News

Systemic failings within the fire service led to firefighter’s death

Published

4 months ago

July 23, 2024

THE TRAGIC death of a firefighter during a training exercise almost five years ago has been officially ruled as an accident by an inquest jury.

Josh Gardener, 35, from Milford Haven, suffered a fatal head injury on September 17, 2019, while training with the Mid and West Wales Fire Service on the Cleddau River.

The incident occurred when the vessel carrying Mr Gardener collided with another inflatable craft, leading to a devastating impact that threw him into the water. The collision resulted in a severe head injury described as a “deep chop wound.” Despite immediate rescue efforts by a crew member who jumped into the water, it was evident that Mr Gardener’s injuries were fatal. He was pronounced dead at 11:55 am after the crew arrived at Neyland Yacht Club, where they were met by ambulance and police services.

***Josh Gardener’s funeral in Milford Haven was attended by hundreds. (Pic Herald)***

The inquest, held at County Hall, Haverfordwest and led by acting senior coroner Paul Bennett, opened with a post-mortem examination revealing that Mr Gardener died from a “disruption of the head.” The jury concluded that the incident was accidental after hearing evidence of the circumstances surrounding the training exercise.

Mr Gardener had joined the fire service just a year before his death, fulfilling a lifelong dream of working in emergency services. Previously, he had worked as an offshore wind farm technician. His family, in a heartfelt statement read during the inquest, described him as a “son to be proud of” and a devoted father of two who cared deeply for his family.

***Paying their respects: Fire fighters at St Katherine’s Church, Milford Haven***

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report presented during the inquest highlighted several issues in the preparation and execution of the training exercise. The report pointed out that the exercise had not been adequately planned and that there was a lack of clear leadership and coordination. It was noted that neither vessel was keeping an effective lookout, resulting in a failure to maintain awareness of the boats’ relative positions and movements.

A crucial finding of the MAIB report was that the helmsman of one of the vessels had inexplicably undertaken a full circle turn despite the proximity to the other craft. This manoeuvre, against the agreed plan to rendezvous further upstream, led directly to the collision. Additionally, it was revealed that protective headgear was available on both vessels but was not worn by any crew members, as it was considered uncomfortable and obstructive to communication. However, the MAIB report concluded that even if Mr Gardener had been wearing a helmet, it is unlikely it would have prevented his death.

***The rib involved in the accident (Pic: Herald)***

The inquest also disclosed that the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s pre-activity planning requirements were not met, and standard operating procedures were not followed. No individual had been assigned overall responsibility for the activity, and there was no designated person in charge during the exercise.

Following the inquest’s conclusion, the family of Mr Gardener expressed that the verdict provided a sense of closure and acknowledged the ongoing investigations by the Health and Safety Executive and the Marine and Coastguard Agency. They emphasised the significance of the MAIB report, which underscored systemic failings within the fire service.

In a tribute read during the hearing, Mr Gardener was remembered as a “committed and caring family man” who had always aspired to serve in the emergency services. His dedication to his role and his family was profoundly evident.

Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas of the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service extended his condolences to Mr Gardener’s family, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy. He assured that the fire service had implemented several new practices and reviewed procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.

“We hope that the conclusion of the inquiry brings some form of closure to the family,” said Mr Thomas. “We have learned from this investigation and are committed to continuous improvement to ensure the safety of our personnel during training exercises.”

The significant amount of time between the tragic accident and the inquest is due to legal wrangling. The Fire & Rescue Service sought a judicial review of the Coroner’s decision, based on seven grounds. This brought to light several pressing issues:

Report Presentation in Inquest: A significant contention revolved around how the MAIB report should be presented before the jury. The Fire & Rescue Service challenged that fairness requires them to question criticisms in the report and to give evidence in response.
Fresh Investigation Consideration: The Fire & Rescue Service claimed the Coroner misapplied the criteria to determine if a fresh investigation was necessary rather than relying on the MAIB report.
Misunderstanding of Applicable Law: The Fire & Rescue Service alleges that the Coroner misunderstood regulatory standards, leading to a flawed perspective on the MAIB’s investigation and report.
Engagement with Submissions: The Fire & Rescue Service believed the Coroner misunderstood its submissions and failed to engage with them adequately in the Ruling. This, they argued, resulted in an incomplete and potentially skewed analysis of their challenge.

Mr Justice Eyre, after a comprehensive review of the presented facts and arguments, dismissed the application brought forth by the Mid and West Wales Fire & Rescue Service in July 2023. The judge’s decision was rooted in procedural rigour, clarity over jurisdictional matters, and understanding the scope and purpose of the inquest.

Business

Specsavers relocates to landmark new store following £1.2 million investment

Published

3 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST will celebrate the opening of Wales’ largest Specsavers store on Monday 16 December 2024, following a transformative £1.2 million relocation to larger premises in the Riverside Shopping Centre.

The new state-of-the-art store, located at 21 Riverside Quay, promises cutting-edge facilities and enhanced services to meet growing community needs.

It will boast 14 test rooms, including two dedicated audiology suites, making it not only the largest Specsavers store in Wales, but one of the largest in the UK. Equipped with the latest technology, the premises will offer enhanced eye care, contact lens, and audiology services, easing the burden on local NHS services.

The store will also play a key role in education, supporting optometrists undertaking higher qualifications, such as Glaucoma and Independent Prescribing certificates, by providing hands-on opportunities to gain essential clinical experience.

‘This substantial investment reflects our commitment to delivering world-class eye and hearing care to Pembrokeshire,’ says Andy Britton, ophthalmic director at Specsavers Haverfordwest. ‘Our larger premises will allow us to meet growing demand, introduce advanced clinical services, and provide a dedicated training facility for optometrists pursuing higher qualifications.’

A recent YouGov survey, commissioned by Specsavers, revealed that 68% of Welsh adults wouldn’t think to visit an optician first for eye-related problems, and half (50%) would first contact another NHS service (GP, pharmacy, eye hospital, NHS 111 or A&E) if they woke up with eye issues, rather than their local opticians.

**New Specsavers store under constructions (Image: Specsavers)**

The survey also revealed that, of the 68% who would not visit an optician first if they woke up with an eye problem, more than a third (35%) didn’t know they could use an optician for these issues, while a quarter (25%) were concerned they’d have to pay for treatment.

Mr Britton explains: ‘We encourage anyone experiencing acute or chronic eye problems – such as sudden loss of vision, red or painful eyes, flashing lights, floaters, or headaches – to make their optometrist their first point of contact. Optometrists are equipped to manage a wide range of urgent eye issues, allowing patients to receive prompt care and avoid unnecessary trips to A&E or long waits for a GP appointment.

‘By offering quick access to eye health services, we can reduce the burden on the NHS in Wales and ensure people receive the help they need before their condition worsens.’

***Andy Britton and Wayne Jones inspect progress of construction (Image: Specsavers)***

The grand reopening event on 16 December will feature live entertainment from the Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir and notable attendees, including several local mayors and other dignitaries. The event will also celebrate Specsavers’ community-focused ethos, with a series of fundraising and awareness initiatives planned for 2025.

This new chapter follows the addition of Wayne Jones, retail director, to the Haverfordwest team earlier this year. With a remarkable career and commitment to innovation in optometry, Mr Jones brings invaluable leadership to the practice. His appointment, combined with the relocation, marks a transformative era for the store.

Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Paul Miller, praised the move: ‘Specsavers’ significant investment is a strong vote of confidence in the future of Haverfordwest. The new store is a key part of the town’s ongoing regeneration, drawing important footfall through the town centre.’

The new Specsavers Haverfordwest store will be open seven days a week, offering flexible appointment times to cater to the community’s needs. To book an appointment or learn more about the services available, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/haverfordwest.

News

Tribute paid to ‘kind and caring’ solicitor who died in crash

Published

8 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE FAMILY of Emily Thornton-Sandy, a 30-year-old woman from Pontarddulais who tragically lost her life following a collision, have paid heartfelt tributes to a wife and daughter described as an “intelligent, kind, and caring soul.”

Emily passed away after her vehicle was involved in a collision on the A48 between Cross Hands and Pont Abraham on Tuesday (Nov 5) while she was driving home from a veterinary appointment. Her beloved dog, Scout, also died shortly after the crash.

Despite being rushed to the University Hospital of Wales, Emily’s condition worsened, and she died on Monday (Nov 11), with her husband by her side.

Emily’s husband shared his grief in a moving statement: “This still feels unreal, and none of us can take it in. Emily was kind, compassionate, and had so much more to give. She used her intelligence in her work as a solicitor, where she strove to help others affected by industrial disease. Emily loved literature and was passionate about her house plants.

“Her passing has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled. I wake up every morning in disbelief at the fact that I will never see her smile again. Emily deserved a long and happy life, and the thought of what happened to her that day brings the greatest pain to all those who love her.

“Scout was the most gentle, affectionate dog you could ever meet, and I have not been able to grieve for her death as I should. She brought great happiness to both me and Emily, and the world has lost so much joy.

“I wish to thank all emergency services staff and persons at the scene for all the help they provided to Emily and Scout, and to the staff at University Hospital of Wales for doing everything they could for Emily in the days following the collision.”

Emily’s parents also shared their heartbreak in a separate statement:
“The loss of Emily, our only child, is devastating. She meant the absolute world to us, and our lives have been changed forever. Not only have we lost our baby girl, but we mourn the loss of the grandchildren that we will never have.

“Emily has always been our pride and joy, and she achieved so much during her short life. She was an intelligent, kind, and caring soul who touched the lives of so many people, both in life and in death. She will never be forgotten.”

Emily’s death has left a lasting impact on all who knew her, and her family’s tributes reflect the deep love and admiration they held for her.

Her employer, Thompsons Solicitors, said that they were deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Emily, who they described as a talented and dedicated lawyer at the firm, who passed away in hospital just days after a road collision in Wales on 5 November 2024.

Emily was an asbestos lawyer representing clients from Thompsons’ Llanelli and Cardiff offices. She had trained and qualified with the firm and was recognised as an exceptional lawyer in a highly specialised field. She worked tirelessly alongside the asbestos victim support groups in Wales, including Asbestos Awareness and Support Cymru, as well as Mesothelioma UK.

Emily’s clients deeply appreciated her commitment. One recently praised her hard work and unwavering support, describing her dedication as “outstanding” and expressing heartfelt gratitude, signing off by calling Emily a “star.”

In an official statement, Clare Mellor, Chief Executive of Thompsons Solicitors, said:

“The tragic loss of our friend and colleague, Emily Thornton, deeply saddens everyone at Thompsons. Her passing has affected us all, and we are united in mourning a remarkable young lawyer who left an indelible mark on our firm and the people she helped.

“Emily was a brilliant and compassionate asbestos lawyer. She earned her law degree from Cardiff University, bringing her determination to make a difference to Thompsons initially as a support assistant in our Asbestos team while studying for her Legal Practice Course at Swansea University, then as a trainee solicitor with the firm in 2017, qualifying into our Welsh asbestos team in 2020.

“Emily’s natural empathy and dedication to those affected by asbestos-related illnesses, coupled with the fact she was a technically gifted and highly able lawyer, made her an invaluable part of our team. She combined immense sensitivity with an unyielding commitment to justice, embodying the qualities essential to support clients through challenging times.

“Her work gave hope to those facing devastating situations, and her impact is best reflected by what her clients thought of her and the comfort she provided.

“We will miss Emily terribly, and our thoughts and hearts are with her family, including her husband, Stuart and her parents, John and Rhael. Emily’s legacy will live on in the lives she touched and the justice she pursued.”

Community

Public meeting for Haverfordwest’s new transport interchange

Published

8 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are invited to attend a public engagement event at HaverHub on Thursday, 21st November from 3:00pm to 7:00pm to meet the team behind the upcoming Public Transport Interchange (PTI) development. The event will provide an opportunity for local people to learn more about the exciting project, which is due to start its rebuild phase imminently.

The PTI scheme forms part of the broader South West Wales Metro project, designed to create a modern, integrated transport hub for Haverfordwest. The new facility will bring significant improvements to local transport infrastructure, including enhancements to pedestrian and cycle access, as well as a more efficient and accessible bus station.

Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, and Climate Change, said: “This is another exciting step in the extensive regeneration of Haverfordwest, and we look forward to seeing construction start on this important project.”

The new development will include seven bus bays, upgraded passenger facilities, and a multi-storey car park with around 280 spaces. The car park will also feature electric vehicle charging points, with provisions for future expansion, as well as solar panels on the roof. These green features are part of the project’s commitment to sustainability and the promotion of Active Travel, with a focus on walking and cycling.

Cllr Thomas Tudor, County Councillor for the Castle Ward, welcomed the public engagement event, saying: “This is a great opportunity for residents to come together and learn more about the ongoing regeneration projects that will improve the town for everyone.”

The PTI project will also improve car parking provision and local bus access at Haverfordwest railway station, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable transport network for the town.

Jason Taylor, Regional Director at Kier Construction, said: “We are excited to meet the people of Haverfordwest and share the plans for this important project. Kier is proud of its Welsh heritage and thrilled to contribute to the town’s development.”

Kier Construction, which has been awarded the contract to build the PTI, will also have a presence at Riverside Shopping Centre, where residents can drop in for more information once work begins this month.