News

Council warning over faulty installation of wood or coal burners

Published

8 years ago

December 3, 2015

County Hall

HOUSEHOLDERS in Pembrokeshire who have had wood or coal burning stoves installed in their properties by the late Steven Poole from Johnston are urged to avoid using them and to get them checked as soon as possible, as they could be dangerous.

The advice comes from Pembrokeshire County Council and HETAS, the official body recognised by government to approve solid fuel domestic heating appliances, fuels and services.

It follows a court case in which Mr Poole (trading as SM Poole) pleaded guilty to regularly fitting wood burning stoves in Pembrokeshire contrary to legal requirements.

The case was heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court a short while before his death, of which Council officers were sorry to learn.

The court heard that he sometimes fitted flue connections incorrectly so that they were dangerous. He was also supposed to supply and fit carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, which he failed to do.

He would then certify to HETAS (the Heating Equipment Testing & Approval Scheme) with whom he was registered, that he had correctly carried out the installation and all safety requirements when he had not.

HETAS recommend that any stoves fitted by SM Poole should be tested by an independent HETAS-registered engineer to establish whether they are safe to use, if this has not already been done.

“Mr Poole fitted a large number of wood or coal burning stoves in Pembrokeshire over the last six or seven years,” said Cllr Huw George, Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services.

“We are very concerned that there could be several hundred incorrectly fitted stoves in the county, which may very likely be unsafe.”

The prosecution was brought by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Public Protection Trading Standards team. It followed a consumer complaint received about a wood burning stove which Mr Poole fitted at the consumer’s home. Mr Poole was formally interviewed and admitted to officers that he regularly fitted wood burning stoves contrary to legal requirements.

The information was passed to HETAS who tested 12 appliances installed by SM Poole, and reported that 10 out of the 12 stoves were found to be dangerous.

HETAS subsequently wrote to more than 500 of its customers, suggesting they should have their appliances tested, and have dealt with the responses from customers who responded with concerns.

However, Cllr George said that Pembrokeshire’s Public Protection department was not convinced that many people had responded to the letters.

“We are concerned that a significant number of people may not have responded to the letters and we urge anyone affected to contact HETAS without delay,” he said.

There may also be other consumers whose details were not passed to HETAS by Mr Poole and who would not be on the HETAS database.

HETAS CEO Bruce Allen says regular chimney sweeping and stove servicing is essential to keep appliances operating safely and should be happening as part of a normal safety routine for stove owners.

“Many customers will have had stoves serviced and chimneys swept since the installation as part of the regular safety routine required for wood or coal burning stoves, so will already be aware if there are any safety issues,” he said.

“If there is any doubt, get a HETAS registered installer or chimney sweep to undertake the necessary maintenance and safety checking.

“In particular, householders need to ensure ventilators are never blocked and batteries of CO alarms should be regularly tested.”

ADVICE:

The advice to anyone who has had a wood or coal burning stove fitted by SM Poole is as follows:

∙ Do not use the stove unless or until it has been checked by an independent HETAS-registered engineer or a HETAS-approved chimney sweep

∙ Buy a carbon monoxide detector if you don’t have one already. Carbon monoxide detectors are available at most supermarkets or home and garden stores

CONTACT:

∙ Contact HETAS for details of local HETAS-registered engineers or HETAS-approved chimney sweeps who can come and check your wood or coal burning stove. HETAS can also provide more information and advice

∙ Telephone: 01684 278170

∙ Email: [email protected]

∙ The HETAS office is open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm, closing on Friday at 4:30pm

∙ There is also lots of advice and a list of local HETAS-registered engineers and chimney sweeps on their website at www.hetas.co.uk

Crime

Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case

Published

6 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).

On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.

When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.

Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.

Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).

While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.

After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.

The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.

“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.

“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.

“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.

“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”

On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.

If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

In an emergency, always call 999.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police

Published

6 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”

In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”

Business

Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’

Published

9 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.

“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”

Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”

“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”

Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.