News

Roofer alleged to have conned pensioners

Published

5 years ago

August 17, 2020

Mr and Mrs Black left in limbo after sudden halt on their leaking roof

AN ELDERLY couple from Pembrokeshire have been left with an unfinished roof and a staggering £15,500 out of pocket by an alleged ‘rogue’ trader.

Mr and Mrs Black from Maenclochog, had hired, who they believed to be a specialist and reputable roofing company, to repair a leak in the flat roof on their two-bedroom bungalow.

Seventy-nine-year-old Mr Black told us how he had leaks in his lounge, which he suspected was caused by the flat roof on his property.

He told us how he scouted around and decided to contact TAV Roofing, who appeared to have bases in both Narberth and Swansea.

A quick investigation by this newspaper has revealed that although TAV Roofing do advertise they work out of the Narberth area; they operate out of a base solely from an address in Swansea.

Owner of TAV Roofing, Mr Jim Janes came out to provide an estimate and quoted the couple £4,300 to replace the flat roof.

Mr Black agreed to the quote and gave an upfront payment of £1,000 to Mr Janes for materials.

Mr Black told this newspaper that they started work on the flat roof on July 9 and everything was going well, and the company was turning up and appearing to work hard to complete the job.

The flat roof which ended up costing the elderly couple £15,500

However shortly after work commenced, it seemed that Mr Janes believed that the problem was not the flat roof and that the main roof would need to be replaced also – to the total cost of £17,900.

Mr Black said: “We had a leak, he started working on the flat roof, then he was ripping other bits out of the main roof.

“We felt trapped as he had already started the work. We went away for the weekend on July 16 and were told while we were away the job would be completed.

“When we arrived home on the Tuesday, the roof was still unfinished and there was no sign of any roofers and all materials and tools had been removed from the property.”

Mr Black was paying in instalments, however when work suddenly came to a halt he had already handed over a staggering £15,500 – but the couple have been left in limbo.

The original leaks are still apparent on the property and they have been left with around 300 tiles still missing on the main property roof.

After many failed attempts to establish contact with the owner of TAV Roofing, by both Mr and Mrs Black and family members, the Blacks contacted trading standards.

We contacted Pembrokeshire County Council for a statement, a spokesperson said: “Pembrokeshire County Council has been contacted in relation to the company in question.

“Members of our Trading Standards Team are making further enquiries.”

Mr Jim Janes, owner of TAV Roofing, was contacted by this newspaper for a statement.

Mr Janes appeared to have no knowledge of the property in question at first, however shortly after acknowledged he had been working on the roof.

An unfinished roof has left the Black’s with more leaks than they originally had

When asked why he had not corresponded with Mr Black as to why he had not completed the roof, Mr Janes said: “I have not been dodging his calls, I have answered this one haven’t I?

“I have emails from Mr Black and ones of me saying I will be returning to the property on August 26 to finish the job.

“I have screenshots I can send you.”

He later told us that he had received no calls or emails from the couple.

When asked why the property had been left unfinished, he said: “I had to pull out because it was taking too long and I have other jobs to do.”

When asked if he thought it was acceptable to have left the property with an unfinished roof for almost a month, Mr Janes said: “It’s just a couple of tiles left to do and it is done.”

Mr Black also told us that the company contracted by TAV Roofing to erect the scaffolding on the property has since turned up to remove it.

They had been told by TAV Roofing that Mr Black had not paid his bill and that it needed to be removed.

Fortunately, Mr Black was able to provide evidence to show he had in fact paid and the scaffolding remains intact for the time being.

After more investigations by this newspaper, it appears that TAV roofing and AAA roofing operate out of the same address and using the same contact number.

A quick scan of their websites show they are registered traders on Checkatrade and Trustatrader, however neither of the two companies exist on a search on the trade checking websites.

Misleading…not a trusted trader

Our reporter contacted Checkatrade who confirmed that TAV Roofing are not registered members of theirs and they are aware that they are illegally using their company logo on the website and this is something they are actively investigating.

However, when asked about AAA Roofing, a spokesperson for Checkatrade told us they currently have a membership, with the contact being Mr Jim Janes, but they are only authorised to use the logo for AAA Roofing and not TAV Roofing.

When asked by our reporter whether the company was TAV Roofing or AAA Roofing, Mr Janes replied: “I don’t know anything about them, i am not talking about that.”

Our reporter explained to Mr Janes how the company is the same address, same contact number and he is the contact registered for Checkatrade he replied: “Are you a lawyer, are you a copper, I don’t have to answer your questions.”

A search on Companies House, which is a government run website providing details for every registered company in the UK, does not respond with any results for TAV Roofing, AAA Roofing or a Mr Jim/James Janes.

Mr Black said: “The reason that we are pursuing this is because we do not want this to happen to anyone else.”

News

Political leaders and unions react to Milford Haven school assault

Published

6 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

First Minister, MP, MS and teaching unions call for safety and support for staff

POLITICAL leaders and teaching unions across Wales have spoken out following Thursday’s assault on a teacher at Milford Haven School, which led to a lockdown, a major police response and the arrest of a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder.

The First Minister Eluned Morgan said she was “deeply concerned” by the incident and stressed that violence had no place in Welsh schools.

***Police at Milford Haven School on May 5 (Pic: Herald)***

Her comments come just days after she visited the Milford Haven campus following the school being placed into special measures by Estyn, where she met leaders to discuss improvement plans and support arrangements.

She said her thoughts were with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community, and praised the swift response of staff and emergency services.

Local MP Henry Tufnell, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, described the incident as deeply upsetting for what he called a close-knit community.

He said he was thinking of the teacher and pupils affected and thanked Dyfed-Powys Police and ambulance crews for their professionalism.

Meanwhile Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz said: “Deeply concerning news across the water in Milford Haven.

“Sadly, violence in our schools is becoming all too common, and thanks must go to the emergency services for their timely response. Thoughts are with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community.”

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies said teachers must feel safe at work and called for continued support for school staff.

Teaching unions also responded.

NASUWT said teachers “deserve to feel safe in their workplace” and that any violence against staff must be taken seriously, while National Education Union said schools must remain safe spaces for both pupils and staff and urged continued focus on safeguarding and behaviour support.

All said support would be offered to the Milford Haven school community in the days ahead as police investigations continue.

Crime

Teacher discharged as police step back from Milford Haven school after assault

Published

8 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teenager remains in custody as school closes and patrols increased to reassure community

POLICE have confirmed they are no longer stationed at Milford Haven School after a teacher was assaulted by a pupil on Thursday afternoon (Feb 5), as the injured member of staff has now been discharged from hospital.

In a joint statement issued by Dyfed-Powys Police, Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board, Superintendent Chris Neve said swift action had been taken to protect pupils and staff.

He said: “Police are no longer in attendance at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher at approx. 3.20pm this afternoon.

“I would like to reassure parents, and the wider community, that swift action was taken to both safeguard pupils and teachers, and to trace the suspect as soon as this report was received.

“The teacher has now been discharged from hospital and is being supported by specialist officers. All pupils at the location were safe, and all returned home unharmed. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

“You will see a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days – these will be dedicated patrols to provide further reassurance.”

The injured teacher was earlier taken to hospital by road ambulance.

An immediate lockdown was put in place at the school while emergency services responded. Most pupils had already left for the day, but those still on site were secured inside classrooms and offices as a precaution.

School closed on Friday

Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey said the school would be closed to pupils on Friday to allow support and safety measures to continue.

He said: “We would like to thank staff and pupils at Milford Haven School for implementing a swift and effective lockdown in response to this incident.

“While the school will be closed to pupils tomorrow, if there are any learners who require additional support they are welcome to attend and there will also be support for staff on site.

“We’d like to reassure learners and parents, along with the wider community, that all measures to ensure safety are being taken.”

The health board added that anyone needing urgent mental health support can call NHS 111 and press option 2 for 24-hour assistance.

National spotlight

The incident has drawn national media attention.

BBC News broadcast live from the school gates during its Ten O’Clock News bulletin, while ITV News and several national titles also covered developments.

Journalists from a number of UK outlets, including The Sun, contacted The Herald as events unfolded, with several Welsh and national publishers using photographs first taken by Herald reporters.

Residents said the scale of coverage was unprecedented for the normally quiet port town.

Police enquiries are continuing.

Photo caption:

Police outside Milford Haven School following Thursday’s incident (Pics: Herald).

Health

Health board targets rise in steroid and gym drug use across west Wales

Published

12 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE LOCAL health board has launched new targeted measures after recording a sharp rise in the use of steroids and other image-enhancing drugs across the region.

Hywel Dda University Health Board says needle exchange figures show significant growth over the past two years in people seeking support related to Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs), including anabolic steroids and so-called Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs).

SARMs, while marketed online as safer alternatives to steroids, are illegal to sell in the UK and health professionals warn they carry serious and largely unknown risks.

The health board has now teamed up with Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and Choices, a young people’s substance use service, to tackle what officials describe as an “emerging public health challenge”.

Workshops and outreach

Two key initiatives have been introduced.

Educational workshops are being delivered to young people, focusing on the risks of using performance-enhancing substances during physical development and the potential long-term effects on hormones, mental health and fertility.

At the same time, enhanced support is being offered to people already involved in gym and fitness culture, with harm-reduction advice, health monitoring and confidential drop-in services.

Support includes testosterone testing, blood checks, cycle provision kits and discreet one-to-one consultations.

One service user described the programme as “quick, professional and non-judgemental”.

They said: “The drop-in clinic for my blood test was really convenient. I was seen quickly and given a full run-down of the services available. The staff made me feel comfortable the whole time and I got my results back faster than expected.”

Taking support into the community

The team has also worked directly with local gyms, leisure centres and sports venues, speaking to more than 100 people during five outreach sessions.

Twelve DDAS staff members have completed specialist IPED training delivered by Public Health Wales to strengthen expertise within the service.

Rachel Wilson, Resilient Families Manager at Choices, said the aim is to reduce stigma.

She said: “We’re proud to work alongside Hywel Dda to ensure people who use IPEDs are met with understanding, not judgement. These initiatives are helping us reach individuals who may not have previously considered accessing support.”

Craig Jones, Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, added: “This work is about meeting people where they are. By listening and responding with compassion and evidence-based care, we’re making a real difference.”

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health, said the approach showed the board’s commitment to early intervention.

She said: “These initiatives reflect a proactive, collaborative response to emerging health challenges and demonstrate our dedication to protecting the health of our communities.”

Anyone seeking confidential advice or support can contact DDAS on 03303 639997 to book an appointment.