing ranges mean we’re left with barely any opportunities to work.”

Mr Baker is calling for an urgent meeting with range management to discuss the concerns of the fishing community and explore potential compromises that would allow local businesses to continue operating.

The Herald has contacted the Ministry of Defence for comment.